02 Apr SFPA Board Meets In Greensboro. Looks Ahead To 2024 Convention.
(L-R) Executive Director Kay Rentzel, Jack Haddock (Board Member) of Crown, Mike Williams of iPack (Board Member), Rose Timmer of Rose Timmer Associates (Board Member), Cecilia Brock SFPA Vice President of Sauer Brands, Gray Sherrill of MG Newell (Board Member), Tony Treadway of Creative Energy (Board Advisor) and Bob Cloney, SFPA President of Elite Spice. Not pictured by participating, Craig Jonkers SFPA Treasurer of Liventus, Matt McCollum (SFPA Past President) of Garner Foods, Todd Schultz (SFPA 2nd Vice President) of Bush Bros., Ron Sonntag (Board Member) of Boone Brands and Scott Whiteside of Clemson (Board Advisor).
On March 21st, MG Newell’s Gray Sherrill hosted SFPA board members to the company’s Greensboro, NC facility for a recap of the association’s 2023 convention and to look ahead at the upcoming convention in Charleston, SC.
Bob Cloney, Vice-President of Sales for Elite Spice and President of SFPA presided over the meeting of board members and advisors in-person and via video conference. Craig Jonkers of Liventus and association Treasurer covered the association’s finances that continues to be in good standing as well as income from the 2023 convention held in Hilton Head Island. The 2023 convention generated profit for the association and saw a 37% increase in attendance over the previous convention held in Tennessee.
Survey responses to events held during the 2023 convention held in Hilton Head Island.
A survey following the convention found that 100% of attendees said that it met their expectations with high marks overall for events held. Todd Schultz, Chairman of the Convention Golf Tournament of Bush Brothers noted the high attendance at the tournament that involved half of member attendees.
The convention also raised $11,633 allocated for the SFPA Scholarship Fund.
This year’s convention to be held at the boutique Emeline Hotel in downtown Charleston, SC October 22-24 is likewise projected to be a big success. Members applauded last year’s shift of convention dates to mid-week instead of weekend dates to free up time for members to return home or spend extra time in a tourism mecca such as Charleston.
Board members interact via video conference during the March meeting.
“The location is important in driving attendance and Charleston is a gem to visit,” says Bob Cloney. “The Emeline is a beautiful location that is centrally located in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in the South.”
Board members discussed outreach to speakers for the two general sessions of the convention as well as the off-site golf tournament and other events during the convention to be held at the hotel.
This year’s registration will see an increase in price to cover charges related to the use of credit cards. “We experienced significant costs in credit card fees for registration, sponsorships, and the golf tournament,” says Jonkers. “We understand the convenience of using a credit card compared to the effort to have a paper check written and mailed in to cover costs and want to maintain the convenience for our members. We are likewise looking for alternatives to reduce those costs to the association.”
Early bird registration for the 2024 convention will be $595 for members who will register before August 1st for the October convention and $695 after August 1st. Non-member prices will be $1,095 which includes the one-year membership fee into the SFPA. Registration will be available online at SFPAFood.org beginning May 1st. Additional information will be made available on sponsorships, general session speakers and the golf tournament as planning is finalized. Mark your calendars to attended and experience one of the great historic cities in America.