09/15/2026
Midwest Conference
Conference Thank You
THANK YOUto Everyone Who Joined Usat the 2026 Conference!August 12th - 14th
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The 2026 Midwest Wholesale Distributors Conference had a full schedule of events for informing and connecting.
News & Brews opened with the complexities of the Food Safety Modernization Act Section 204(d), which requires that every segment of the food supply chain, including wholesale distributors, adhere to new traceability and recordkeeping requirements for foods defined as "high risk". Presented by issue expert Tom Briant, the session detailed distributor requirements for compliance and emphasized the importance of becoming familiar with the regulation and preparing their operations for the 2028 effective date. Click here for the FSMA session PowerPoint and handouts, including the "high risk" foods list.
Once again, the tobacco and nicotine category conversation was on point with an interactive session to help conference attendees better understand, navigate and engage in federal, state and local policy issues challenging the tobacco category and their businesses.
Thank you to (L to R) Joe Queen/Altria; Chris Howard/Swisher; Kyle May/Reynolds; Scott Schaier/ITG Brands; and Dan Mulvaney/PMI U.S., for sharing their insights and expertise on category market trends, messaging/grassroots engagement on policy issues, and state updates.
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The MWDC included honoring Jim Kelly, Xcaliber International regional manager, as the recipient of the 2026 Garry Adams Memorial Award. Jim’s distinguished career includes sales and strategy leadership with Philip Morris, John Middleton, Tantus Tobacco, and Xcaliber International.
“Jim has been a respected leader and advocate within the industry, consistently contributing to its growth and supporting those around him,” was highlighted in the nomination, and followed with “During my years in management, I have found it beneficial to surround yourself with experienced professionals, someone who could replace you if needed. Working with Jim is a perfect example of this belief because he has taught me much more than I have ever taught him.”
The Garry Adams Memorial Award is presented annually from nominations submitted by distributors and manufacturers in the industry. Garry Adams was actively engaged in the associations of all three MWDC states and was part of the team that took the conference from a vision to reality.
Wednesday and Thursday evening hosted hospitality, conference golf tournament, cocktail reception, cigar dinner and well stocked bourbon pull rounded out relaxed networking opportunities for everyone.
Thank You to our Sponsors
| • Platinum Sponsors • | ||
| • Gold Sponsor • | ||
| • Silver Sponsors • |
| GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORS | ||
| ABL Wholesale Distributors | Flichia Wholesale Distributing | Premier Manufacturing |
| ADCO Distributors | HT Hackney Company | Renfro Supply |
| AH Jamra Company | ITG Brands | Reynolds |
| Altria | JTI-Liggett | S. Abraham & Sons |
| AMCON Distributing | Numeral | Swisher |
| CDR Software | Ohio Valley Bait | Team Modern |
| Farmers Tobacco Company | PMI USA | Xcaliber International |