Industry Celebrates Kendra Doyel and Mickie Sharp-Villanueva

For the first time in two years, around 400 industry members and friends gathered for the Hall of Achievement (HOA) Dinner in Redondo Beach to honor Kendra Doyel (Ralphs Grocery Company) and Mickie Sharp-Villanueva (the Performance Group).

The spirit of giving was in the air as attendees raised just over $95,000 for the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF) through both the silent and live auctions, and the Fund-a-Need program. Funds will benefit the next generation of student leaders, funding scholarships and educational programs for grocery industry members and their dependents for years to come.

Thank you to our generous sponsors and attendees for making this memorable celebration possible.

Congratulations to Kendra and Mickie from your friends at CGA and CGAEF!

See event photos below.

We’re thrilled by the recent addition of Bailey Dayen to the California Grocers Association team.

In the newly created position of Business Development Manager, Bailey will help advance CGA’s growth, working closely with industry partners across all categories, to create meaningful partnerships and enhance collaboration opportunities.

Having worked for the Gallo Sales Company for the past three years, most recently as District Manager, Bailey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with both a top CPG brand and California grocery retailers to her new role. A native Californian, Bailey is a graduate of California State University, Chico with a degree in Agribusiness.

Leading the Association’s business development, Bailey will collaborate with brands and service providers to tailor packages that boost exposure through CGA communications, while also managing sponsorship sales and services for CGA events, including the popular CGA Strategic Conference.

Join us in welcoming Bailey to the CGA team. If you would like to connect, Bailey can be reached at [email protected].

The New Fault Lines in California Politics

Following a tumultuous statewide redistricting process, the first California Grocer issue of 2022 covers everything you need to know about California politics this year.

In her first column as CGA Chair, Renee Amen shares her take on state legislators’ “Great Resignation” and calls for unity across the political aisle. Louie Brown from Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP breaks down both new laws and existing laws going into effect this year.

With two years of COVID under our belts, CGA Vice President of Government Relations Kelly Ash sorts through the contradictions in some statewide COVID policies ending, while others, like supplemental paid sick leave, remain in place. NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara covers Congress’s to-do list for 2022 as it relates to the economy, the supply chain, and more.  Matt Rodriguez, CEO of Rodriguez Strategies, forecasts the future of the California Democratic party and the state’s progressive politics following redistricting.

Must read sections from Issue 1:

• Chair’s Message: A Fresh Year
  Renee Amen

• Need to Know: New Laws for 2022
  Louie Brown

• Lessons I’ve Learned on Leadership and Life
  Kevin Konkel

• Shifting Electoral Dynamics in Democratic California
  Matt Rodriguez

Read Issue 1 here.

Legislative Briefings and Elected Official Meetings Set Political Agenda for Grocers

Thank you to all who joined us at this week’s Grocers Day event in Sacramento! Grocers Day looked a little different this year. Attendees gathered at the Citizen Hotel and heard from a diverse set of speakers on what to expect in 2022. Members were given the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns directly to speakers. Asm. Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-03) shared his party’s priorities for the year ahead, citing PAGA reform, the homelessness crisis, theft and crime, and cost of living as top of mind issues. Christy Wilson (Wilson Public Affairs) provided a comprehensive update on the campaign to reform and replace PAGA and talked about what our industry can do to help get our measure on the November ballot for 2022. Robert Moutrie (CalChamber) shared his insight on what businesses can expect of future CalOSHA workplace safety regulations.   Asm. Phil Ting (D-19) sat down with Louie Brown (Kahn, Soares & Conway LLP) for a fireside chat where they covered the budget surplus, redistricting, and the “Great Resignation” of lawmakers.   Lastly, CGA’s very own Kelly Ash and Michel LeClerc (GR Committee Chair) discussed all things related to the CGA PAC and 2022 elections.  Thank you to our wonderful speakers, sponsors, and attendees for another successful Grocers Day!