Guests learn and serve at Symposium

After a year spent navigating ever-changing circumstances effecting our industry’s business, employees, and customers, the 2022 Independent Operators Symposium arrived at just the right time. Grocers returned from this year’s event refreshed and refocused for the year of business ahead.

In addition to networking and collaborating with one another, independent operators attended educational sessions led by speakers Rich Bracken on “Transformative Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence” and Mike Maddock on “Balancing Imagination and Execution” to get their creative juices flowing.

Finally, guests visited Kuhamana Farms, a 31-acre sustainable farming operation and food hub, to explore the connection between food, community, and culture. After touring the grounds and enjoying a three-course meal from the farm’s harvest, guests contributed their time and labor to assemble food boxes that will directly benefit the farm’s community support programs.

Thank you to our independent operators for a memorable Symposium! Check out photos from the event in the gallery below.

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Honoring Kendra Doyel and Mickie Sharp-Villanueva

After two long years, CGA Educational Foundation’s famed Hall of Achievement Dinner is back! Each year at the HOA Dinner, CGAEF recognizes industry leaders who have contributed substantially to the benefit and advancement of the grocery industry and to their local communities.  

We made the difficult decision to halt our celebration for the past two years due to the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, however, it is our pleasure to resume our dinner in-person to induct Kendra Doyel (Ralphs Grocery Company) and Mickie Sharp-Villanueva (the Performance Group) into the CGAEF Hall of Achievement and honor their outstanding careers with friends, family, and industry peers.  

Join our prestigious celebration on Thursday, April 21 from 5:00 pm-8:30 pm at the Marriott Torrance Redondo Beach. Proceeds from the event help fund the Foundation’s college scholarship, tuition reimbursement, and industry education programs. Learn more about the event here.  

Registration for the Hall of Achievement dinner is open online or through the registration form. 

The California Grocers Association (CGA) has promoted Doug Scholz to the position Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.

In this newly created position, Scholz will manage the Association’s day-to-day operations, reporting directly to CGA CEO and President Ron Fong. As part of his new role, Scholz will also transition into additional oversight of CGA’s finance, administrative, and human resource departments.

“Since Doug joined CGA, he has demonstrated his leadership capabilities time and time again,” Fong said. “He has been a steward of the CGA culture and has brought innovative approaches to each part of the Association’s business that he has touched.”

Scholz joined CGA in 2010 as Senior Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. He was subsequently promoted to Vice President of Business Development and Marketing and Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing. Through these roles, he actively managed the Association’s marketing, membership, sales, events, and communications departments.

“Doug’s story at CGA is a story of growth — for both the Association and himself,” Fong continued. “In the COO role, he’ll gain even greater latitude to impact the organization, enhance the way it serves California’s grocery community, and further develop CGA’s personnel.”

Prior to joining CGA, Scholz was Director of Partner Marketing for the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau. His previous employment includes Director of Sales and Premium Seating for Maloof Sports and Entertainment, Sales and Strategic Partnerships Manager for Viacom International, Paramount Parks Division and Conference Marketing and Sales Manager for Viacom International.