C-store Distribution Executives Honored

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Convenience Distribution Association (CDA) recognized two members for their service to the channel during the 2017 Convenience Distribution Marketplace.

Sherwin Herring, CEO of Southco Distributing Co. in Goldsboro, N.C., was inducted into the Convenience Distribution Association Hall of Fame during the 2017 CDA Marketplace Awards Luncheon on Feb. 14.

Herring is a former chairman of the American Wholesale Marketers Association (AWMA), CDA's predecessor organization.

"Sherwin has been, and continues to be, a tremendous advocate for CDA and the convenience products distribution industry," said CDA President and CEO Kimberly Bolin. "I am delighted that his peers have selected Sherwin to be part of our exclusive Hall of Fame fraternity."

Herring started his career at age 19 as a $1.60 per hour warehouse employee at Southern Wholesale, now Southco. His rise through the company culminated with his becoming president and principal stockholder in 1986.

For Herring, it's all about knowing his customers and developing trust with them. The same is true with all elements of the supply chain. "It should be a win-win-win situation for all parties," Herring explained. "There needs to be a trust factor between all parties. We always bring something to the table. They view us as a partner."

In addition CDA honored Kit Dietz, a long-time consultant, advisor and author of numerous studies that have helped guide CDA member companies, with the Convenience Distribution Association Dean of the Industry Award.

Previously, Dietz operated Dietz Consulting, based in Huron, Ohio. He is currently president of the data analytics company, InfoRhythm Inc., based in Pittsburgh, which operates CDA's exclusive InfoMetrics data program used by member companies and suppliers to improve category management, sales and profit.

"Kit's contributions to CDA and our member companies over many years have proven to be invaluable. His understanding and insight into our industry is based on his own experience as a distributor and the product of an analytical mind that is unmatched," Bolin said. "He is a perfect choice for the Dean of the Industry Award."

Dietz is also consultant to the Warehouse-Delivered Snacks Committee, which focuses on promoting the sale of products delivered by convenience distributors vs. those delivered directly to the store by manufacturers.

"One of the reasons I left being a distributor was so I could focus on helping the distribution industry create collaboration between distributors, manufacturers, and retailers and help better drive the industry," said Dietz.

CDA's annual event took place Feb. 13-15 at the Hilton Orlando.