Wal-Mart exec headlines presidential ABA

May 23, 2011 12:21 PM

Lee Scott, Wal-Mart chairman and former C.E.O., sat down with Supermarket News and Baking Management content director David Orgel at the 2011 American Bakers Association convention, held March 26-30 in San Antonio.

“The stage has been set for the most volatile and complex times in world history,” said Scott. “Technology and social networks are driving equality–creating a customer that will know more about your store than you do.”

Presidential guests also drew rapt attention. Herman Cain, Godfather’s Pizza president, addressed leadership in a breakfast talk. Teh subject has been on Cain’s mind lately, as he’s seeking the Republican nomination in the 2012 election.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who has formally entered the 2012 Republican presidential race, also was on hand, speaking with attendees and discussing his political future during the ABA’s PAC dinner.

Gingrich addresses ABA’s political action committee at the PAC dinner.

MacKie addresses the crowd as Shiver and Robin Alton, Pan-o-Gold, look on.

John (left) and Jay Hamilton of LeMatic at the outdoor reception.

Lee Scott (left), Wal-Mart, answers questions from David Orgel, content director of Supermarket News and Baking Management.

(from left) Robb MacKie, ABA, Mary Waters, NAMA, Joel Crowder, Kroger, and Allen Shiver, Flowers Foods, present recent retiree Guy Shoemaker, Horizon Milling, with a painting of the Congressional Golf Course to thank him for his service to the ABA.

Russ Bundy (left), Bundy Baking Solutions, chats with Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain.

(from left) Dr. Mary Serdula, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, Hispanic Foods Communications, and Judi Adams, president of the Grain Foods Foundation and the Wheat Foods Council, serve on the enriched flour panel.