Drew Dixon
The Florida Retail Federation has settled on its leadership team to oversee work on behalf of 2,300 grocers, convenience stores and other stores in the Florida grocery industry.
The federation appointed half a dozen members to its Food Industry Council for 2020-2021. The council’s advisory board is an advocacy group for the grocery industry.
The members appointed to the panel include:
— Ivonne Alvarez, vice president of sales, Harvest Sherwood Food Distributors.
— Matthew Curran, director of food safety, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
— Jim Dunn, director of sales and marketing, Ira Higdon Grocery Co.
— Carlos Hernandez, owner of National Supermarket in Hialeah, owner and partner of Lion Sales Group and member of the board of directors for the National Supermarket Association.
— Michael King, director of government relations and retail services for Bravo Supermarkets.
— Michael Roberson, director of corporate quality assurance for Publix.
The panel lobbies Florida lawmakers and policy administrators to support grocery and food industry agendas.
“We have added the best of the best in Florida’s grocery industry to help us navigate the road ahead and ensure that stores are able to serve the needs of our state’s 21 million residents and millions of visitors,” said Scott Shalley, Florida Retail Federation president & CEO.
The Food Industry Council advisory board keeps the industry focused on a cohesive message in Florida.
“Our dedicated advocates at the Florida Retail Federation will work with the leaders and members of the Food Industry Council to evaluate legislation and regulations to prevent unnecessary burdens on the industry,” said Lorena Holley, FRF general counsel and vice president. “This council and its leaders will continue our longstanding commitment to advocate for Florida’s $45 billion grocery industry.”
