About the Illuminators

An Organization of Vendors and Suppliers

The Illuminators is an organization of vendors and suppliers dedicated to developing and enhancing key relationships within the grocery industry, providing opportunities for education and leadership, and supporting the Illuminators Educational Foundation.

In September 1928, just prior to the annual convention of the California Retail Grocers and Merchants Association, a group of allied tradesmen gathered to consider a plan for improving methods of entertaining at grocery meetings. This plan met with unanimous approval, and during that same month The Illuminators came into being.

“Who’s Who?”

From the start, the roster of membership has been a “Who’s Who” of the leaders in the food industry. There were 51 members the first year, who pioneered the infancy of the organization. One of the principal responsibilities has been to provide fun and relaxation at the annual gathering of grocers.

Headlite

Thomas Huls, Twang

Sidelite

Marla McIntosh, CROSSMARK

Spotlite

Monica Abarca, Gavina Coffee Company

Tailite

Timme Taylor-Bennett, Skinny Mixes

Advisory Officers


Lori Brown, Heartland

Subriana Pierce, C.A. Fortune

Greg Siegel
, Aspire Bakeries

Historian

Joe Perez, Waste Stream Solutions

Many thanks to The Illuminators for their continued, generous support of Gather California and for providing the outstanding meal functions and enhancing the conference social events.

Join us and help “Spread the Lite of Good Fellowship” within the retail food industry. Visit Illuminators.org to learn more about becoming an Illuminator member.

Connect with Us

Have a question about Gather California?
Reach out and let us know how we can help.