Fedra Chappell, a senior category manager for Associated Food Stores, recently participated in Utah’s Own’s “Path To Retail Sales” panel, offering valuable insights into helping small businesses navigate the retail landscape. The event, held at the Taylorsville State Office building, was part of an effort to assist entrepreneurs looking to broaden their sales opportunities and understand the dynamics of business growth.
Fedra’s involvement in the panel highlighted the importance of providing local products to retailers, a key area of focus for Associated Food Stores. AFS plays a vital role in helping its members gain access to a wide variety of locally sourced products, which have become essential differentiators for independent grocers. These items not only support local farmers and producers but also cater to the growing consumer demand for fresh, locally sourced products.
“Local items are a powerful tool for our members. They help them stand out in a competitive market, offering unique, high-quality products that customers are looking for,” Fedra said. “Our goal at AFS is to ensure retailers have access to these products, which, in turn, allows them to connect more meaningfully with their communities.”
The panel, which was moderated by Caroline Hargraves, brought together a range of experts to share their knowledge with entrepreneurs and small business owners. Alongside Fedra, the panel featured representatives from Farm2School, the Utah Farmers Market Network, and the Utah Farm Bureau. The event was well attended, with approximately 25 entrepreneurs present in person and 15 joining virtually.
The session underscored the growing importance of local products for retailers, with Fedra emphasizing that AFS’s ability to offer locally sourced goods gives its members a competitive edge.
Utah’s Own, an initiative of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), continues to support small businesses by providing valuable resources and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs. This event was a step forward in creating stronger connections between local producers and retailers, ultimately benefiting Utah’s economy and communities.