2026 GACS Convention
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This year's GACS Convention was one to remember. Not only did we introduce a new schedule, but we also experienced a renewed sense of energy and excitement throughout our time together. With our highest attendance since COVID, this year's Convention was a true testament to the strength of our industry and the value of coming together!
A very special thank you goes to Danny Dunbar, retired 2027 GACS Supplier of the Year; Doug Lipscomb and Tony Gregory of Blue Bell Creameries; Rob Otersen of SPATCO; and Alex Hearn and Colson Jiles of Morgan Oil Company for rolling up their sleeves and helping us pack, unload, organize, and tackle everything in between. We truly couldn't have done it without you! Everyone's enthusiasm helped make this one of our most successful Conventions yet, and we can't wait to see where this momentum takes us in the years ahead! Day 1 | Sunday Night Par-Tee on the Green Although we weren't able to host our opening night Par-Tee physically on the Green due to the weather, the new ballroom space proved to be the perfect place to kick off Convention. The evening was filled with great conversations, Masters-inspired food, friendly competition during the silent auction, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with friends and colleagues from across the industry! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our members and supporters, this year's silent auction raised a record-breaking amount for the GACS PAC Fund. A special thank you goes to our Supplier Committee, led by John Bracknell of Owl Services, for their countless hours of planning, organizing, and securing auction donations. Their dedication helped make our Convention kickoff such a memorable success. |
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During the Par-Tee, we had the absolute pleasure to take a few minutes to recognize our 2026 Barron Thorpe Supplier of The Year Award to Mr. Tony Viola of Swisher International. Click here to read more about Mr. Tony Viola’s dedication to the association..
After the Par-Tee festivities wrapped up, many attendees continued the fun at the 19th Hole Hospitality Suite, where laughter carried on well into the evening.
Day 2 | Swinging “Fore” Success Sessions, Golf & Beach Party
Monday began with two outstanding educational sessions, one that provided valuable insight into federal issues affecting our industry and the other shared about how your perspective can change everything!
Monday began with two outstanding educational sessions, one that provided valuable insight into federal issues affecting our industry and the other shared about how your perspective can change everything!
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Federal Issues Panel: Jake Olson, RaceTrac, & LeeAnn Goheen, FFG Group
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The Lens of Leadership: Kevin Paul Scott, ADDO
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Following the morning sessions, golfers headed to the course while the fishermen set out to enjoy a beautiful day on the water!
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Those staying behind didn't miss out on the fun. Our Sand Trap Beach Party offered the perfect afternoon to relax, network, and enjoy great food and refreshments.
A special thank you to Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Anheuser-Busch, Beverage South, and Molson Coors for hosting another fantastic Beach Party.
A special thank you to Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Anheuser-Busch, Beverage South, and Molson Coors for hosting another fantastic Beach Party.
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Day 3 | Learning, Networking & Celebration
During our last morning together, we opened with an incredible morning of Tee-Up Fore Success education sessions. Industry leaders shared timely insights on leadership transitions, consumer trends, the future of fuels, the launch of our L.E.A.D. Academy, and legislative and regulatory issues impacting Georgia's convenience store industry.
During our last morning together, we opened with an incredible morning of Tee-Up Fore Success education sessions. Industry leaders shared timely insights on leadership transitions, consumer trends, the future of fuels, the launch of our L.E.A.D. Academy, and legislative and regulatory issues impacting Georgia's convenience store industry.
Under New Leadership: Tiffany Fraley and Nicole Majkowicz, InConvenience, Inc.
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Behind the Counter, Ahead of the Curve: Rich Rizzo, PMI U.S.
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State of Fuels in the C-Store Industry: Denton Cinquegrana, OPIS
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GACS L.E.A.D. Academy Kick-Off, Dr. Larry Grays
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Agriculture Commissioner of Georgia, Tyler Harper
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Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Kevin Tanner and GACS President Angela Holland
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Panel 1 (Left to right): Kevin Perry, Senator Larry Walker, III, Demetrius Douglas, Senator John Albers
Panel 2 (Left to right): State Representative Doreen Carter, State Representative Alan Powell, State Representative Robert Dickey, Senator Harold Jones, II.
The learning continued into the afternoon as attendees gathered for our Fairway Fun Tabletop Expo, where retailers and suppliers connected, explored new products, and strengthened the relationships that make GACS such a valuable community.
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The Champions Round: Awards & Recognition Dinner
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Our time together concluded with our Champions Round Award Dinner, featuring a menu personally selected by our 2022-2025 Chairman Matt Jones of Friendly Gus Food Stores. As this was the last time Matt would be stepping on stage as Chairman, our rising chairman, Glenn Snow of Jet Food Stores of Georgia sent him off with a gift on behalf of the association.
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We were also excited to recognize Rob Oterson of SPATCO for his time spent on the Board and Supplier committee as he rolls off.
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A huge thank you goes to our Supplier Committee, who worked tirelessly selling raffle ticket booklets leading up to Convention. Their hard work paid off, helping us sell a record-breaking number of ticket booklets this year.
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Every ticket purchased supports the GACS Educational Foundation and helps provide scholarships for employees and their dependents, making this fundraiser a win for our entire industry.
2026 - 2028 Chairman: Glenn Snow, Jet Food Stores of Georgia
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2027 Supplier Committee Chairman: Mark Faas, Point to Point Environmental
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Lastly, and most certainly not least, the association proudly welcomed our 2026-2028 Chairman, Glenn Snow, Jet Food Stores of Georgia as well as our 2027 Supplier Committee Chairman, Mark Faas, Point to Point Environmental.
As we closed another unforgettable Convention, one thing was clear: the future of GACS is bright. We look forward to building on this year's momentum and seeing everyone again next year as we bring the Convention home to Georgia at the beautiful Jekyll Island Club Resort!
