The Southern’s 101st Annual Meeting Recap
June 17-20, 2024 (vendor events June 19-20, 2024)
Naples Grande
475 Seagate Drive
Naples, Florida
Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors Hosts Successful 101st Annual Meeting
The Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors (SAWD) held its 101st Annual Meeting from June 20–17-20 with great acclaim. During the event, nearly 80 vendors from across the country met with 50 wholesale distributors over two days. “The Southern is where business gets done, but it’s always been about more than that,” said VJ Mayor, CAE, CEO of The Southern. “The familial atmosphere and networking opportunities are what makes this association and this event so special.”
Immediately following the meeting, Jack Casanova, took over as president of SAWD, after Sam Stewart’s successful presidency. Other nominations were April Garver (SouthCo Distributing) as 1st Vice President, Chris Smythers (Merchants Grocery) as 2nd Vice President and Ross Haynes (Hardec’s) as 3rd Vice President. Outgoing president, Jack Casanova was recognized with The Southern Hershey Leadership Award for his contributions to the association and will assume the position as board chairman.
In addition to the Hershey Leadership Award, The Southern honored the following 2024 award winners:
– SLD Leader of the Year: Kim Duet (Lyons Specialty)
– Service Award: Susie Munson (Douglas Companies)
– Liberty Award: Ross Haynes (Hardec’s)
– Vendor of the Year: Bob Troast (The Hershey Company)
– Career Achievement Award: Jebb Maginnis (CDR Software)
We also took the opportunity to congratulate Casey Cooper, long time Board Member and Sponsorship with National Tobacco on his upcoming retirement.
“Congratulations to all of the honorees,” added Mayor. “To be able to celebrate their accomplishments, not only to The Southern, but to the entire industry was amazing.”
The Southern also continued it’s longstanding Meetings with a Mission, with the conference raising over $4,000 for Imagine Children’s Network, a local non-profit who works with at risk children and teens.
The 2025 Southern Annual Meeting will be the organization’s 102nd and is taking place from June 23-26, 2025 in Bonita Springs, FL. (NOTE: Same day shift as in 2024- Monday through Thursday). Vendor packets will go out in the October timeframe.
