Save the Date for the 2027 Annual Meeting
June 14–17, 2027
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
5001 Coconut Road
Bonita Springs, Florida
Vendor and Sponsorship Information
Highlights from the 2026 Annual Meeting
In 2026, Chris Smythers of Merchants Grocery succeeded April Garver as president of SAWD following her successful term. Other nominations included Ross Haynes of Hardec’s as first vice president, Jake Stewart of Stewart Distribution as second vice president, and Chris D’Amico as third vice president.
Outgoing president April Garver received The Southern Hershey Leadership Award in recognition of her contributions to the association. She will continue her service as chair of the board.
2026 Award Recipients
In addition to presenting the Hershey Leadership Award, The Southern recognized the following honorees:
- SLD Leader of the Year: Luke Wagnon, Caldwell Wholesale
- Service Award: Jack Casanvoa, Church Pt. Wholesale
- Liberty Award: Jake Stewart, Stewart Distribution
- Vendor of the Year: Shane Miller
- Career Achievement Award: Tony Berryhill, Monarca Snacks
Meetings with a Mission
The Southern also continued its longstanding Meetings with a Mission initiative, raising more than $6,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the conference.
