Emerging Technologies and AI Impacting Grocery Cooperatives

CPE: 1 Credit Hour
Industry Focus:  Grocery and Food Cooperatives

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping the grocery industry, creating new opportunities for cooperatives and independent grocers to compete, grow, and differentiate. This session will explore the technologies driving the future of grocery retail. Attendees will gain practical insights into how cooperative leaders can leverage shared data, technology investments, and governance strategies to deliver greater value to members, improve operational performance, and build sustainable competitive advantages in an increasingly technology-driven marketplace.

For more information about US Co-ops, please visit us.coop
For more information about NSAC, please visit nsacoop.org

Presenter and Moderator Bios

Presenter: Shay Daberko, Digital Growth Senior, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA)

With over 10 years of experience at the intersection of business and technology, Shay Daberko helps organizations leverage digital transformation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies to improve performance and drive growth. At CLA Digital, Shay works with business leaders to turn technology investments into practical business outcomes through improved decision-making, operational efficiency, and innovation.

Presenter: Chris Martin, CPA, CGMA, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA)

Chris Martin is a Principal with CLA and the national leader of the firm's Grocery Store practice. He advises his clients on financial performance, growth strategies, profitability improvement, tax planning, and key business decisions. By combining industry benchmarking, operational insights, and financial expertise, Chris helps clients make informed decisions, improve results, and position their businesses for long-term success. He is widely recognized as a trusted advisor and thought leader within the grocery industry.

Moderator: Wayne Sine, CPA, MBA, Education Director, National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives

After retiring as Tax Director of a regional supply cooperative on the East Coast, Wayne Sine was asked to serve as Education Director for NSAC. As an active and long-term member of NSAC, Wayne previously served as Chair of NSAC’s Tax Committee, President of the Atlantic Chapter, and was a recipient of NSAC’s Silver Bowl Award. In addition to his work with NSAC, Wayne has also served on the Legal, Tax, and Accounting (LTA) Committee of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Chaired the Tax Committees for both the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Manufacturers Association, served on the Tax Policy Committee of the Virginia Society of CPAs, and served as Region Vice President for Tax Executives Institute.