Fong Appointed to Newsom Task Force

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Advisory group tasked to jump-start state’s economy

SACRAMENTO, CA (April 17, 2020) – California Governor Gavin Newsom today appointed California Grocers Association President and CEO Ron Fong to serve on his bi-partisan Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, responsible with helping plan the state’s economic recovery following the financial calamity resulting from COVID-19.

“I am extremely honored to participate on this very impressive and diverse task force that gives the grocery industry a seat at the table as we work to get our state economy up and running again,” Fong said. California’s grocery industry is one of the state’s largest employers, employing more than 350,000 Californians.

“I look forward to collaborating with thought leaders from throughout California as we develop recommendations for both government and business to help revive our economy and guide the state back toward economic growth and recovery,” he added.

The 80-member task force is co-chaired by former U.S. presidential candidate and billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer and Gov. Newsom’s Chief of Staff Ann O’Leary, and includes representatives from business, labor, environment, social justice, state legislature and four former California governors.

“This is a tremendous honor for our industry to be represented on this task force,” said CGA chair Phil Miller, C&S Wholesale Grocers. “This pandemic has hit families and businesses in ways none of us could have ever imagined. Ron is uniquely positioned to add a valuable perspective as he represents California’s grocery Industry which sits squarely on the front lines of helping keep families feed and energized as we collectively navigate through this crisis.”

Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery Advisory Members

Gov. Newsom Press Release: Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery

Kendra Doyel Elected Chair

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For Immediate Release

Contact:  Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications

Tel: 916.448.3545 • Fax: 916.448.2793

Website: www.cagrocers.com; E-mail: [email protected]

KENDRA DOYEL, RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY, ELECTED

CALIFORNIA GROCERS ASSOCIATION CHAIR OF THE BOARD

SACRAMENTO, CA (Nov. 30, 2018) – Kendra Doyel, Senior Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations for Ralphs Grocery Company, a subsidiary of Kroger, was elected the 2018-2019 California Grocers Association Chair of the Board of Directors at the Association’s Annual Meeting on Nov. 30, 2018.

As Chair, Doyel will lead the Board’s strategy regarding CGA’s numerous legislative, educational, communications and industry-related programs. The Association is comprised of more than 300 retail companies operating more than 6,000 stores in California and Nevada. The chair serves for one year. She succeeds Immediate Past Chair Bob Parriott, Twain Harte Markets.

“We are very excited to have Kendra serve as our chair for the coming year,” says CGA President Ron Fong. “Her expertise in government relations, along with her extensive knowledge of the grocery industry will be a tremendous benefit to our association.”

In accepting the Board reigns, Doyel said her focus during her time as chair will be to “elevate CGA in any possible way.” Her goal is to make CGA the “go-to” source for California grocery information. The Ralphs executive is the fourth woman to serve as CGA Chair. Two women now serving on the Board’s Executive Committee are slated to become CGA chair in the next three years.

In addition to Doyel, the following individuals were elected to the 2018-2019 CGA Board of Directors Executive Committee: First Vice Chair, Phil Miller, C&S Wholesale; Second Vice Chair, Hee-Sook Nelson, Gelson’s Markets; Treasurer, Renee Amen, Super A Foods; Secretary, Dennis Darling, Foods Etc.; and Immediate Past Chair, Bob Parriott, Twain Harte Markets

Chair appointments to the Executive Committee include: Dave Jones, Kellogg Company; Kevin Arceneaux, Mondelez International Inc.; and Lynn Melillo, Bristol Farms. Independent Operator Committee Chair Elliott Stone, Mollie Stone’s Market, was elected as an Executive Committee member. Stone replaces Dennis Darling who was elected Secretary.

Directors elected to their first full three-year term include: Jeanne-ette Boshoff, MillerCoors; Pamela Burke, Grocery Outlet, Inc.; Saj Khan, Nugget Markets; Greg King, California Fresh Market; Nancy Krystal, Jelly Belly Candy Co.; Hillen Lee, Procter & Gamble; Skip Nugent, Best Buy Markets IGA; Bob Richardson, The Clorox Company; Jeff Severns, PepsiCo Inc.; Scott Silverman, KeHE Distributors.

Directors elected to their second three-year term include: Denny Belcastro, Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Bob Bukovec, Tyson Foods, Inc.; Steve Dietz, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI); Michel LeClerc, North State Grocery; Mark McLean, CROSSMARK. Former CGA Chair Jim Wallace, Sprouts Farmers Market, was elected an honorary board member.

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 300 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies.

CGA Headquarters Construction Begins

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New Sacramento office to be located in historic downtown building.

June 22, 2018 – Sacramento, Calif. – Construction has begun on the future downtown Sacramento headquarters of the California Grocers Association and CGA Educational Foundation, according to CGA President & CEO Ron Fong.

The Association purchased the historic office building, located at 1005 12th Street, in 2015 with the intention of remodeling the century-old structure once its lease at the Esquire Plaza, 1215 K Street, expires in mid-2018. The building, built in 1925, opened as a single-store retail site just down the block from the city’s first public market at 13th and J streets.

“This purchase represents a sound investment for the Association,” said CGA Chair Bob Parriott, Twain Harte Market, Twain Harte, Calif.

The 20,544 square foot three-level structure is anchored by a FedEx Office Print & Ship Center on the corner of J and 12th Street. Additional retail space, including a Wells Fargo ATM, occupy the ground level. The Association is managing the building under the name Aisle 3 Concepts, LLC.

“We’re excited to be part of downtown Sacramento’s revitalization and owning a historic part of the city,” said Fong, adding that CGA is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. “We are very pleased that our architects were able to preserve the building’s Spanish colonial design from the 1920s.”

(l to r) Ron Fong, CGA; Jim Wallace, Kathleen Smith, The Albertsons Companies; Bill Parriott, Twain Harte Market; Kendra Doyel, Ralphs Grocery Co.; Hee-Sook Nelson, Gelson’s Markets; Lynn Melillo, Bristol Farms; Renee Amen, Super A Foods; Dennis Darling, Foods Etc., Phil Miller, C&S Wholesale Grocers.

The Association will occupy the structure’s second floor following a complete renovation that will feature a mixed-use of executive offices, cubicles and collaboration rooms.

The lower level will be renovated to include a large association meeting/instructional training room and potential tenant space. Additional improvements include seismic and other structural upgrades, an elevator and enhancements to the exterior façade.

CGA selected the Sacramento-based architectural firm Williams + Paddon to redesign the historic building, and Wells Construction, Inc. as the general contractor.

CGA President Inducted Into Hall of Fame

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California Grocers Association President & Chief Executive Officer Ron Fong was one of five grocery executives to be inducted into the Food Industry Sales Association (FISA) Hall of Fame on April 12, 2018, during a gala dinner in Danville, Calif.

Also inducted were Joe Falvey, SuperValu/Market Centre; Kevin Konkel, Raley’s; Steve Junqueiro, Save Mart Companies (retired) and Bob Wilson (posthumously), Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream.

Nearly 300 family, friends and associates attended the event at the prestigious Blackhawk Museum. A family member or work associate introduced each inductee. Introducing CGA President Ron Fong was his son Jaden, a senior at Jesuit High School in Carmichael, Calif.

In accepting the award, Fong recognized the tremendous contributions all four inductees have made to California’s grocery industry and their involvement with CGA. Both Konkel and Falvey served as chair of the CGA Board of Directors. Junqueiro and Wilson, who passed away in 2016, were also previously inducted into the CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement.

Fong is the first non-retailer to be inducted into the FISA Hall of Fame, since its first inductee, Tom Raley, Raley’s, received the award in 1979. Members of the CGA, CGA Educational Foundation and Retail Marketing Service boards were in attendance. “I can’t thank our board members enough for coming out to support this worthy association and the inductees for tonight’s Hall of Fame,” said Fong. “They all made the night special.”

“This is a very prestigious honor, and I’m very humbled to be selected along with Bob Wilson as the first non-retailers to enter this elite group of grocery icons,” said Fong. “I congratulate my fellow inductees. They are all very deserving of this award.”

Proceeds from the dinner fund the FISA’s Scholarship Program, which annually provides scholarships to deserving students from retailer and FISA member families who exhibit leadership in school and community activities and demonstrate superior scholastic achievement.

FISA is a not-for-profit organization of Northern California retail food industry sales managers and brokers. Its mission is to encourage positive working relationships in the grocery community while providing annual scholarships.

Click here for event photos.

Fong Receives National Award

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Ronald Fong Honored with NGA Association Leadership Award

April 11, 2018 – Arlington, VA – The National Grocers Association (NGA) today presented Ronald Fong, California Grocers Association (CGA) President and CEO with its Association Leadership Award for his commitment and service to the independent supermarket industry.

Peter Larkin, NGA, with Ron Fong, CGA.

“On behalf of the independent supermarket industry, I am pleased to honor and recognize Ron for his talent and dedication for the independent supermarket industry. Ron has been a passionate and enthusiastic industry leader throughout his career in his government relations work and successfully helping CGA to grow its membership,” said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO, NGA.

Fong assumed the reigns of CGA as President and Chief Executive Officer on March 31, 2008.  CGA serves a large and diverse membership comprised of 400 retail members, which includes national and regional grocery chains, independent operators, convenience stores and grocery wholesalers, and over 150 manufacturers and suppliers. As CGA’s president and CEO he is responsible the association’s strategic direction and staff which includes departments in government relations, communications and business conferences. He is also President to the CGA Educational Foundation, which funds college scholarships and tuition reimbursement to member employees and their family members.

During his tenure at CGA, Fong worked to defeat California’s Proposition 37, the mandatory GMO labeling for grocery retail, the passage of SB 270, the first statewide plastic bag ban, and most notably, he successfully navigated the merger of the California Independent Grocers Association into CGA while ensuring that a strong voice for the state’s independent operators would be maintained.

Fong joined the association after 12 years with the California Credit Union League (CCUL) where he was Vice President of State Government Affairs. He was responsible for the League’s 10-person Sacramento office and directed its advocacy program.

Prior to that, he was Corporate President for United Market, Inc., his family’s independent grocery company operating neighborhood stores in the Sacramento region. He grew up working in his family’s stores and understands the grocery industry from the backroom to the boardroom. His grandfather started Carmichael Supermarket in 1941, the first grocery market in his home town of Carmichael.

NGA initiated this award over a decade ago to honor and recognize state association executives who work tirelessly in their states on behalf of the independent supermarket industry.

Past recipients of this special recognition include Kathy Kuzava, President of the Georgia Food Industry Association, Tom Woodmansee, former president of the North Dakota Grocers Association, Brandon Scholz, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association; Jan Gee, president and CEO of the Washington Food Industry Association; Kathy Siefken, executive director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association; Jim Olsen, president of the Food Industry Association Executives; Tom Jackson, former president/CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association; Dan Shaul, state director of the Missouri Grocers Association; Jim Rogers, retired president and CEO of the Food Industry Alliance of New York; Pat Hicks, retired executive director Kentucky Grocers Association; and Jerry Fleagle, former president and CEO Iowa Grocery Industry Association.

Photo (l to r): Aaron Moreno, CGA; Kevin Davis, Bristol Farms; Leslie Sarasin, FMI, Ron Fong, CGA; Peter Larkin, NGA; Stacia Levenfeld, Save Mart Supermarkets; Kate Stille, Nugget Markets

CGA Honors “Legislator of the Year”

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ASSEMBLYMEMBER JIM COOPER RECEIVES
CGA “LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR” AWARD

Former law enforcement officer recognized for efforts to curb growing theft epidemic.

Assemblymember Jim Cooper with CGA 1st Vice Chair Kendra Doyel, Ralphs Grocery Co.

SACRAMENTO, CA (April 3, 2018) –– Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) was awarded the California Grocers Association 2018 “Legislator of the Year” Award during CGA’s annual Grocers Day at the Capitol event on Tuesday, April 3.

Cooper was honored for “being an exemplary public servant and a friend of the grocery industry in California,” said CGA First Vice Chair Kendra Doyel, Ralphs Grocery Company, who presented the award.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as CGA’s Legislator of the Year,” said Assemblymember Cooper. “California grocers often face step hurdles and very slim profit margins. As a state Assemblymember I recognize these difficulties and have fought to help our  grocery industry succeed, helping keep costs low for consumers.”

The former Elk Grove mayor and retired law enforcement officer was also recognized for his efforts to legislatively address the growing theft epidemic facing the grocery industry statewide.

“Assemblymember Cooper had the courage to take those in his own party who saw nothing wrong with the status quo that has encouraged more people to steal with impunity,” added CGA President & CEO Ron Fong.

For 30 years, Cooper worked in law enforcement, serving in the Sacramento Sheriff’s department at all levels where he worked undercover in the narcotics unit and gangs unit for nearly a decade; earned a Bronze Star for Bravery during the Good Guys hostage crisis in 1991; and served as the department’s spokesperson.

“He has been a champion of the grocery industry and the greater business community, as well as a tireless advocate for public safety,” Doyel said. “It is for these reasons that we are proud to honor Jim Cooper for being an exemplary public servant and a friend of the grocery industry in California.”

Foundation Inducts Two Industry Icons

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Scroll down to view this year’s Hall of Achievement event in pictures.

Kevin Davis, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Bristol Farms, and Robert (Bob) Kelly, Executive Vice President, Hidden Villa Ranch, were inducted into the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement on March 21, 2018, during a gala event at the Hilton Costa Mesa in Costa Mesa, Calif.

The Hall of Achievement honors grocery retailers and suppliers who have contributed substantially to the advancement of the grocery industry. Nearly 500 well-wishers from throughout the industry were on hand to honor the two inductees.

“Tonight we recognize two industry icons for their life-long commitment and dedication to this fantastic industry,” said Foundation President Ron Fong, who then outlined the criteria for induction. “I think you’ll agree that Kevin and Bob certainly meet the requirements.”

Foundation Chair Brad Askeland, North State Grocery, also praised Davis and Kelly for their contributions to California’s grocery industry.

“Bob and Kevin have proven throughout their careers that education can come in many forms and valued in many ways,” Askeland said. “Providing and creating similar opportunities to improve our industry through your support of the Foundation is why we are all here tonight.”

Proceeds from the event help fund the Foundation’s college scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs. For the 2018-19 academic year, the Foundation will award over 300 scholarships totaling more than $500,000. The Foundation will disburse more than $200,000 in tuition reimbursement in 2018.

For 26 years the CGA Educational Foundation has provided financial assistance to advance the educational goals of CGA-member employees and their dependents and offers educational programs for the grocery industry. Since that time, more than $7 million in college scholarships and tuition reimbursement grants has been awarded to grocery employees and their families.

 

ABOUT OUR HONOREES

Kevin Davis
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Bristol Farms

Kevin Davis is Chairman & CEO of Bristol Farms; Chairman of Lazy Acres, the preeminent specialty food and natural food stores in Southern California; and CEO of Good Food Holdings, their holding company.

Kevin started in the food industry in 1970 as a box boy. He joined Ralphs Grocery Company in 1974 and worked all store level jobs through promotion to Store Manager in 1980. In 1985, Kevin was promoted to Assistant District Manager and one year later to District Manager. That same year he was promoted to Director of Sales and Advertising. In 1988, he was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Advertising, and later to Senior Vice President of Marketing.

Kevin left Ralphs after 21 years to become Executive Vice President of Bristol Farms. He was promoted by the Board of Directors to President in July of 1996 and less than one year later was promoted to Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.

Kevin is a past Chair of the California Grocers Association, President Emeritus of the Western Association of Food Chains and Past Chair of Unified Western Grocers and currently serves as the Chair of Food Marketing Institute. He was also a Director and Past Chair of California Hospital Medical Center Foundation Board, and Past President for the Food Industry Circle at City of Hope.

Supported by full scholarships from the food industry’s Western Association of Food Chains, Kevin graduated from the USC Food Industry Management Program in 1978 and later graduated as Class President of the Executive Program in the Graduate School of Business at UCLA.

In 1986, Business Week name him one of the 50 “Fast Track Kids” in American business and, in 1998, was named by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of their 30 “Up and Comers” in Los Angeles business. Kevin was named Alumnus of the Year by the USC Food Industry Management Program in 1999 and Executive of the Year in 2011.

Married for 35 years, Kevin and his wife, Cindy, have seven children and three grandchildren.

Robert (Bob) J. Kelly
Executive Vice President
Hidden Villa Ranch

Robert “Bob” Kelly is Executive Vice President of Hidden Villa Ranch. He grew up in rural San Diego County on a small family poultry farm and graduated in 1975 from San Diego State University with a degree in Microbiology. After graduation Bob held several positions in different industries. Eventually, he became the Sales Manager with Embly Ranch in San Diego. In 1996, Hidden Villa Ranch bought Embly Ranch and the Pine Hill division was born. Bob is Executive Vice President for the Pine Hill division and is responsible for all operations, sales and marketing.

His professional organizations include board position with the Orange County Council Boy Scouts and an officer with the Illuminators, one of the largest industry trade organizations in the retail food business. Past association involvement has included board positions with Pacific Egg and Poultry Association, California Egg Commission, Embly Ranch, Sunshine Foods and Coast Packaging.

Bob also devotes a large amount of time to several charitable organizations including City of Hope, Boy Scouts of America, Easter Seals, Illuminators Educational Foundation, CGA Educational Foundation, and Olive Crest, where he has received the “Ambassador for The Children” award.

Bob and his wife, Linda, live in Upland, Calif., and have been married for over 26 years. They have one daughter. Bob has a son from a previous marriage and has two grandchildren.

CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement

The CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement provides the food industry with the opportunity to recognize the achievements of those individuals who, through their foresight and dedication, have enhanced California’s food distribution industry. Proceeds from the event help fund the Foundation’s college scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs.

“The Foundation appreciates the tremendous support it has received from the grocery industry over the last 26 years,” said Shiloh London, Executive Director, CGA Educational Foundation. “Their generous donations allow the Foundation to achieve its mission of providing financial assistance to advance the educational goals of CGA member company employees and their dependents and offers educational programs for the grocery industry.”

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.

 

[FAG id=5648]

Foundation to Honor Industry Execs

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SACRAMENTO, CA  – Kevin Davis, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Bristol Farms, and Robert (Bob) Kelly, Executive Vice President, Hidden Villa Ranch, will be inducted into the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement on March 21, 2018, at the Hilton Costa Mesa in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Proceeds from the event help fund the Foundation’s college scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs. For the 2018-19 academic year, the Foundation will award over 300 scholarships totaling more than $500,000. The Foundation will disburse more than $200,000 in tuition reimbursement in 2018.

The Hall of Achievement was created in 1992, to recognize grocery retailers and suppliers who have contributed substantially to the advancement of the grocery industry. Well-wishers from throughout the industry will be on hand to honor these individuals for their contributions to the California food industry.

“Both Kevin and Bob definitely meet the criteria for this very prestigious honor,” said Ronald Fong, President of the CGA Educational Foundation. “Their lifelong commitment to the grocery industry and the communities they serve is unquestionable. They have also been tremendous supporters of the Foundation. We are honored to have them join the such an elite group of grocery professionals.”

For 26 years the CGA Educational Foundation has provided financial assistance to advance the educational goals of CGA-member employees and their dependents and offers educational programs for the grocery industry. Since that time, more than $7 million in college scholarships and tuition reimbursement grants has been awarded to grocery employees and their families.

 

ABOUT OUR HONOREES

Kevin Davis
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Bristol Farms

Kevin Davis is Chairman & CEO of Bristol Farms; Chairman of Lazy Acres, the preeminent specialty food and natural food stores in Southern California; and CEO of Good Food Holdings, their holding company.

Kevin started in the food industry in 1970 as a box boy. He joined Ralphs Grocery Company in 1974 and worked all store level jobs through promotion to Store Manager in 1980. In 1985, Kevin was promoted to Assistant District Manager and one year later to District Manager. That same year he was promoted to Director of Sales and Advertising. In 1988, he was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Advertising, and later to Senior Vice President of Marketing.

Kevin left Ralphs after 21 years to become Executive Vice President of Bristol Farms. He was promoted by the Board of Directors to President in July of 1996 and less than one year later was promoted to Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.

Kevin is a past Chair of the California Grocers Association, President Emeritus of the Western Association of Food Chains and Past Chair of Unified Western Grocers and currently serves as the Chair of Food Marketing Institute. He was also a Director and Past Chair of California Hospital Medical Center Foundation Board, and Past President for the Food Industry Circle at City of Hope.

Supported by full scholarships from the food industry’s Western Association of Food Chains, Kevin graduated from the USC Food Industry Management Program in 1978 and later graduated as Class President of the Executive Program in the Graduate School of Business at UCLA.

In 1986, Business Week name him one of the 50 “Fast Track Kids” in American business and, in 1998, was named by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of their 30 “Up and Comers” in Los Angeles business. Kevin was named Alumnus of the Year by the USC Food Industry Management Program in 1999 and Executive of the Year in 2011.

Married for 35 years, Kevin and his wife, Cindy, have seven children and three grandchildren.

 

Robert (Bob) J. Kelly
Executive Vice President
Hidden Villa Ranch

Robert “Bob” Kelly is Executive Vice President of Hidden Villa Ranch. He grew up in rural San Diego County on a small family poultry farm and graduated in 1975 from San Diego State University with a degree in Microbiology. After graduation Bob held several positions in different industries. Eventually, he became the Sales Manager with Embly Ranch in San Diego. In 1996, Hidden Villa Ranch bought Embly Ranch and the Pine Hill division was born. Bob is Executive Vice President for the Pine Hill division and is responsible for all operations, sales and marketing.

His professional organizations include board position with the Orange County Council Boy Scouts and an officer with the Illuminators, one of the largest industry trade organizations in the retail food business. Past association involvement has included board positions with Pacific Egg and Poultry Association, California Egg Commission, Embly Ranch, Sunshine Foods and Coast Packaging.

Bob also devotes a large amount of time to several charitable organizations including City of Hope, Boy Scouts of America, Easter Seals, Illuminators Educational Foundation, CGA Educational Foundation, and Olive Crest, where he has received the “Ambassador for The Children” award.

Bob and his wife, Linda, live in Upland, Calif., and have been married for over 26 years. They have one daughter. Bob has a son from a previous marriage and has two grandchildren.

 

CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement

The CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement provides the food industry with the opportunity to recognize the achievements of those individuals who, through their foresight and dedication, have enhanced California’s food distribution industry. Proceeds from the event help fund the Foundation’s college scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs.

“The Foundation appreciates the tremendous support it has received from the grocery industry over the last 26 years,” said Shiloh London, Executive Director, CGA Educational Foundation. “Their generous donations allow the Foundation to achieve its mission of providing financial assistance to advance the educational goals of CGA member company employees and their dependents and offers educational programs for the grocery industry.”

For more information on the Hall of Achievement, visit www.cgaef.org, or call 916.448.3545.

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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.

Symposium Features Top Presenters

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Independent grocery operators, wholesalers and supplier partners from throughout California recently gathered in Hawaii to relax, recharge and listen to informative international speakers provide new perspectives on building their businesses.

The presentations were part of the 2018 CGA Independent Operators Symposium, CGA’s annual gathering designed specifically for independent grocers, held this year at the spectacular St. Regis Princeville Resort on the garden island of Kauai.

Headlining this year’s Symposium were three inspiring presenters that explored how to create a  positive team culture, understand the entrepreneurial process used by start-ups and define, develop and celebrate leadership everyday.

“This was another profoundly impactful Symposium,” said Ron Fong, CGA President & CEO. “That was evidenced by the tremendous involvement and enthusiasm of attendees in each presentation. Each speaker was incredibly inspiring. Everyone definitely left with new ideas and approaches they can implement immediately with their teams.”

Inspirational Speakers

The Symposium’s educational program kicked off on Tuesday with a lively, engaging and entertaining workshop featuring Galen Emanuele, president of Shift Yes, and trained improviser who has toured with the likes of improve legend Ryan Stiles of “Whose Line Is It Anyways.”

Applying the techniques of improvisation, Emanuele enlisted attendees in a series of enthusiastic communication building exercises that revealed the skills to listen, be present and positive and embrace change and failure to drive team culture to higher levels of performance and involvement.

“Galen was fantastic in drawing everyone into engaging in his communication-building exercises,” Fong said. “It was obvious everyone was having a great time while learning new ideas. Several attendees came up to me afterwards and said they want him to speak to their companies.”

On Wednesday, Aaron Montgomery, co-founder & COO of CarLotz, a car consignment company on the East Coast, challenged attendees to tap into their start-up spirit and apply a systematic approach to testing, analyzing and refining new concepts. In sharing his journey as an entrepreneur, Montgomery was able to share the tools and techniques he used to build a successful business.

“Aaron really challenged our folks to examine their operations and to tap into their entrepreneurial spirt that is the cornerstone of independent grocers,” Fong said.

The educational program culminated on Day 3 with an emotionally inspired presentation by Drew Dudley that centered on defining your value as a leader and communicating and acknowledging those values with your team. Recognized as one of the most dynamic keynote speakers in the world, Dudley captivated attendees with his stories and messages of “everyday leadership.”

“Drew perfecting united all three presentations into one cohesive message,” Fong said. “His thought-provoking remarks were straight from the heart and I believe inspired everyone to focus on what leadership really looks like which “has nothing to do with position, wealth, or prestigue” where we as leaders can have a powerful impact in encouraging our employees to reach new heights, both professionally and personally.”

Great Networking and Social Events

Along with the educational program, CGA’s annual symposium also allowed for plenty of opportunity for attendees to network and socialize.

“Independents are unique because they are so willing to share information with each other,” Fong said. “It’s a camaraderie that is really unique to independent grocers and a huge part of this event.”

The Symposium schedule also allowed for plenty of time for rest and relaxation in what many consider the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands.

“We promote this event as the perfect opportunity for independents to step away from their day-to-day operations in an effort to gain a new perspective on leading their businesses,” Fong said. “I think we successfully accomplished that.”

Fong added that the Symposium could not have succeeded without the generous support of its sponsoring companies – Bimbo Bakeries USA, C&S Wholesale Grocers, CGA Educational Foundation, Kimberly-Clark, Post Consumer Brands, Retail Marketing Services and SuperValu.

Independent grocers and industry suppliers are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan to attend the next CGA Independent Symposium on January 6-13, 2019. The location is yet to be determined.

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CGA Issues Statement Regarding AB 875

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Response to AB 875 Failing to Pass Out of Assembly Public Safety Committee

(January 9, 2018) “We are disappointed the Assembly Public Safety Committee did not pass AB 875 today. The measure would have provided much needed relief from the increasing losses that grocers and retailers across California are experiencing as a result of laws that enable criminals to steal with no threat of a felony.  Without a fix, grocers and other retailers will suffer higher losses, employees will be put in harm’s way from increasingly violent thieves, and shoppers will ultimately pay the consequences at the register.”

 

Related Link

Press Release – Assemblyman Jim Cooper