NAMA has named the recipients of its 2026 Industry Awards, recognizing companies and individuals for contributions to the convenience services industry.
The National Automatic Merchandising Association said April Cathcart, chief operating officer at G&J Marketing and Sales, will receive the Industry Person of the Year. Seventh Wave Refreshments was selected as Operator of the Year, and 365 Retail Markets was named Allied Member of the Year.
The awards will be presented on April 22 in Los Angeles, during The NAMA Show.
Christine Cochran, NAMA president and CEO, said the awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work has made a measurable difference for the industry.
According to NAMA, Cathcart has spent nearly two decades working to expand how consumer brands engage with convenience services and previously led unattended retail strategy for Mars in the U.S. The association said she helped expand Remix programs and supported initiatives focused on interactive experiences and personalization in unattended retail environments. Cathcart currently serves on the board of directors for the organization.
Seventh Wave Refreshments, founded in 2020, provides coffee, pantry and micro market services. The association credited CEO Linda Saldaña and president Dave Carroll with building a model centered on modern merchandising strategies, smart equipment deployment and data-informed operations.
For Allied Member of the Year, NAMA recognized 365 Retail Markets for what it described as long-term support of industry growth. The company offers an integrated platform spanning self-checkout, payments, inventory, and analytics. The company is involved in industry events and operator education, and NAMA also highlighted CEO Joe Hessling’s industry leadership, including prior service as NAMA board chair.
