Leading C-store Execs Headline AWMA Closing Session

FAIRFAX, Va. -- Top executives from Tedeschi Food Shops, Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin and CPD Energy will take seats on the AWMA 2012 Show Closing Super Session panel, "What's Driving the Changing Retail Landscape?"

Peter Tedeschi, president and CEO of Tedeschi Food Shops, James F. Fiene, COO of Open Pantry, and Mickey Jamal, CEO of CPD, will participate in the panel on Friday, Feb. 17. The show kicks off in Las Vegas with a keynote by Drayton McLane Jr., chairman of the McLane Group and CEO of the MLB's Houston Astros, the day before.

"We are very excited about this session -- hearing from leading retailers is of keen interest and importance to the distributors and manufacturers that attend the show, and this session in particular supports our overall strategic direction to bring thought leaders together to discuss industry trends, issues and opportunities," said AWMA President and CEO Scott Ramminger.

The closing session falls in line with the AWMA board's efforts over the past couple of years to offer education sessions that deliver valuable industry insights.

Tedeschi Food Shops is a 189-store convenience store chain operating throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut. CPD Energy, based in upstate New York, operates 135 stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Open Pantry has 26 c-stores serving the Madison and Milwaukee markets in Wisconsin.

"AWMA is committed to bringing in industry leaders from around the country to discuss the forces and trends that are shaping the convenience industry," Ramminger added. "We are extremely gratified that Drayton McLane and the panel of industry retailers have agreed to share their considerable insights. This is a lineup no one will want to miss."