Representatives from the California Grocers Association and several member companies, including Northgate Gonzalez Markets, El Super, Vons and Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market enjoyed lunch with Assemblyman Gil Cedillo (D – Los Angeles) on Friday, March 6.

Cedillo has served in the Legislature since 1998 when he was first elected to the State Assembly. Four years later he won a seat in the State Senate where he served two terms, returning to the Assembly in 2010. Cedillo is currently seeking election to the Los Angeles City Council in the 1st District.

Photo: (from l to r) Joe Angulo, El Super; Sarah Paulson Sheehy, CGA; Robin Howard, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market; Assemblyman Gil Cedillo; Ron Fong, CGA and Frank Aguirre, El Super.

The U.S. Supreme Court on January 23, 2012, denied a Petition for Certiorari filed by the Pacific Legal Foundation on behalf of the California Grocers Association (CGA) that challenged the legality of the City of Los Angeles’ Grocery Worker Retention Ordinance.

The ordinance requires grocery companies that acquire an existing grocery store location to retain the employees of the predecessor company in certain circumstances. CGA had originally filed a lawsuit in 2006 against the City of Los Angeles to overturn the ordinance. Two lower courts ruled in favor of CGA stating the ordinance was preempted by existing federal authority over labor-management relations.

Last July, the California Supreme Court reversed those decisions concluding that federal labor law does not give an employer the absolute right to choose its employees, and does not prevent state and local governments from regulating hiring and firing decisions.

In November, the Pacific Legal Foundation was retained by CGA to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for review of the California high court’s ruling. PLF argued that compelling retention of employees after a new owner acquired a store would violate the new owner’s negotiating rights under federal labor law by potentially binding the employer in an unwanted relationship with an individual employee and their union.

“We are very disappointed with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision denying review of our case,” said CGA President Ronald Fong. “Despite the Court’s decision, I am confident the Association did the right thing in challenging this very damaging ordinance.”

Three other cities, San Francisco, Gardena and Santa Monica have passed similar ordinances.

The court denied review without comment.

CGA and the CGA Educational Foundation will have new mission statements if approved by their governing boards in the coming months. A cross section of CGA members met last week to develop the statements. Included in the committee were representatives from both the CGA Board of Directors and the CGAEF Board of Trustees.

The goal according to CGA President Ron Fong was to create mission statements that better reflect the Association’s and Foundation’s evolving direction and focus.

“I was very impressed by the level of engagement by our committee participants,” said Fong said. “They drove the entire development of both mission statements.”

CGA’s Convention Committee met January 24 to develop the program for the 2012 CGA Strategic Conference, Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The annual grocery gathering returns to California for the first time since 1996.

“We’re excited to bring the show back to California this year,” said CGA President Ron Fong. “We’re equally excited to build on the tremendous momentum that came out of last year’s show. This will definitely be a ‘can’t miss’ event for anyone doing business in California.”

Committee discussion topics included additional educational offerings, enhanced networking events and expanded sponsorship opportunities.

The California Grocers Association on Dec. 28, 2011, filed a petition for writ of mandate to stay a California Alcoholic Beverage Control Industry Advisory that attempts to provide guidance in complying with a new state law to regulate alcoholic beverage sales at assisted self-checkout terminals.

CGA claims the Advisory is inconsistent with the statute, unenforceable, and in violation of the California Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

The new law, Business and Professions Code Section 23394.7, takes effect January 1, 2012. The law provides that “no privileges under an off-sale license shall be exercised by the licensee at any customer-operated checkout stand located on the licensee’s physical premises.”

“The Advisory attempts to provide grocery retailers guidance on how to comply with the new law, by defining one of the law’s key provisions. But the definition is vague and the Advisory is an illegal underground regulation,” said CGA President Ron Fong. “The Advisory is as unclear as the law itself. To protect our members, CGA was forced to file this writ.”

Rather than issue this Advisory, Fong said, the ABC should follow standard procedure and promulgate regulations through the APA.

“We strongly disagree with the ABC’s attempted interpretation of the new law,” Fong said, adding CGA met with ABC officials to discuss the new law. “What was discussed in our meetings was significantly different than the Industry Advisory released last week.”

CGA filed the writ in the California Third District Court of Appeal. In addition to requesting the advisory be withdrawn, CGA requested the Court immediately issue an alternative writ of mandate that stays the effectiveness of the advisory pending a final ruling by the Court.

Jonathan Mayes, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Government Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy for Safeway Inc., was elected the 2011-2012 California Grocers Association Chairman of the Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on Dec. 2, 2011.

As Chairman, Mayes will oversee the Association’s numerous legislative, educational and industry related programs. CGA is comprised of more than 400 retail companies operating more than 6,000 stores in California and Nevada. The chair serves for one year. He succeeds Immediate Past Chair Jim Amen, President and CEO of Super A Foods, Inc., City of Commerce, CA.

“Jonathan’s considerable government relations knowledge coupled with his industry experience will be a tremendous asset as the Association continues to expand its presence in the Capitol,” said CGA President and CEO Ronald K. Fong.

In addition to Mayes, the following individuals were elected to the 2011-2012 CGA Board of Directors Executive Committee: First Vice Chair, Kevin Davis, Bristol Farms; Second Vice Chair, John Quinn, Food 4 Less (Stockton)/Times Supermarkets; Treasurer, Mary Kasper, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market; Secretary, Kevin Konkel, Raley’s; and Past Chair, Jim Amen, Super A Foods, Inc.

This year’s Chairman’s appointments to the Executive Committee include: Dave Jones, Kellogg Company, Mike Read, WinCo Foods, Inc.; and Dora Wong, Coca-Cola Company. Wong was also elected for a second three-year term.

Directors elected for their first full three-year term include: John Eagan, Costco Wholesale; Rick Fry, Cardenas Markets; Ric Hamacher, Bimbo Bakeries, USA; Dave Huettl, Albertsons/ SUPERVALU; Frank Jimenez, The Hershey Company; John Kok, Procter & Gamble; Dan Meyer, Stater Bros. Markets; Phil Miller, C&S Wholesale Grocers; John Parke, E&J Gallo Winery; Harish Solanki, Big Saver Foods, Inc.; and Mike Stamper, Nestle DSD.

Former Chairman of the Board George Frahm, Stater Bros. Markets, was nominated an Honorary Board Member.

The California Grocers Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Sarah Paulson Sheehy as Director, Local Government Relations, Southern California, effective November 29, 2011.

In this position, Sheehy is responsible for CGA’s local government advocacy and outreach for the Southern California region. In addition, she will research and analyze ordinances and regulatory proposals, draft advocacy plans and messages and communicate with elected officials and regulatory staff, and member companies. Sheehy will also serve as CGA’s representative in Southern California on many Association issues. Her office is located in Burbank, CA.

Sheehy joins CGA after three plus years at Cerrell Associates, a Los Angeles-based lobbying and consulting firm, where she was responsible for media relations and communications, advocacy, and grassroots development for a variety of clients.

Additionally, Sheehy has worked for public and private entities including Miramax Films, the Los Angeles Unified School District and Shallman Communications, one of the foremost campaign consulting firms in Southern California. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the UCLA School of Public Affairs.

“CGA is very fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s experience and expertise join our government relations team,” said Keri Askew Bailey, CGA Vice President, Government Relations. “Her experience both in the public and private sectors will be tremendous assets and will greatly assist strengthening our advocacy program in Southern California.”

Sheehy replaces Matthew Dodson who recently accepted a position as Vice President for the California Shopping Cart Retrieval Corp., also based in Burbank, CA.

OP-ED: All San Mateo cities should adopt county bag ban
The Daily Journal (San Mateo County)

The recent passage of a model bag ban by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors could be a boon for the Bay without harming businesses. To protect the Bay from trash and level the playing field for businesses from San Jose to San Francisco, all cities in San Mateo County should adopt this simple, effective ordinance.

The ordinance bans single-use plastic bags at all retail stores, except restaurants, and requires businesses to charge customers a minimum of 10 cents for each paper bag. The California Grocers Association supports this regional approach that creates consistency for businesses and consumers while benefiting the environment. Bans combined with store charges are also a powerful incentive to nudge consumers to bring their own reusable bags. According to the association, stores located in cities that require bag charges report that up to 90 percent of customers bring their own, a clear win for the environment.

The impact of plastic bag pollution on our rivers, bays and oceans is well documented. Plastic never biodegrades in a marine environment, and it smothers wetlands and chokes wildlife. Even if people are conscientious about not littering, lightweight bags blow out of uncovered garbage cans, down storm drains and into our waterways. Californians use 19 billion plastic bags annually, and at least 1 million end up in San Francisco Bay. Eliminating this pervasive litter doesn’t just benefit the environment; it saves cities from spending money to unclog storm drains and clean streets and creeks. Regulating bags will help everyone’s bottom line.

San Mateo County partnered with more than 20 cities, including six in neighboring Santa Clara County, and conducted a full environmental impact report to develop this model ordinance. The results speak for themselves in this week’s unanimous vote by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to approve the recommendation. Now it’s time for cities to move forward and adopt a uniform approach throughout the county.

A healthy San Francisco Bay is essential to our quality of life and our economy. As more cities ban plastic bags, and encourage consumer adoption of reusable bags region-wide, it will make a huge difference for the Bay and wildlife, while reducing consumer confusion.

Thanks to the leadership of San Francisco, San Jose and other cities, half the Bay Area population now lives in communities where bans on single-use plastic bags are in force or imminent. All cities in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties should join them, and make the whole Peninsula plastic bag-free.

David Lewis is executive director of Save The Bay, the San Francisco Bay Area’s oldest and largest organization working to protect and restore the Bay. Ron Fong is president and CEO of the California Grocers Association, a nonprofit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

Local businesses donate thousands of pounds of food and personal hygiene products.

FAIRFIELD, CA – (March 25, 2011) Family members of U.S. military personnel being evacuated from Japan in the wake of the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami had their lengthy processing layover at Travis Air Force Base eased by concerned local elected officials, area grocers and suppliers, and civic and church groups.

Beginning Wednesday morning, more than 600 individuals a day disembarked government aircraft after flying half way around the world and wait upwards of six hours in a base hanger to go through U.S. Customs and secure connecting flights to other parts of the U.S.

The sudden influx of parents, family members, children and pets quickly overwhelmed base officials and the call soon went out for help. Vacaville Councilmember Dilenna Harris contacted area grocers asking for donated products.

“We were impressed with how quickly the grocery industry stepped up to support our military families,” Councilmember Harris said. ‘Their overwhelming response speaks volumes to their support of our military and their families, as well as Solano County.”

Local grocery retailers including Raley’s, Safeway Inc., Save Mart Supermarkets, Walmart, and WinCo Foods, along with suppliers Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Jelly Belly Candy Company and Pepsi Beverages Co. quickly responded, providing the weary travellers with thousands of pounds of snacks, protein bars, crackers, fruit, beverages and personal hygiene products including hand sanitizers, baby wipes and diapers.

“Our members were ready and willing to help these voluntary evacuees get to their homes here in the states,” said California Grocers Association President Ronald Fong. “The outpouring of support by not only the grocery community but civic groups, churches and other organizations was awesome to witness.”

“As a former member of the U.S Air Force, I was impressed with the speed and volume of the grocery industry’s response,” said Solano County Supervisor Mike Reagan. “It shows how our grocers support our community in so many ways.”

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

SACRAMENTO, CA – (April 27, 2009) –Some see it as the “Green Revolution.” Others, the “Great Transition” or “Corporate Social Responsibility.” Whatever the title, sustainability has become the grocery industry’s mantra. But is it another buzzword or a long-term commitment? And how are grocery companies keeping green from turning the balance sheet red?

These are some of the questions and issues addressed in “Opportunity Through Responsibility” a Special Report on sustainability in the April edition of California Grocer and a must-read for everyone who follows the supermarket industry and needs to know the answer to one simple question – What’s Next?

“Sustainability was born out of an environmental movement that started in California and I am very proud to be in an industry that has really taken it to new levels in everything from reducing carbon footprints in the stores and the supply chain to buying sustainable products,” said Ronald Fong, CGA President and CEO.

“CGA, with the help of our members and other industry groups, is committed to the idea of making sustainability the standard by which every department in every company is measured,” he said. “We are convinced this is a core competency and part of a journey that is contributing to the well being of consumers in the state and to the fiscal health of retailers. It’s a matter of doing well by doing good.”

Examining the Issues

Sustainability has not only become a business and social imperative, but also a political magnet with no fewer than 60 pieces of legislation using the term “sustainability” to promote everything from carryout bags to a new generation of “green jobs.” And, if history repeats itself, what passes in California usually becomes a benchmark for the rest of the country.

This Special Report provides valuable insights into the issues and opportunities surrounding sustainability and a reference guide for future initiatives. Featured stories include:

• Defining Sustainability
• Legislative Initiatives
• Carbon Footprinting
• Water: The New Oil
• Green: California’s New Gold Rush
• What California Grocers Are Doing

Join California Grocer as it takes an inside look at a topic that is setting the stage for how we do business in the future.

For additional information, contact Dave Heylen, CGA, at (916) 448-3545.

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.