NGA Gives Spirit of America Award to Joe Williams

The National Grocers Association (NGA) presented Joe Williams, former VP for regulatory and member services of the Austin-based Texas Retailers Association, with the NGA Spirit of America Award at the Texas Retailers Forum, which took place Sunday, July 23. One of NGA’s top honors, the award recognizes individuals for their dedication and service to the independent supermarket industry.
 
“Joe is known as a steadfast advocate for Texas grocers, with a long history of serving both the supermarket industry and consumers alike,” noted Greg Ferrara, SVP of government relations and public affairs at Arlington, Va.-based NGA. “His legacy shines as a strong voice before regulators, one of the foremost advocates for the SNAP and WIC programs, and a mentor to the next generation of supermarket leaders.”
 
Williams was president of the Gulf Coast Retailers Association from 1994 until it merged with the Texas Retailers Association in 2006. He’s now a consultant at the association on issues affecting the supermarket industry and at the Texas Retailers Education Fund.

Established in 1982, the NGA Spirit of America Award honors industry and community figures who’ve led in the areas of community services and government relations on behalf of a free and independent food distribution system. Previous honorees include former Presidents George H. W. Bush and Gerald R. Ford, former Vice President Dan Quayle, former Speaker of the House Tom Foley, and former U.S. Reps. Charlie Stenholm and Dick Armey.