2026 Agenda

Elevate Your Financial Insight and Improve Your Outcomes

Independent grocers are operating in an increasingly demanding environment. Rising costs, labor uncertainty, changing consumer behavior, and growing industry consolidation require operators to make faster, more informed decisions with greater confidence.

The 2026 FMS Financial Forum is designed to help independent grocers translate financial insights into action. Through three focused sessions, industry experts will explore how to understand financial performance, manage controllable costs, and prepare for business continuity through effective succession planning.

Master of Ceremonies: Harold Lloyd

Forum Agenda

• Using Data to Drive Decision Support
  • Presented by: Rachael Gideo. Learn practical approaches for translating sales, labor, shrink, pricing, and operational data into decision support that improves execution and financial performance.
• Controlling Insurance Costs
  • Presented by Brian Burgess and Wells Gunn. Explore effective methods for managing insurance expenses through risk awareness, operational discipline, and proactive cost control strategies.
• Succession Planning
  • Presented by Carey Berger, Jason Cook and Jai Freeman. Understand both short-term and long-term succession planning considerations, including preparation for unexpected events and planned ownership transitions.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of their financial position, greater confidence in acting on their numbers, and practical insight into how succession planning supports the long-term security of their business.

Sponsored by FMS Solutions