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 – (March 3, 2011) – Jim Van Gorkom, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, NuCal Foods, Ripon, CA, has been named Chairman of the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.

In addition to Van Gorkom, Joe Falvey, Unified Grocers, Inc. has been namd Vice Chair; John J. Nieman III, SUPERVALU, Inc., Treasurer; and Brad Askeland, North State Grocery, Secretary. The biographies of all four trustees are attached.

“We look forward to working closely with our new leadership as we strive to advance the goals of the Foundation,” said CGA Educational Foundation President Ronald Fong, who also serves as President/CEO of the California Grocers Association. “Jim’s extensive experience in the grocery industry makes him the perfect individual to serve as chair. He has a great love for the grocery industry and I’m confident will do an excellent job directing our Foundation.”

The CGAEF was created in the early 1990s to provide measurable benefits to employees, potential employees, customers and businesses in the retail food industry. Its key areas of emphasis include providing college scholarships, tuition reimbursement and educational programming for Association members.

In 2010, the Foundation awarded 246 college scholarships totaling $296,500 to deserving CGA member employees or their dependents.

In addition, the Foundation paid more than $90,000 in tuition reimbursement to member company employees wanting to improve their job-related skills.

For more information, contact Brianne Korte, CGAEF, at (916) 448-3545.

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Formed in 1992 as a 501(c)3 corporation, the CGA Educational Foundation is dedicated to providing educational opportunities and research programs that benefit all segments of California’s food industry.

Newly Appointed CGA Educational Foundation Board of Trustees

Jim Van Gorkom

Vice President, Sales & Marketing
NuCal Foods

Jim Van Gorkom began his career in the grocery industry 30 years ago while in college. His background includes sales positions with several national organizations, including Nestle Foods. Jim joined NuCal Foods in 2006, after 16 years with Sun-Maid Growers, where he was Vice-President of Retail Sales. As part of the senior management team, Jim directs all sales and marketing functions for NuCal Foods, Rocky Mountain Eggs and Nulaid Foods.

Jim is a graduate of the USC Food Industry Executive Program and is very involved in the grocery industry, currently serving as Spotlite (Treasurer) of the Illuminators. He also serves on the boards of the City of Hope Northern California Food Industry Circle, the Food and Drug Industry Alliance for Easter Seals Bay Area, and the Frozen & Refrigerated Food Council of Northern California. Jim, and Judy, his wife of more than 30 years, live in Ripon, CA.

Joe Falvey

Senior Vice President Sales
Unified Grocers, Inc.

Joe Falvey graduated from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982.

His career in the consumer products industry started with the E&J Gallo Winery as a Sales Representative in the Los Angeles market. Joe was transferred to the San Francisco area in 1984 to assist in the start-up of a newly formed Gallo distributor where he was promoted to District Manager.

In 1986, he joined Nalley’s Fine Foods, a Division of Agrilink as a Regional Sales Manager where he was later promoted to Director.

In December 1999, upon the completion of the merger of United Grocers of Oregon and Certified Grocers of California, Joe joined the new company, Unified Western Grocers, as Vice President and Northern California Division President. In 2007, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales for Unified Grocers, Inc.

Joe serves on the Board of Directors for City of Hope, Easter Seals Foundation in Northern California and the California Grocers Association.

Joe and his wife Dolly have been married for 24 years and have two daughters.

Brad Askeland

Director, Human Resources
North State Grocery, Inc.

Brad began his grocery career in 1988 as a courtesy clerk for a small independent before joining North State Grocery, Inc. in 1995. He managed several stores for the company before assuming his current position as the Director of Human Resources in 2003. Brad earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Chico in 1995. Brad resides in Redding, Ca. with his wife Jeny and their two children.

John J Nieman III

Vice President, Human Resources
SUPERVALU, Inc.

John is the vice president of human resources for the Southern California Albertsons Division. John’s SUPERVALU career started 28 years ago as a bagger at Osco Drug in Indiana. Since that time, he has held various positions in store operations, banner leadership roles, training roles and human resources. John earned a degree in Marketing from Ball State University in 1986. He resides in Huntington Beach, 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

Grocery Executive To Serve One-Year Term

SACRAMENTO (Dec. 2, 2010) – Jim Amen, President and Chief Operating Officer for Super A Foods, Inc., Commerce, CA was elected the 2010-2011 California Grocers Association Chairman of the Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on Dec. 2, 2010.

As Chairman, Amen 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 George Frahm, Executive Vice President, Retail Operations & Administration for Stater Bros. Markets.

“The Amen name is synonymous with CGA leadership ,” says Association President and Chief Executive Officer Ronald Fong. “Jim follows in the footsteps of his father Lou, who served as CGA chair in 1984. He strongly supports CGA’s advocacy program and is going to be a tremendous asset to the Association.”

In addition to Amen, the following individuals were elected to the 2010-2011 CGA Board of Directors Executive Committee: First Vice Chair, Mike Silveira, Save Mart Supermarkets; Second Vice Chair, John Quinn, Food 4 Less (Stockton)/Times Supermarkets; Treasurer, Jonathan Mayes, Safeway Inc.; Secretary, Kevin Davis, Bristol Farms; and Past Chair, George Frahm, Stater Bros. Markets.

This year’s Chairman’s appointments to the Executive Committee include: Norm Carhill, Ralphs Grocery Co., and Dave Jones, Kellogg Company.

Directors elected for a second three-year term include: Bill Jordan, Whole Foods Markets; Mary Kasper, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets; Michael Read, WinCo Foods; Brian Schmidt, Acosta Sales & Marketing; Mark Thorngren, Unilever; and Tammy Wilson, Jax Markets.

Directors elected for their first full three-year term include: Raul Aguilar, Anheuser-Busch InBev; Paul Cooke, Nestle Purina PetCare; Chuck Eckman, Kraft Foods Global, Inc.; Joe Falvey, Unified Grocers, Inc.; Phil Gentile, K.V. Mart Co.; Jon Giannini, Nutricion Fundamental; Dave Jones, Kellogg Company; and Omar Milbis, Rio Ranch Markets

Former Chairman of the Board Bob Ling, Unified Grocers, Inc., was nominated 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 450 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

A Victory for Fairness in Food Retailing and Inner City Consumers

SACRAMENTO, CA – (November 16, 2010) – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a far-reaching single-use bag ban Tuesday that will have repercussions throughout California.

By a 3-1 vote, Supervisors approved language that will ban single-use plastic bags, create a 10- cent fee on 40 percent post-consumer recycled paper bags and include all food-related retailers in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Supermarkets will have until July 1, 2011 to implement the law and convenience stores will have until January 1, 2012.

The motion faced voracious opposition from plastics companies. With the enactment of Proposition 26, it is probable that legal challenges will seek clarification on whether the ballot measure applies to the ordinance.

As expected, environmental organizations such as Heal the Bay and AB 1998 author Assembly Member Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica) spoke in support of the ordinance while plastic bag manufacturers and trade groups urged supervisors to oppose the motion.

CGA reiterated its position that a statewide solution is preferable but applauded the County for adhering closely to the provisions of the state legislation.

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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. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.

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 – (November 11, 2010) – The California Grocers Association is calling on Los Angeles elected officials, local community groups and faith-based organizations to include grocery industry representatives when developing strategies to attract grocery companies to build or remodel stores in the city’s underserved areas (food deserts).

“It seems unimaginable that any entity, whether private or public, would move forward to establish policies or recommendations without input from one of the most important components – the grocery industry,” said CGA President Ronald Fong. “Learning how we do business, from those in the back office, will allow for effective, meaningful policy to be developed.”

Fong said recommendations must be focused on fact-based information and not politically driven agendas. Grocery retailer input is critical in recognizing and addressing barriers to store development. He expressed concern that several local elected officials have suggested a disincentive program that punishes the industry rather than encourage development.

“Our elected and appointed decision makers should look to the successful programs in Pennsylvania and New York where incentive programs were implemented that encouraged economic development,” Fong said.

According to a recent report entitled, “Food Desert to Food Oasis – Promoting Grocery Store Development in South Los Angeles,” there are six key barriers to establishing full-service grocery stores in the city’s underserved areas. They include:

• Difficulty Identifying Viable Sites
• Costly Infrastructure Requirements
• Lengthy Approval Process
• Lack of Skilled Workers
• Presumed Lack of Spending Power
• Negative Perceptions of the Neighborhood

“Attracting new grocery stores must focus on eliminating these barriers,” Fong said. “Decisions cannot be made in a vacuum. The grocery industry must have a seat at the table.”

The greatest challenge facing CGA is the misperception that grocers have abandoned the inner city. Contrary to these claims by special interest groups, grocery retailers are interested in building in Los Angeles’ underserved areas.

“Several new stores have been built in the past two years despite the downturned economy,” Fong said. “But it took a certain amount of creativity and input from retailers to make it happen. Attempting to create incentive packages without input from the grocery industry is simply an exercise in futility.”

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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. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers

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 – (August 29, 2010) – The California Grocers Association on Sunday (August 29) called on California state senators to “cut through the rhetoric and misinformation” being pushed by opponents of legislation that would create a uniform, statewide standard for regulating single-use carryout bags.

The Senate will vote this week on Assembly Bill 1998 (D-Brownley) which will ban single-use plastic bags, require stores selling groceries to provide reusable bags for sale or free distribution, and allow the sale of recycled paper bags at cost. The bill has passed the Assembly and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has indicated he will sign it. “

The California Grocers Association strongly supports Assembly Bill 1998 and urges the California Senate to cut through the rhetoric and misinformation being pushed by opponents of the legislation and focus on the real issue – eliminating plastic bags and encouraging reusable bag use,” said Dave Heylen, CGA Vice President of Communications, at a press conference in Los Angeles on Sunday, that included Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Bill author Assembly Member Julia Brownley and representatives from Heal the Bay, California Environment and Homeboy Industries.

Critics had claimed the bill would result in the loss of California jobs, create a financial windfall for grocery retailers and thwart recycling efforts.

“The goal is to move away from a system where all consumers subsidize the considerable costs of singleuse bags to a system where consumers can make the economic choice of whether the convenience of single-use bags is worth the expense,” Heylen said.

The grocery industry originally supported the bill because it levels the playing field by including all retailers selling food items and not just large supermarkets and chain pharmacies. The industry also seeks one statewide, uniform standard and not a patchwork of ordinances regulated by local jurisdictions. “Eliminating plastic bags isn’t a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’,” Heylen said. “Already, several California localities have said they will pass plastic bag bans immediately if AB 1998 fails. More than 70 cities are considering doing the same.”

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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. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.

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

Union-backed AB 1060 is a solution in search of a problem.

SACRAMENTO, CA – (August 24, 2010) – The California Grocers Association is urging Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to veto legislation passed Monday in the State Senate that would effectively ban assisted checkout systems in supermarkets.

“Assembly Bill 1060 presents itself as feel good legislation but in reality is about punishing innovation and protecting saving union dues checks,” said CGA President Ronald Fong. “Its target is one non-union grocer which utilizes an assisted checkout system as its primary form of finalizing customer sales.”

The bill would prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages through assisted checkout systems. It makes the assumption that minors or intoxicated individuals can manipulate the system to illegally obtain alcoholic beverages.

The use of assisted checkout terminals in retail settings does not increase access to alcohol by minors or intoxicated persons, nor does it increase incidents of theft. According to the Senate Government Organization Committee analysis of the bill, “…ABC staff indicates that they have no evidence of any problems associated with minors purchasing alcoholic beverages through self -service checkouts.”

“Current law places a grocer’s alcoholic sales license in jeopardy if inappropriate sales are identified through either the assisted or traditional checkout options,” Fong said. “Losing this license would seriously impact a retailer’s business. No retailer would put themselves in that situation.”

Assisted checkouts contain appropriate safety protocol including the system locking when any age-restricted product is scanned, requiring a clerk to verify age and sobriety, and when even slight variations in weight of product scanned and product bagged are detected.

Grocers also utilize additional means to prevent theft or inappropriate access including security cameras, customer interaction throughout the shopping experience, staff training, strict inventory control protocols and the placement of both products and checkout stations themselves.

“California grocers take seriously their responsibility to ensure that only those individuals legally entitled to purchase alcohol do so in grocery stores,” Fong said. “CGA fully supports efforts of the state’s regulatory agency to enforce existing laws regarding sales of alcohol. We encourage Governor Schwarzenegger to veto this unnecessary legislation.”

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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. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.

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 – (July 6, 2010) – The California Grocers Association has named Doug Scholz Senior Director of the newly created position of Business Development and Strategic Partnership, effective July 9.

In this new position, Scholz is responsible for maintaining and expanding CGA’s current revenue stream while developing new business opportunities. His responsibilities include managing the Association’s annual conference, membership, industry events, sponsorships and fundraising efforts.

“As CGA looks to diversify its revenue sources in light of our ever changing economy, it became apparent that the Association should place greater emphasis on strengthening CGA’s relationships with its valued partners and explore new opportunities,” said Association President and CEO Ronald Fong.

Scholz brings to CGA more than 23 years of experience in marketing and partner development. Most recently, Scholz was Director of Partner Marketing for the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau in Sacramento, CA. Prior to that, he was Director of Sales and Premium Seating for Maloof Sports and Entertainment. He also held various marketing positions for Viacom International in its Paramount Parks Division.

“Doug possesses the talent and qualifications we were seeking for this new dynamic position at CGA,” said Fong. “His skill set and leadership qualities will allow his team to develop new business opportunities for the Association and strengthen relationships with our strategic partners.” In addition to his responsibilities as Senior Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnership, Scholz will oversee a department that includes the director of Events & Sponsorships and the Association’s membership manager.

“I am very excited to be joining CGA’s management team and working to enhance the long-term, strategic relationships for the organization,” Scholz said.

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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. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.

SACRAMENTO, CA – (July 1, 2010) – Pam Poggi, Vice President, Corporate Human Resources Development for Safeway Inc., has been named Chair of the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.

In this capacity, Ms. Poggi will direct the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, comprised of grocery retailers and suppliers from throughout California.

“Pam Poggi is an excellent appointee for this important position,” said CGAEF President Ronald Fong. “Her knowledge, leadership abilities and vision will help the Foundation reach the next level. I look forward to working with her.”

For more than 25 years, Ms. Poggi has built a strong career in the human resources field. She began her career as a Personnel Officer for what is now Bank of America. In 1995, she transitioned to Safeway and was promoted to her current position in 2004.

Ms. Poggi is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Food Industry Management Executive Program. Under her leadership, her department was awarded the Food Marketing Institute’s Maximizing People Award for Safeway’s Retail Management Training.

“I am honored to be elected to this key role and look forward to serving the association and its members in this leadership capacity,” she said.

The Foundation’s objectives include:

• Conducting industry research and sharing information
• Promoting and encouraging educational and employment opportunities
• Developing training and educational methods and materials
• Promoting and encouraging community service programs

“In order to achieve our objectives, my vision includes a strong partnership with CGA’s Board of Directors to ensure that we align our strategic direction regarding the programs and services we offer to our members,” Ms. Poggi said.

“Our offerings will be strengthened by building solid relationships with the Food Marketing Institute, the National Grocers Association, and the Western Association of Food Chains as well as collaborating with other educational foundations to learn and incorporate best practices,” she added.

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Formed in 1992 as a 501(c)3 corporation, the CGA Educational Foundation is dedicated to providing educational opportunities and research programs that benefit all segments of California’s food industry.

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 – (June 28, 2010) – A bill in the California Legislature that would establish a uniform, statewide standard regarding regulation of single-use carryout bags moved one step closer to resolution after passing out of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on a 5-2 vote.

Assembly Bill 1998 (D-Brownley) would require affected stores to provide reusable bags for sale or free distribution and would pre-empt local ordinances that regulate bags at those retailers subject to the state law.

If signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, it would create a statewide standard for single-use carryout bags at supermarkets, chain pharmacies and other large grocery retailers beginning January 1, 2012, and at convenience stores, neighborhood markets and liquor stores beginning July 1, 2013.

The bill is critical to grocers, chain pharmacies, and small store operators currently facing the prospect of more than 40 local jurisdictions crafting their own, unique regulations. That patchwork of regulation would create substantial operational and competitive disadvantages for grocery retailers.

“AB 1998 addresses the issue of single-use carryout bags across all California jurisdictions and provides the most environmental gain with the least competitive disruption for retailers,” said California Grocers Association President Ronald Fong. “CGA applauds the Environmental Quality Committee for voting in favor of this very important legislation.”

The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee where it must be considered before August 13.

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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. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers

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 (June 1, 2010) – The California Grocers Association lauded the announcement of historic legislation on June 1 that would ban the free distribution of single-use carryout bags and require the sale of specified single-use recycled paper carryout bags to customers at the pointof-sale.

Assembly Bill 1998 (D-Brownley), supported by business, lawmakers and environmentalists, would create a statewide standard for single-use carryout bags at supermarkets, chain pharmacies and other large grocery retailers beginning January 1, 2012, and at convenience stores, neighborhood markets and liquor stores beginning July 1, 2013.

The bill would require affected stores to provide reusable bags for sale or free distribution and would pre-empt local ordinances that regulate bags at those retailers subject to the state law.

“AB 1998 creates a uniform, statewide standard to help level the playing field among food retailers,” said California Grocers Association President Ronald Fong. “It addresses the issue of single-use carryout bags across all California jurisdictions and provides the most environmental gain with the least competitive disruption for retailers.”

Fong commended Assembly Member Julia Brownley for her leadership role in rallying business, lawmakers and environmentalists support.

“This historic legislation demonstrates California’s continued leadership role in environmental issues,” Fong said. “The same is true for the grocery industry. I like to think that grocers were ‘green’ when it was just a color.”

The industry’s ongoing sustainability efforts include recycling plastic, paper, cardboard, wood, green waste and animal products, as well as composting. In addition, the industry supported Assembly Bill 2449, the landmark plastic carryout bag recycling bill that became law in 2007.

Fong said changing consumer behavior will be challenging, but believes Californians will embrace the change. “Like AB 2449, our industry will do all it can to educate consumers to the benefits of reusable bags. Having until 2012 will allow grocers to move consumer behavior towards reusable bag use.”

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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. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers