Southern Leadership Division (SLD)

SLD Mission

The Southern Leadership Division (SLD) of the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors was formed specifically for current and emerging leaders. Through a variety of programs and events, the SLD’s mission is to provide a platform for:

  • Exploring the “new normal,” and how it changes the role of leadership.
  • Gaining hands-on experience with current technologies and processes.
  • Examining issues related to the industry and specific business processes.
  • Sharing experiences that influence biases and push through stereotyping and assumption.
  • Fostering and growing strong business relationships.

Watch our new video about joining the SLD.

The key to getting the most out of the SLD is to attend the following events:

  • SLD Business Resource Meeting (November 12-14, 2024) in Greenville, SC
  • Annual Convention (June 20-23, 2025)

These are all great opportunities to meet and network with other distributors and manufacturers. If you are interested in joining, please fill out the form to the right and we will put you on the list for receiving upcoming events and announcements so you can stay updated on all things happening.

Registration is now open for the 2024 Southern Leadership Division (SLD) Business Resource Meeting

It will be held on November 12-14, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, SC.  This annual meeting is designed specifically for emerging leaders and provides an excellent educational format that focuses on leadership skills, sales and management training, and business planning. We are very excited about this meeting and believe it will be well worth your time and your sales team’s time to participate.

We have three days packed with events that will test your knowledge and question the ways things have always been done. Among the highlights will be a workshop by Jean Briese, who will embark on a journey to master “5 Superpowers to Expand Your Influence.” This immersive experience will enhance your leadership, sales, customer experience, and personal influence. For more details regarding this special workshop by Jean Briese, please take a moment to watch a brief message from Jean. Feel free to share the above graphic (linked to Jean’s video) with colleagues to promote the event.

 MESSAGE FROM JEAN BRIESE TO SAWD’S SLD MEMBERS

Please use the below link to register you and your team members.

Link to Register for the 2024 SLD Business Resource Meeting

Our room rate at the Hyatt Regency is $189++ Single or Double Occupancy and does not include state/local taxes. You may register for a hotel room by clicking here. The cut-off for our room rate is October 21, 2024.

Membership

The Southern Leadership Division (SLD) of SAWD was formed in 1979 to allow organizations to leverage the knowledge and resources of their fellow southern distributor, wholesale  and manufacturer leaders.  Members are offered a unique opportunity to participate in educational programs and networking events throughout the year that drive business opportunities.

Membership is free to all who meet the below requirements. Click here for a list of current SLD Officers and Directors.

Requirements of membership:

  1. Must be in the tobacco, candy or allied lines industry or must have family member in the industry
  2. Must be located in southern region
  3. Must be a member of the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors (SAWD)

Join today:

Please contact Betsy Rahm at 770-932-3263 or info@the-southern.org if you have any questions.

What Others are Saying About SLD

  • “Our company first got involved in the SLD 16 years ago back when it was the YLD. Since then the SAWD and the SLD have grown to a more educational, as opposed to a mere social, gathering. Many of our members have gone on to executive leadership in their companies and their trade organizations. The SLD is built on our combined knowledge and camaraderie. Many of us have become lifelong friends and stay in touch on a constant basis. While we do strive to always learn more about our industry, as they say in Louisiana, we do know how to ‘pass a good time’. I will always be thankful for the knowledge and the friends that I have made in the SLD.”

    Trey Williams, President, Thomas M. Williams & Associates, Inc.

  • “The SLD holds a very special place in my heart. As part of the Southern Association it is the people that really make it so special. The Southern is made up of top industry leaders all of whom share a passion for The Southern. I am honored to call many of these leaders my friends and people I can count on for advice and support. These folks all contribute to the fact that the SLD brings strong educational programs, key industry specific speakers and presentations, and unmatched networking opportunities in a tight group of wholesalers across the south. As a result of being part of the SLD, I have brought many new and profitable ideas back to Merchants Grocery Company. To have someone from your organization be a member of the SLD can only result in a positive impact on your bottom line. The SLD just keeps getting better, and if you have any doubt just join us in November at our 2012 Business Resource Meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina. I promise you will not be disappointed!”

    Chris Smythers, Chief Operating Officer, Merchants Grocery Company, Inc.

  • “Becoming a member of SLD has been a wonderful experience for me. It is an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with top industry leaders in a relaxed atmosphere. As well as, develop personal relationships with business leaders that deal with similar day-to-day experiences in the industry as I do. It is very beneficial to our business to have friends in the industry outside of our competition area to share business practices with or brainstorm problem-solving ideas. The meetings are always very informative with pertinent information regarding immediate issues in the industry. I really look forward to attending the conventions each year. Hope to see YOU in November!!”

    Michelle Glidewell , Office Manager, Glidewell Distributing

  • “I joined the Southern and the SLD (YLD back then) eighteen years ago and instantly felt welcomed. The members of The Southern are some of the most caring and sincere people I know. Throughout my time in this organization, I have had the great opportunity to meet and converse with some amazing people that shape our industry.

    I started out my membership in the SLD as a newcomer in the wholesale business. Over the years, I have gained so much knowledge through the networking and educational activities of the SLD. There is no other organization that I have been affiliated with in this industry that has provided me with the tools and peer support as does The Southern and SLD.

    I would encourage anyone who is new to our industry or desires to excel in our business to be a part of this great organization that we all call THE SOUTHERN!”

    Marty Howell, Sales Manager, H. T. Hackney Company