2026 Agenda

Greg Ferrara, President and CEO of NGA, and Richie Morgan, Executive Chairman of North State Grocery, Inc. and Chairman of the NGA Board, reflect on a year of progress marked by advocacy wins, enhanced member resources, and industry-leading initiatives. Together, they honor the proud American tradition of independent grocers as community leaders and innovators. Looking ahead, they will share their vision for the future of NGA, emphasizing collaboration, resilience, and growth opportunities. With technology rapidly reshaping consumer expectations and business operations, they will call on independent retailers to embrace innovation as a powerful tool to strengthen connections with shoppers, drive efficiency, and ensure independents remain a vital force in the grocery industry for generations to come. They will also be joined by John Ross, CEO of IGA, to celebrate IGA’s 100th anniversary and the enduring strength of independents across the nation.

Be prepared to laugh, cry, laugh some more, and stand up and cheer while listening to Travis Mills share his astonishing story of survival and unending service to his country and his fellow man. One of only five quadruple amputees from the war in Iraq/Afghanistan, Travis is the NY Times Best-Selling Author of ‘Tough As They Come’ and one of the most critically acclaimed inspirational speakers in the world. A master of the one-liner, Travis’ infectious humor turns his remarkable story of resilience and overcoming adversity into the highlight of any meeting, conference or convention. As the founders of The Travis Mills Foundation, Travis and his wife Kelsey continue to serve hundreds of other injured service men and woman, and their families, each year.

“That bomb took my arms and it took my legs, I can’t change that. But it was up to me to decide if it would also take my spirit. It was up to me to decide to get back up, to never quit...and that is what  Ichoose to do, every day.”–Travis Mills

Sponsored by Kraft-Heinz.