Arlington, VA – The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, proudly presented Joe Williams, former vice president for regulatory and member services of the Texas Retailers Association, with the NGA Spirit of America Award at the Texas Retailers Forum, held Sunday, July 23, 2017. The award is one of NGA’s top honors and recognizes individuals for their dedication and service to the independent supermarket industry.
“Joe is known as a steadfast advocate for Texas grocers with a long history of serving both the supermarket industry and consumers alike,” said Greg Ferrara, senior vice president of government relations and public affairs at NGA. “His legacy shines as a strong voice before regulators, one of the foremost advocates for the SNAP and WIC programs, and a mentor to the next generation of supermarket leaders.”
Williams served as the president of the Gulf Coast Retailers Association beginning in 1994 until it merged with the Texas Retailers Association in 2006. He now serves as a consultant at the association on issues impacting the supermarket industry and the Texas Retailers Education Fund.
The NGA Spirit of America Award, established in 1982, honors key industry and community figures that have provided leadership in the areas of community services and government relations on behalf of a free and independent food distribution system. NGA has given this award to over 550 individuals, including former Presidents George H. W. Bush and Gerald Ford, former Vice President Dan Quayle, former Speaker of the House Tom Foley, former U.S. Representatives Charlie Stenholm and Dick Armey, as well as other distinguished individuals serving in the grocery industry and the public interest.
About NGA
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for close to one percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating $131 billion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages, and $27 billion in tax es. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org
Source: The National Grocers Association (NGA)