CHICAGO -- Thousands of retailers, suppliers and wholesalers will converge at Chicago's McCormick Place next week (Oct. 17-20) to network and be dazzled by the new products and services unveiled at the 2017 NACS Show.
But in a quiet room, dozens of these NACS attendees will meet with something other than business on their minds. They will gather for the annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast.
I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker during the breakfast a couple of years ago and shared the story of my son’s recovery from a serious form of cancer. After the breakfast, more than a dozen of us across different faiths held hands and joined in a prayer circle. The experience of seeing people of different faiths and races come together was inspiring and humbling.
On Wednesday, Oct. 18, Joe Leonardo, former NACS chairman and longtime Coca-Cola executive, will speak about the challenges we face daily and the importance to pause, reflect and give thanks.
Leonardo served as chairman of the board for NACS during the 1993-94 term. He also served on the NACS board for 10 years and as annual meeting chairman, according to NACS. He also was a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Convenience Store Foundation. Leonardo was president and CEO of two 500-plus store chains and has since served in many advisory roles in the convenience and fuel retailing industry.
The breakfast will be held at McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Room E257. To learn more, contact Tom Severson by emailing tomseverson67@gmail.com or calling (507) 458-6734.
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