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 – The California Grocers Association recently joined Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to unveil an historical agreement that makes the private sector key partners in the state’s disaster response system with the intent to expedite relief efforts and maximize critical resources. The governor announced the signing of four Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) at a press conference on October 3, 2008, in San Diego. The four private sector partners include California Grocers Association, Business Executives for National Security, the California Utilities Emergency Association and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

The groundbreaking agreements are the first of many the state Office of Emergency Services (OES) plans to have signed that will allow government agencies to access emergency management professionals in the private sector at all times. In addition the private sector partners will have access to the State Operations Center during an emergency or natural disaster to staff a “Business Operations Center” now being established by the OES.

“These MOUs will allow for more targeted and efficient delivery of goods and services by formalizing 24-hour contacts with the private sector,” Schwarzenegger said. “Having the private sector side-by-side with state and federal emergency management personnel will expedite response activities and maximize resources.”

The governor said the MOUs mean California is now “better prepared than ever before for disasters, which is important especially now, at the start of Santa Ana wind season in Southern California.”

“We have the world’s best firefighters, police and first responders, but we all know government cannot do it all,” Schwarznegger said. “Making these kinds of public-private partnerships is exactly what California needs. I am so pleased that these private sector partners will be on call 24-7 for the people of California next time an emergency strikes.”

CGA President Ronald Fong participated in the press conference and lauded the partnering of state emergency services and the private sector during last year’s Southern California wildfires. “The coordinated effort between the public and private sector to provide aid and relief to the millions of California residents impacted by the devastating fires demonstrated how two separate entities, both with incredible resources at their disposal, can respond efficiently and effectively when called upon,” Fong said.

“Having access to all key government agencies in one central location, obtaining essential disaster information and updates in a timely manner, assisting with critical issues as they developed and the open exchange of ideas, processes, capabilities and contacts was crucial to the overwhelming success of last year’s wildfire relief efforts,” Fong added.

Grocery retailers from throughout California played a major role in providing food, water and other necessities to the Californians displaced by the 2007 Southern California wildfires, as well as for emergency responders and evacuation centers. With staff in the state’s emergency services command center in Sacramento, CGA was a key element in coordinating with state and local agencies the massive food and water relief effort.

The CGA president commended Governor Schwarzenegger for his leadership and vision in developing this unique public/private partnership.

Looking forward, Fong said the grocery industry views the MOU as just the beginning. “CGA looks forward to strengthening and expanding this important partnership in the months and years to come,” Fong said. “The grocery industry has a long history of answering the call for help. Streamlining the distribution system through coordinated planning and implementation will only strengthen our industry’s commitment to respond when disaster strikes.”

Several CGA members attended the signing ceremony including Albertsons, Vons and Whole Foods.

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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

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 (September 16, 2008) –Matthew Dodson has joined the California Grocers
Association government relations department as Director, Local Government Relations.

In this position, he is responsible for CGA’s local government advocacy and outreach for the
Southern California region. In addition, he will research and analyze ordinances and regulatory
proposals, draft advocacy plans and messages and communicate with elected officials and
regulatory staff, and member companies. Dodson will also serve as CGA’s representative in
Southern California on many association issues, a role that had been vacant since January. His
office is located in Burbank, CA.

Dodson served as Field Representative for California State Senator Jack Scott for the past two
years, representing the Senator at district events and researching policy issues. He previously
worked for California State Senator Debra Bowen and for City of Los Angeles Councilwoman
Cindy Miscikowski.

Additionally, he has worked for a number of political campaigns in Southern California.
Matthew has a Juris Doctor from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a
Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College.

“As we continue to strengthen our government relations team with experienced, career oriented
government relations professionals, Matthew will be a great addition to the team,” said CGA
President Ronald Fong. “His experience with state and local government will be invaluable to
the Association and will greatly assist in strengthening CGA’s advocacy program in Southern
California. By bringing back this position ‘in house,’ we are able to better serve the needs of our
members.”

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer Forkish, Tel: (818) 517-5551
Dave Heylen, Tel: 916.448.3545
E-mail: [email protected]

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

Bags Carry “Great Taste & Zero Waste” Message

Los Angeles, CA (April 18, 2008) – In celebration of Earth Day on April 21 and 22, 2008, members of the California Grocers Association and the City of Los Angeles will team up to distribute approximately 50,000 reusable shopping bags at more than 40 participating grocery stores throughout the city to encourage consumers to use reusable bags.

A diverse group of retailers including Albertsons, Inc., El Super, Food 4 Less, Henry’s Farmers Market, K.V. Mart, Pavilions, Ralphs Grocery Co., Smart & Final Stores, Superior Grocers and Vons, are participating in the two-day giveaway and each City Council district will have at least one participating store.

The two-day event kicks-off on Monday, April 21, at 6:00 am, or at the time of the store’s opening and one bag will be given with each customer transaction while supplies last.

CGA and Los Angeles officials believe the giveaway will significantly increase consumer awareness and use of reusable shopping bags. “Reusable shopping bags are a readily available, viable and cost effective alternative to traditional shopping bags and we encourage consumers to adopt their use,” said CGA President Ronald Fong. “We commend the City of Los Angeles for taking the lead in reusable bag awareness and education and hope this event sets the stage for partnerships with other municipalities throughout the state. We appreciate the efforts of our member companies to be part of the overall solution to reduce bag use in the state.”

The soft, durable polyester-like fiber bags are made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled water, soda and food containers and carry the message, “Great Taste & Zero Waste.”

“Encouraging reusable bag use is an important part of the grocery industry’s efforts to promote reduce, reuse and recycle shopping bags,” Fong said. “Government, industry and consumers must work collaboratively to resolve the issues of litter and waste. By combining our efforts we can effectively educate consumer’s to change their daily habits and significantly increase the use of reusable bags.”

Reusable bag use has increased since the implementation of AB 2449, the statewide plastic bag recycling law, last July. Along with requiring grocers to provide in-store plastic bag recycling, the law also calls for grocery retailers to provide reusable shopping bags for sale.

Participating stores and their representatives are available to comment upon request.

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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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793 1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814
E-mail: [email protected]

New President To Assume Duties on March 31, 2008

SACRAMENTO, CA (March 13, 2008) – California Grocers Association Chairman of the Board Richard E. Morgan, Jr., Holiday/Sav‐Mor Foods, announced today that Ronald Fong has been named the Association’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Fong joins CGA 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, Fong 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, the first grocery market in Carmichael, in 1941.

Morgan said CGA’s Executive Committee unanimously selected Fong from an impressive list of candidates based on his strong advocacy skills and knowledge of the legislative process.

“We are very fortunate to have an individual that fit all our main criteria,” Morgan said. “Ron is extremely enthusiastic about government relations, has a strong grocery background, is a native Californian and a lawyer. The Board of Directors believes he is the perfect candidate.”

While at CCUL, Fong was credited with aggressively expanding its legislative advocacy department through the implementation of a series of programs and initiatives including the re‐tooling of the League’s political advocacy committee or PAC, grassroots development and lobbying team.

“I have had the pleasure of working with many seriously talented government relations professionals at the California Credit Union League,” Fong said. “Together, we built a full‐scale government relations program that we believe to be among the best in California and Nevada.”

Fong’s appointment is the result of a nationwide search that began in January and is effective immediately. He will take up his new duties on March 31.

As President, Fong will serve as the Association’s chief legislative advocate and oversee CGA’s government relations, member services, convention and communications programs. In addition to his Association responsibilities, Fong will also serve as President of the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF). The Foundation provides financial support for educational programs, including college scholarships and career development, and industry research projects.

“I have the privilege of leading CGA, an industry which I care deeply for, to the next level of excellence, particularly in government relations,” Fong said. “The grocery business has provided my family with the opportunity of serving our community for over 50 years. I am proud to come back to the business I have known all my life to help our members with the challenges and changes of the future.”

The California Grocers Association is a non‐profit, statewide trade association that has represented the food industry since 1898. CGA membership includes approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies. The Association is recognized as the industry leader in the areas of government and industry relations, public relations, education and communications.

Fong succeeds Peter J. Larkin who resigned in October 2007 after 11 years as CGA president to open a public affairs firm based in Sacramento. Fong’s wife, Carol, is a licensed clinical counselor. Together, they are parents to Jaden, a second grade student. The family resides in Carmichael, CA.

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

A Victory for Fairness in Food Retailing and Inner City Consumers

SACRAMENTO, CA (March 4, 2008) – The California Grocers Association today applauded the final ruling issued by the Honorable Ralph W. Dau, Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, finding the City of Los Angeles’ Grocery Worker Retention Ordinance to be unconstitutional. CGA characterized the ruling as a victory for fairness in food retailing and for providing increased food options for inner city consumers.

The ordinance, passed in December 2005, was the first attempt in the nation to require a certain class of supermarket retailers to retain workers when a store changed ownership.
Judge Dau found the ordinance unconstitutional on two separate bases:

• The ordinance conflicts with statewide food safety and food handler laws and is therefore preempted by the California Retail Food Code, and
• The ordinance’s discrimination between grocery stores based on size and on whether they have a collective bargaining agreement with a union are impermissible distinctions and thus violate the equal protection guarantees of the state and federal Constitutions.

“We are satisfied with Judge Dau’s final ruling,” said Jill Rulon, Acting President, California Grocers Association. “Since the Grocery Worker Retention Ordinance has been in effect, sales of grocery stores from one operator to another in the City of Los Angeles have ceased. Stopping the growth of new retail in the city was just one of the many harmful impacts this law had on city residents.”

“We strongly believed that the ordinance is unlawful and unenforceable because it is preempted by federal labor relations laws, violates the equal protection rights of employers, conflicts with state food-related health and safety laws, and improperly dictates rules of employment.”

The City of Los Angeles passed its controversial grocery worker retention ordinance in December 2005. The cities of Santa Monica, San Francisco and Gardena also passed similar ordinances. The California Grocers Association mounted a legal challenge to the ordinance in May 2006 labeling the ordinance improper, unlawful and unenforceable. The case went to trial in August 2007. In October, Judge Dau issued a tentative ruling finding the ordinance to be void on two constitutional bases. A final ruling was issued on February 11, 2008.

“Judge Dau’s decision is a major victory for consumers, particularly those in economically disadvantaged communities where fewer supermarkets means less options and decreased access to affordable produce and meats,” Rulon said. Community and business leaders opposed the ordinance because it encouraged supermarkets and potentially other businesses to locate outside the city limits and to avoid communities where the need is greater.

“The ordinance was a major setback in retailers’ efforts to bring more grocery stores to underserved urban areas,” Rulon added. “ Unfortunately, the City of Los Angeles spent taxpayers’ dollars – money that could have been better spent in this slowing economy – defending a poorly conceived ordinance.”

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