By Ron Fong, CGA President

The city of Los Angeles, the nation’s second most populous city and one of the world’s largest economic centers, did not casually nor hastily adopt its plastic grocery bag ban. Careful environmental studies and solid economic facts led to one thoughtful conclusion: Single-use plastic grocery bags are bad for the economy and bad for the environment.

A global shift is under way away from these plastic bags that pollute our shores and streams, cause costly stoppages at recycling plants, increase storm wastewater costs and pose a grave threat to certain wildlife.

As noted in a Viewpoints commentary (“A better plastic bag – not a ban on them – is the answer to recycling,” Sept. 25), there is an added cost and increased environmental impact in solely using paper bags – but it is simply not true that banning plastic bags, if done correctly, will lead to the skyrocketing use of paper bags or the felling of more trees.

Data collected from grocery retailers by local jurisdictions that have implemented “ban/charge” ordinances, such as San Jose and Los Angeles County, have shown a dramatic reduction in single-use paper bag consumption – as much as 90 percent.

Each year in California, more than 14 billion single-use plastic bags are handed out by retailers, only 5 percent of which are recycled, according to CalRecycle. Californians pay an estimated $25 million annually to collect and bury plastic bag waste. These bags slow down and jam sorting machinery at recycling centers. Sacramento officials report that its materials recovery facility shuts down an average six times per day to remove plastic from the machines.

Banning single-use plastic bags doesn’t just make environmental sense – it makes economic sense.

The authors in the Viewpoints article are correct that business should create a sustainable solution to the growing concerns of carryout bags.

But the question should not be “paper or plastic” – nor should it be anti-plastic altogether. The question is how to develop smarter plastics.

The answer is simple, we must phase out single-use bags to create a market for innovative alternatives, and we must adopt a statewide roadmap for cities, counties and businesses.

More than 80 cities and counties in California have enacted some sort of plastic bag ban. State Sen. Alex Padilla authored Senate Bill 405, a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags designed to protect businesses from patchwork compliance standards while creating green jobs in the reusable bag space.

Businesses, consumers and the environmental community are working together to foster innovation while safeguarding citizens. It is time for California to join – and be a leader – in this movement.

Reprinted from The Sacramento Bee (October 6, 2013

The Golden State’s grocery industry was in Palm Springs, Calif., this week participating in the 2013 CGA Strategic Conference.

The format, that centers around hundreds of pre-scheduled meetings between retailers, suppliers and wholesalers, set a Conference record – scheduling more than 860 meetings in just two days.

In addition, top industry thought leaders and trend specialists highlighted an educational program centered on California’s “Game Changers.” Key discussion topics throughout the two-day event focused on emerging technology, evolving demographics and value driven customer buying trends.

Highlighting the educational program was Jason Ryan Dorsey, author and Millennial Generation expert, who captivated attendees during the Monday General Session with his unique insights into the unprecedented generational challenge and changes taking place in the grocery industry.

This year’s Retailer Spotlight featured Save Mart Supermarkets. Company President and COO Steve Junqueiro outlined to the “supplier only” audience where the Modesto-based supermarket chain will focus its efforts in the coming years.

CGA wishes to thank The Illuminators for their continued, generous support of the CGA Strategic Conference and for providing the outstanding meal functions and enhancing the conference social events.

Anaheim, Calif. – California Grocers Association Chair Kevin Davis, Bristol Farms, was one of three grocery industry executives to be honored at the California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) 39th Annual Food & Beverage Industries Awards Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013.

Also honored were Willie Crocker, Senior Portfolio Development Manager, BBY/Earthgrains Baking Company and Walter Cybulski, Director of Retail-Grocery for PepsiCo.

Proceeds from the event help fund CCEJ, a human relations organization dedicated to confronting bias, bigotry and racism in America.

SAN DIEGO, CA (August 29, 2013) – The California Grocers Association joined Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Van Nuys), other state and local officials and environmentalists at a press conference inside Sea World San Diego on Aug. 29 to encourage reusable bag use by reducing single-bag usage.

“The model of banning single-use plastic bags and allowing recyclable paper bags for a nominal charge has shown to encourage reusable bag use, provide consumers no-cost and low-cost carryout options, and minimize operational and financial impacts to retailers,” said Sarah Paulson Sheehy, Director, Southern California Government Relations, CGA.

Numerous jurisdictions throughout San Diego County are considering carryout bag legislation. CGA has encouraged municipalities to adopt a regional approach to regulating carryout bag use, rather than individual cities approving differing ordinances.

While a regional and measured approach can “respect the public and businesses while working to achieve environmental goals,” Sheehy said the regulating of bags is a statewide concern and should be resolved in the State Legislature.

“This would create the most environmental benefit and eliminate the patchwork of local legislation,” she said. “As an industry, we continue to push for a reasonable statewide law in order to remove the difficulty of implementing dozens of varying local bag laws.”

Earlier this year, Senator Padilla introduced legislation – Senate Bill 405 – to regulate carryout bag use.

Other speakers included; John Reilly, President, Sea World San Diego; Nathan Weaver, Environment California; Kevin Konopasek, San Diego Tourism Authority; Chris Ward, Office of Senator Marty Block (D-San Diego) and Jill Witkowski, San Diego Coastkeeper.

With the largest attended CGA Supplier Executive Council (SEC) Store Tour, Super King Markets welcomed SEC members to their newest location in Van Nuys, Calif. on August 22. The store tour was lead by family owners, executives and buyers to provide participants with different perspectives of the inner workings of Super King.

With a store that rarely has a slow period, participants navigated around the store learning about each department. Executives and employees freely shared their insights about their business and the grocery industry in general. The store tour concluded with an intimate lunch offsite where conversations continued and relationships grew.

These exclusive store tours provide SEC members with an opportunity to learn about how retailers approach operational strategies and obtain insights on customers directly from executives of some of the top California grocery retailers. The last SEC store tour for 2013 will be hosted by Northgate Gonzalez Markets.

To learn more about becoming a CGA Supplier Executive Council member, please contact Sunny Chang at (916) 448-3545.

More than 140 grocery retailers, suppliers and wholesalers gathered together to participate in this year’s CGA Educational Foundation Northern California Golf Classic and Illuminators Rally on Tuesday, July 23 at the beautifully manicured course at Blackhawk Country Club in Danville, Calif.

Attendees enjoyed hearing from former American college player and 13-year professional football veteran Willie Roaf about his experiences. This forum was sponsored by C&S Wholesale Grocers and MillerCoors.

In addition, Long Drive Professional Damien Payne showed off his long ball skills on the course to help raise money for the Foundation.

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Tournament Winners

First Place
Score: 55
Scott Alcalde
Len Rochon
Jeff Hamilton
Ron Link

Second Place
Score: 57
Tyler Demetral
Ed Hepler
Cliff Barton
Richie Morgan

Third Place
Score: 58
Matt Myers
Greg Pantages
John Cianciarulo

Closest to the Pin
Mens – Phil Costello 11’5″
Womens – Tracy Lape 13’11”

Long Drive
Mens – Tyler Demetral
Womens – Leslie Astle

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Tournament Sponsors

The Foundation wishes to thank the following tournament sponsors:

Breakfast
The Illuminators

Lunch
Bimbo Bakeries USA
La Tortilla Factory

Master Sponsors
Anheuser-Busch InBev
The Hershey Company
Kellogg Company
Kraft Foods Group
Mondelez International
Synder’s-Lance, Inc.
Unified Grocers, Inc.

Package Sponsors
Anheuser-Busch InBev
C&S Wholesale Grocers
Coca-Cola Refreshments
ConAgra Foods
Corrigo Incorporated
Dr. Pepper Snapple Group
Fisher Printing, Inc.
Food 4 Less/Rancho San Miguel
Frito-Lay, Inc.
Jelly Belly Candy Company
MillerCoors
MOM Brands
NuCal Foods
Nutricion Fundamental, Inc.
PepsiCo
Procter & Gamble
Select Trade Sales
Sugar Bowl Bakery
Supervalu Wholesale
Unilever

Hole Sponsors
Key Refrigeration
PECO Pallet, Inc.
RSi Retail Solutions

It has been five years since Ron Fong took the reigns of the California Grocers Association. While a great deal has been accomplished in his first first years, the CGA President sees greater challenges and opportunities in the future.

Read More.

Cooler weather greeted this year’s field of golfers participating in the 2013 CGA Educational Foundation Golf Classic and Illuminator Rally on Wednesday, July 11, at Pacific Palms Resort in Industry, Calif.

More than 230 players enjoyed a full day of golf stretched over both the “Ike” and “Babe” courses and great networking opportunities both prior and after the tournament.

In addition, attendees heard from football legend and ESPN College Game Day Analyst Desmond Howard who shared his unique perspective on the game. His presentation was sponsored by Kellogg Company.

The July 11 event was the first of two tournaments sponsored by the CGA Educational Foundation. The second tournament is July 23 at Blackhawk Country Club in Danville, CA. This event is sold out.

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Tournament Winners

“Ike” Course
1st Place
Score: 59
Fernando Hong
Patrick Park
Mary Park
Sara Yi
2nd Place
Score: 60
John Bonicatto
Diana Godfrey
Skip Moran
Vick van Hoogmoed
3rd Place
Score: 60
Mike White
Dale Dougall

“Babe” Course
1st Place
Score: 56
Rene Amen
Jim Amen
Ed Billings
Dean Billings
2nd Place
Score: 58
David Grosse
Gary Lofgren
Bob Reeves
3rd Place
Score: 62
Hank Mayhew
George Galanos
Donna Tyndall
Jack Polakow

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Tournament Sponsors

The Foundation wishes to thank the following tournament sponsors:

Breakfast

The Illuminators

Lunch
Bristol Farms
Cardenas Markets
El Super

Master Sponsors
Anheuser-Busch InBev
Coca-Cola Refreshments
Diageo USA
Kellogg Company
Kraft Foods Group
Mondeléz International
Pepsi Beverages Company
Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.
The Hershey Company
Unified Grocers, Inc.

Package Sponsors
Alliance Managed Sales
Alta Dena Certified Dairy
APIO Inc.
Big Saver Foods
Bunzl Distribution
C & S Wholesale Grocers
Cardenas Markets
Co-Sales So Cal
Fisher Printing, Inc.
Food 4 Less/Foods Co.
Frito-Lay, Inc.
Gelson’s Markets
Heineken USA
Jelly Belly Candy Co.
LaLa Foods
Mike’s Hard Lemonade
MillerCoors
Milton’s Baking Company
Mission Foods
MOM Brands
Moss Adams LLP
Nestle Purina PetCare
Progressive Produce Corp.
Rockstar Energy Drink
Sanderson Farms
Southern Wine & Spirits
Southwind Foods
Specialty Food Sales
Super A Foods
the happy egg co
Whole Foods Mark

Nearly 300 of California’s grocery industry employees and their dependents will receive life-changing financial assistance this year through college scholarships awarded by the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation.

The largest state-wide program in America supporting the grocery industry, the CGA Educational Foundation College Scholarship Program will offer 291 deserving students a record $359,750 in financial relief from ever-rising costs that prevent many from completing their education—an $18,500 increase over last year’s award total.

CGA Educational Foundation college scholarships are open to high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students who are dependents of employees or are themselves employed by a California Grocers Association member company.

“The significance of this scholarship program and the grocery industry’s generosity cannot be overstated; this program has been indispensable to countless individuals. At a time when students struggle to continue their education while lessening their financial burden, this program ensures that hundreds of students every year will receive the financial support they need,” commented Jim Van Gorkom, CGAEF Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Beginning with a single scholarship in 1992, the Foundation has grown exponentially over the last 21 years to bestow more than 2,600 worthy college students with awards totaling more than $3 million—ensuring that California’s grocery employees and their dependents have the resources necessary to start or complete their higher education. The program includes four types of scholarships: CGAEF funded, Legacy, Donor and Piggyback.

“Education and training represent essential tools to the future prosperity of our industry,” noted CGAEF Executive Director Shiloh London. “In these uncertain economic times, providing opportunities for individuals to enhance job skills and further educational goals is more important than ever.”

“CGAEF scholarship donors are investing in the development of tomorrow’s grocery industry leaders,” added London. “We are grateful for the tremendous ongoing support of CGA member companies which allow the Foundation an opportunity to provide college scholarships to deserving students.”

The CGA Educational Foundation was created under the direction of the California Grocers Association Board of Directors in 1992. Its mission is to provide financial assistance to advance the educational goals of CGA member company employees and their dependents and offer educational programs to advance the grocery industry.

For more information, visit www.CGAEF.org.

Eric Stille, President and CEO of Nugget Market, led another successful CGA Supplier Executive Council store tour on May 14 in Davis, CA.

Attendees were given an exclusive opportunity to gain an up-close look at the inner workings of Nugget Market and its culture. By the end of the tour, participants all understood why this family-owned upscale supermarket has made Fortune magazine’s “Top 100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the past eight years.

These exclusive store tours provide SEC members with an opportunity to learn about how retailers approach operational strategies and obtain insights on customer shopping patterns directly from executives of some of the top California grocery retailers. Future SEC store tours will include Super King Market and Northgate Gonzalez Markets.

To learn more about becoming a CGA Supplier Executive Council member, email Sunny Chang, or call (916) 448-3545.