The arrival of a second child creates a whole new look at grocery shopping

Before my son was born, I was petrified of everything. How our life would change, how I would change, and that this whole making a new human thing was a terrible, terrible mistake.

My husband, on the other hand, was cool as a cucumber. He knew that our kid was going to be amazing, and we could be amazing parents, and all was right with the world. And of course, he knew that our kid would eat what we eat; we wouldn’t raise one of those brats that demand a special meal every night.

We’re a couple of weeks away from baby No. 2 making her appearance, and this go-around our roles are reversed. He’s scared of re-entering the realm of the utterly exhausted, while I know it will be chaos for me, chaos has become a comfortable status quo that is worth its weight in hugs and giggles.

To be honest, part of my newly-found sense of chill is that my standards are now much, much lower. The likelihood that I’ll stay up late to clean, dice, steam and puree all of her baby food from scratch as I did for her brother is pretty slim.

I’ve learned that applesauce from a pouch is infinitely more coveted than apples picked at a local orchard that have been stewed and mashed at home, and that organic food is to be purchased strategically. Dairy, the dirty dozen, and some well-established favorites are about all the organic items I will fit into my $500 a month grocery budget.

Almost everything else will end up in my (ever expanding) dog or my vacuum anyway. And of course, I know that chicken nuggets shaped like dinosaurs are a food group in and of themselves.

I once heard the CEO of a children’s store chain talk about how the vast majority of their revenue comes from first-time parents. When subsequent kids come along parents spend far, far less, either because they already have what they need or because they know that kids don’t need much at all.

I’m no expert, but I’d say when it comes to feeding small children the opposite is true. As pro parents this go around we are no longer under the misconception that toddlers will happily gobble up tofu stir-fries or shakshuka for dinner.

Most of our grocery budget is spent with the nourishment and cooperation of tiny humans in mind. The rest of us…well, we’re just learning to appreciate a good dinosaur-shaped budget.

In case you missed it, a recent article from The Beach Reporter explored the ramifications of a ban of polystyrene use for meat trays in the City of Manhattan Beach.

From the article:

But the city may be caught on a meat hook when it comes to polystyrene.

Local officials are seeking to ban foam meat trays, a move environmentalists overwhelmingly support.

But there may be unforeseen outcomes, such as more trash and the discontinuation of certain products offered in Manhattan Beach, according to grocery industry experts.

City officials postponed a decision on the meat tray ban, citing concerns from CGA’s local government expert, Tim James.

Quoted in the article, James pointed to the lack of process and outreach conducted by Manhattan Beach:

The city hasn’t done the outreach to understand this and that’s why we ask them for a significant delay to walk them through these conversations. Last night there was a lot of misinformation presented and so we feel they are not making a decision based on accurate, real-world information, hence the request for the delay.

CGA is also cited in the report as James explained the drawbacks of pushing grocery retailers into alternatives that are not feasible.

An outright ban on polystyrene would push grocers to use compostable food packaging which just becomes trash because Manhattan Beach cannot properly dispose of it. You’re just trading out one piece of trash for another with zero environmental benefit.

The Council next met to discuss the issue on March 6, where CGA was able to secure an delayed timeline for implementation of Jan. 1, 2020 — along with the ability to apply for an additional one-year waiver.

Read the full story.

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.”

During the 2018 CGA Strategic Conference, grocery retailers, suppliers, and wholesalers met in Palm Springs to better develop their business intuition as attendees experienced the conference’s “Retailing with a Sixth Sense” program and coordinated industry meetings.

Below you will find a short video with tips for how to develop your business intuition, plus a photo gallery from the conference.

Watch: 7 takeaways from 2018 cga strategic conference

[FAG id=6225]

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].

Notice: The information in this report is subject to change and the situation may have evolved since the sending of this report.

Event: Hill and Woolsey Fires in Ventura and LA Counties

Acres Burned / Containment:
Hill Fire: 6,100 acres, 0% contained
Woolsey Fire: 10,000 acres, 0% contained

Zip Codes in the Area: 90263, 90264, 90265, 91301, 91302, 91303, 91304, 91305, 91307, 91308, 91309, 91320, 91360, 91361, 91362, 91364, 91365, 91367, 91372, 93010, 93012, 93021, 93030, 93033, 93036, 93065, 93066, 93063 93064, 93065, 93094, 93099

Critical Infrastructure Impacted: primarily power

Highways Impacted: 101

Structures Threatened: 450+

Full Report: 2018.11.09 Sit Rep Hill and Woolsey Fires