WASHINGTON — Peter Larkin, president and chief executive officer of the National Grocers Association, will examine the economic impact of the independent retail grocery industry and how suppliers may be value-added partners during a March 17 business session at the 2014 American Bakers Association Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz.

In his presentation, “Collaborating with independent grocers to drive growth,” Mr. Larkin will draw on his experiences as the executive of a trade association representing more than 1,000 independent grocers, wholesalers, product manufacturers and service suppliers. He will discuss the top issues affecting independent retail grocers — including data and technology, changing customer demographics, the health and wellness focus of customers and access to financial capital. He also will highlight best-in-class retail grocery innovators.

Prior to joining the N.G.A., Mr. Larkin established his own government relations consulting firm. He previously had held the role of president and c.e.o. of the California Grocers Association, where he was chief legislative advocate of the association, chief liaison with related regional and national associations and chief media spokesperson for the organization. His other responsibilities included overseeing the association’s annual convention, educational programs, publications, member services and human resources. He also was the president of the C.G.A. Educational Foundation and was an officer of the California Shopping Cart Retrieval Corp. (a for-profit subsidiary of the C.G.A.).

 Mr. Larkin was also formerly the vice-president of state government relations and environmental affairs for the Food Marketing Institute in Washington. Prior to joining the F.M.I., he managed government and media relations programs for The Kroger Co. He also held similar positions with the Tobacco Institute and Philip Morris U.S.A.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Vermont in 1976, he served as legislative assistant to U.S. Representative Donald Mitchell of New York.