Arlington, VA– The National Grocers Association (NGA) and the Alabama Grocers Association presented David Mitchell, President of Mitchell Grocery Corporation, located in Albertville, Alabama, with the Spirit of America Award. The award recognizes a lifetime commitment to the independent supermarket industry and was presented Wednesday, October 23 to Mr. Mitchell at the Alabama Grocers Association’s Food Industry Finest Event.
“David began working for the Mitchell Grocery Corporation when he was a teenager and since then has been dedicated to the independent supermarket industry, providing leadership at the local and national level to advance the interests of hardworking grocers. We are honored to present David with this award and look forward to working with him, and his family, for years to come,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA President and CEO.
“David’s leadership has been instrumental in scoring legislative wins, such as Healthy Food Financing to SNAP Expansion and E-WIC, for independent grocers in Alabama, ensuring that retailers throughout the state are able to compete and provide quality products and services to their communities,” said Ellie Taylor, Alabama Grocers Association President and CEO.
Mitchell is a third-generation leader of the Mitchell Grocery Corporation which was founded in 1945. He began working for the company when he was 12 years old, pulling orders and unloading trucks. He continued to work various jobs in the warehouse until he went to Auburn University, graduating in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After graduating, he returned home and began a full-time career as Director of Operations. In 1995, David became President of the Mitchell Grocery Corporation.
Mitchell served on the Alabama Grocers Association Board of Directors from 1993 to 2000, serving as Chairman in 1997, when he was key to achieving full implementation of the EBT Program in Alabama. David has also been a member of NGA’s Board of Directors where he was a strong leader on the national level for independent supermarkets.
