CGA received the following update from our partners at the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), courtesy of the USDA’s Andrea Gold who is Director of Retailer Policy and Management Division (SNAP):

Given the volume of inquiries coming to FNS I thought it best to share two things with all of you. 

There are 2,500 + stores that failed to complete SNAP reauthorization and were therefore withdrawn effective December 21, 2018; this information would have caused these stores to stop processing around Dec 26^th (or later). 

We always want to do all we can to give stores the opportunity to respond to reauthorization, and so the reauthorization process includes at least two letters from FNS to the store’s mailing address and a robo-call reminder to the phone number of record before withdrawal occurs.  We often hear that letters and phone calls were not received  – but of course our reach-out is predicated on the address and phone provided by the store owner for the FNS record being accurate and up to date.  

At this juncture, our retailer management system is off line, the retailer management team is furloughed, and the SNAP Retailer Service Center is also off line due to the lapse in funds.  We can’t assist these stores until the federal government is funded.   

Once we resume normal operations affected store owners should contact the SNAP Retail Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 for assistance with next steps.  I would note that of course the volume of calls and inquiries in the early days of startup will be challenging, and we will need to ask for patience as we work through the backlog of applications, reauthorizations, and other issues that have occurred during the shutdown period. 

SACRAMENTO, CA (Jan. 3, 2019) – The California Grocers Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Kelly Ash as Vice President, Government Relations, effective Jan. 3, 2019.

In this position, Ash will serve as the Association’s chief lobbyist and be responsible for managing all aspects of CGA’s advocacy efforts. She will represent CGA member companies on strategic advocacy efforts before the State Legislature, regulatory agencies and local municipalities, as well as manage CGA’s government relations staff and contract lobbyists. Ash will also participate on CGA’s Senior Management Team.

“Kelly will be a tremendous addition to our government relations team,” said Ron Fong, CGA President and CEO. “She is no stranger to the California Legislature, having served in numerous positions in the State Assembly. Her experience will prove extremely valuable as the Association continues to strengthen and expand its legislative program.”

Prior to joining CGA, Ash served three years as Capitol Director in the California State Assembly and two years as Deputy Political Director for the Personal Insurance Federation of California. She also has served as a Consultant, Capitol Director/Legislative Director and Legislative Aide in the California State Assembly.

Ash holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University and a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from Seattle Pacific University.

“Kelly stood out from a field of excellent candidates,” said Michel LeClerc, Chief Financial Officer, North State Grocery, Inc., and chair of the CGA Government Relations Committee. “She brings to CGA a great blend of expertise and passion that will serve us well as we navigate the legislative and regulatory challenges facing our industry.”

The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing more than 400 retail members operating more than 8,000 food stores in the western United States and approximately 250 grocery supplier companies.  Since 1898, CGA has represented the California food industry and is recognized as the industry leader in the areas of government and industry relations, education and communications.

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SUMMARY

The nation’s largest state grocery association seeks an enthusiastic self-starter to drive the organization’s revenue-producing, industry relationships. Under the general direction of the Senior Director of Events & Sponsorship, this newly-created position will be responsible for maintaining and expanding Association revenues through the solicitation of advertising and sponsorship sales. Responsibilities include soliciting advertisers for the bi-monthly California Grocer magazine & weekly e-newsletters, selling sponsorships of annual conferences, networking, advocacy and fund-raising events, and developing comprehensive annual partnership agreements.

This energetic contributor will also assist in identifying new opportunities for CGA growth and enhance the operational and financial success of established partnerships by providing exceptional customer service and excellent follow-through.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1.  Work with senior management to identify and develop advertising and sponsorship opportunities that align with CGA’s objectives.

2.  Prospect and solicit new leads, assess client objectives, develop proposals and deliverables, make presentations, finalize contracts and oversee the execution of agreements.

3.  Manage the Association’s print and electronic advertising program. Oversee client management including maintaining accurate member database/contact information, and managing insertion orders, ad material trafficking and payment.

4.  Solicit and service sponsors for annual conferences including initial outreach, contract facilitation, invoicing, collection, building meeting schedules and on-site management.

5.  Manage the process of tracking annual agreements, documenting partnership deliverables and creating/maintaining monthly reports.

6.  Work with senior management/marketing team to achieve quarterly and annual sales goals and uncover new revenue opportunities and assure all commitments are being executed.

7.  Represent the Association at industry events and trade shows to engage prospective sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Ideal candidate is self-motivated and comfortable with generating outbound sales calls (including cold-calls), chasing down leads, conducting face-to-face meetings, and making sales presentations.
• Minimum 2 years college coursework or 3 years relevant work experience specifically in a sales capacity.
• Experience or familiarity with working for a non-profit trade association.
• Proven ability to achieve sales goals and develop long-term relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail oriented, prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines while being highly organized.
• Professional, outgoing and energetic personality with a strong background in delivering outstanding customer service.
• Proven independent judgment in the course of completing overall responsibilities.
• Computer literacy including familiarity with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal skills, including strong ability to communicate with a variety of audiences including Association members, industry executives, staff and vendors.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as needed.
• Valid California driver’s license with proof of insurance.

HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN THE TEAM

• CGA is the nation’s premier state grocery trade association with a rich 120-year history.
• CGA serves as the sole source for California-related grocery industry news. Grocery retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and brokers turn to CGA to learn what’s happening in the grocery industry.
• Work with many of the nation’s largest CPG companies.
• CGA culture focuses on risk taking and creativity with an emphasis on teamwork.
• Tremendous sales potential. California grocery is a $72 billion industry – rated No. 1 in the nation – creating tremendous opportunities for prospecting and developing new advertising/sponsorship streams.

SUPERVISES
None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Employee may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time.
• View computer monitors
• Sitting
• Standing for community functions, presentations, trade shows, etc.
• Travel to other locations to represent CGA (5% – 10%)

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a corporate office environment.

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this job.

COMPENSATION

The California Grocers Association provides a generous compensation plan including salary and annual bonus for achievement of established goals. CGA’s benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance for the employee and eligible dependents, and life insurance for the employee.  The Association also provides a generous 401(k) program.

Interested candidates should submit resume and cover letter to Jennifer Gold, [email protected].