State Association Executive Summit attendees take in the view of the Capitol building.

Executives from around the country assembled in Washington, D.C. last week for the fourth annual State Association Executive Summit (SAES). "The SAES continues to grow each year and become an even stronger network for our industry," said Kimberly Bolin, CDA president and CEO. “CDA is delighted to serve as host of this important annual event where state association executives from across the nation gather to protect and promote the convenience distribution channel. This meeting is especially critical during times when our industry is facing so much activity.”

View the video to the right and photos from the event to see what it is all about.

The SAES event kicked off on the afternoon of Oct. 9 with state association executives convening at the University Club of Washington D.C. The group meets every year for key industry updates and to discuss issues directly impacting their members. Attendees had a full schedule with briefings from Shannon Campagna, CDA; Matt Domingo, RAI Trade Marketing Services Co.; Tom Briant, National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO); Bill Meierling, American Legislative Exchange Council; and Danielle Holloway and team, Altria Group Distribution Co.

"The State Association Executives conference in Washington is a must-attend event where attendees discuss industry issues and current trends and share ideas to help expand general knowledge and develop solutions where problems exist," explained Jeff Smith III, Virginia Wholesalers and Distributors Association. "Networking opportunities and meeting industry people and experts in the field allows us to bring value back to our state associations."

Above, Matt Domingo, RAI Trade Marketing Services Co., provides a briefing to SAES attendees.

In addition to the briefings, executives spent time throughout the summit sharing their current challenges and experiences, along with strategic tactics and solutions for some of the issues the industry is facing.

"CDA’s State Association Executive Summit provides a great networking opportunity for attendees," said Kathy Siefken, Nebraska Grocery Industry Association. "We are able to share information that will assist in finding solutions to ever-evolving issues."

To the right, Kimberly Bolin, CDA president and CEO, opens the SAES and welcomes attendees.

"I enjoy the CDA meetings very much," remarked Ron Morris, Kentucky Wholesale Distributors Association. "The event has been helpful with communicating new information about the industry to my members. In addition, I have enjoyed the executives from other states and learning about their styles of management."

The recognition of the importance of this group and support by supplier partners Altria Group Distribution Co. and RAI Trade Marketing Services Co. continues to be incredible. They provide a very unique opportunity for this group to assemble each year.

To the left, Danielle Holloway, Altria Group Distribution Co., welcomes SAES attendees to the SAES lunch and briefing at Altria's Washington, D.C. office.

Quick Takes

Left to right are Bill Pascrell, New Jersey Wholesale Marketers Association; David Tatman, Louisiana Association of Wholesalers; and Jeff Smith III, Virginia Wholesalers and Distributors Association.	Dinner is served at McCormick & Schmick's, generously hosted by RAI Trade Marketing Services Co.

SAES attendees gather on the steps of the University Club.