Conference Thank You

Pictures and Event Recap

THANK YOU

to Everyone Who Joined Us

at Belterra for the

2023 Conference!

It was a great year to be at the Midwest Wholesale Distributors Conference!

It's hard to believe that the first joint conference of the Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky state associations was 25 years ago! Paraphrasing from the welcome in the first joint conference program, what started as an idea among the three states has become a tri-state partnership of which we can all be proud. Our thanks to the sponsors, everyone who joins us at the conference and the association staff from the three states.

News & Brews was on point with session topics to help members better understand, navigate and engage in policy issues that challenge the tobacco category. Thank you to Kyle May/Reynolds American and Kurt Gottfried/Altria for sharing their insights and expertise, and thank you to the Convenience Distribution Association for allowing us the opportunity to be part of the online audience for the very informative Tobacco Update webinar with David Burke/MSA Inc.

On the business operations side, Jebb McGinnis/CDR Software gave tips for leveraging data from warehouse enterprise resource planning systems to incentivize employees and improve efficiencies, and military veteran and entrepreneur A-Jay Orr shared how to get some of your best hires by connecting with veterans and tapping into their unique skillsets.

Perfect weather for the conference golf tournament, evening hospitality and karaoke in the lobby bar, and time in the casino with friends and colleagues rounded out relaxed networking opportunities for everyone.

Read more about the sessions and presenters in the 2023 conference program.

2023 MWDC Photos

Congratulations to OWMA board member and Executive Vice President of Superior Wholesale Distributing, Dave Cockerell, recipient of the 2023 Garry Adams Memorial Award. Established in 2010, the award recognizes an individual for their commitment to the industry and community.

Dave's nomination came from employees of the company who shared that in his 50-year tenure with SWD, he has been instrumental in transitioning the company into the food service industry, while also maintaining the convenience store supplier side of the business. "He is here bright and early every morning with coffee and a cigar working long before anyone else arrives" and is involved in all aspects of the business, including picking orders when needed. "He is the cornerstone of who "we" are."

Dave has been a valued part of OWMA's leadership for more than 25 years as an elected trustee and officer and now a trustee-at-large. He always steps up to engage in conversation about industry issues, host facility tours with state legislators and support association and industry events. The Lima Rotary Club, local hospital, Downtown Lima (convention and visitors bureau), Elida schools and youth baseball and soccer programs have all also benefitted from Dave's engagement and leadership.

Dave and his wife, Peggy, have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Attending the sporting, music and theater activities of their grandchildren is his priority hobby.