2026 Annual Conference
The Utah Food Industry Association hosted its Annual Conference and Celebration on August 13th at the Davis County Conference Center. During the event the association inducted Scott Hymas, recently retired President & CEO of Terrel’s into the industry’s Hall of Fame. The association also recognized the Utah Department of Workforce Services, Rep. Karen Peterson, and Rep. Jeff Burton with the industry’s Impact Award, for their support and partnership with the industry.
Utah Food Industry Association 2026 Hall of Fame Honoree
SCOTT HYMAS - Terrel’s
Scott Hymas has spent more than five decades in the grocery industry, building a career rooted in leadership and service to independent retailers. He began as a bagger at Harmon's and rose through the ranks before joining Associated Food Stores, where he later served as president of Dan's Foods. Following his retirement from Dan's, Scott continued to make a significant impact on the industry as senior officer of Terrel’s. Throughout his career, he has remained an active and respected leader, including 17 years of service on the Associated Food Stores Board of Directors. Scott remains known for his passion for the grocery business and his lasting commitment to strengthening independent retailers and the communities they serve.
From Left to Right: Scott Hymas, Hall of Fame Inductee - Vickie Hymas, Spouse - Dave Davis, Pres. UFIA
Utah Food Industry Association 2026 Impact Award Honorees
REP. KAREN PETERSON & REP. JEFF BURTON - Utah House of Representatives
Karen Peterson
Karen Peterson represents House District 13, covering Clearfield, Clinton, Sunset, and West Point. A longtime Clinton resident, she brings deep experience in state and local government, having served on the Clinton City Council and as Legislative Policy Director for Governor Spencer Cox and Education Advisor for Governor Gary Herbert. Karen now works as Assistant to the President at Southern Utah University and holds degrees from Utah State University and Southern Utah University. A strong advocate for business, she champions policies that support business owners and their consumers. Karen and her husband Eric have three children and an energetic Australian Shepherd.
Jeff Burton
Representative Jefferson Burton brings decades of leadership and public service to the Utah House of Representatives. A Payson High graduate with degrees in sociology, strategic studies, and education, he served 37 years in the U.S. Army and National Guard, retiring in 2019 as Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard. Following his military retirement Jeff joined the Governor's Cabinet where he specialized in crisis management and navigating difficult policy issues. A retired Vice President at Zions Bank, Jeff is committed to government accountability, data-driven policy, and principled leadership. General Burton is guided by a lifelong dedication to the Constitution, a pocket copy of which he has carried since age 16.
From Left to Right: Rep. Karen Peterson - Dave Davis, Pres. UFIA - Rep. Jeff Burton
Dave Davis, Pres. UFIA and the Utah Department of Workforce Services, SNAP Team
UTAH DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES
SNAP Team
Utah's Department of Workforce Services (DWS) administers SNAP, which provides monthly food-purchasing assistance to low-income households. Utah SNAP serves 90,000 households and approximately 179,000 individuals each month, supported by a network of 1,600 approved retailers across the state. This partnership between DWS and Utah retailers has provided life-sustaining food assistance to the most vulnerable among us.
Utah’s Best Bagger Contest
The Utah Food Industry Association hosted the state’s best bagger competition at its annual convention. The competition was fierce with 22 of the state’s best baggers fighting for the title of “state champion”. After the dust settled MaKenzie Wood from Macey’s Holladay store won her 3rd straight state bagging championship. Kenzie will now move on to the national best bagger competition, which will be held in February in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kenzie is no stranger to the National competition having competed two time previous and finishing as the National runner up last year. Competitors at the national competition will be fighting for a $10,000 grand prize and national bragging rights for their home state. Congratulations and Good Luck Makenzie!
Left to Right: Leslie Valbuena, Macey’s - Pinebrook (2nd Runner up) - MaKenzie Wood, Macey’s - Holladay (State Champion) - Taylor Medina, Macey’s - Orem (2nd Runner up)
Conference Speakers
MICHAEL SANSOLO - Retail Food Industry Consultant
The ABCs of AI
Artificial intelligence is both widely discussed and incredibly mysterious, yet it promises a wide range of implications for the retail industry. This presentation will look at some of the reality to this new technology with a focus on how it might impact stores, supply chains and the shopping experience.
ROBERT SPENDLOVE - Senior Economist - Zions Bank
“2026 Economic Overview: Practical Insights to Understand and Succeed in a Changing Environment”
Robert will discuss the economic environment facing our nation in 2026. He will explain how to interpret ongoing changes in the labor market, inflation, interest rates, demographics, and financial markets. He will discuss how tariffs, federal tax and spending changes, deregulation, and a looming national debt crisis impact our economy. Robert will help you gain insights into how you can benefit in times of uncertainty.