Mr. Grocer Goes to Sacramento

More than 70 grocery retailers and suppliers descended on the State Capitol in late April to participate in CGA’s 2017 Grocers Day at the Capitol – the Association’s signature one-day member advocacy day in Sacramento.

This annual gathering allows California’s grocery industry to meet with their elected officials and discuss key issues impacting one of the state’s major employers.

This year, attendees advocated on two CGA sponsored bills, AB 1326 (Prop. 47 reform) and SB 60 (beverage container recycling reform). In addition, members heard from several key state legislators, including Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Discovery Bay), who serves as chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, and discussed the recent passage of SB 1, the $52 billion transportation package bill that will, among other things, include a 12-cent tax on gasoline.

Attendees also heard from Senators Steven Glazer (D-Antioch) and Mike McGuire (D-San Rafael) who both received CGA’s first annual “Legislator of the Year” award in recognition of their extensive efforts in trying to help find a solution to California’s troubled beverage container recycling program.

“CGA is extremely appreciative of both Senators and their determination to resolve this very difficult challenge,” said CGA President Ron Fong. The BCRP began collapsing last year as hundreds of beverage recycling centers closed their doors, and retailers started receiving notices that they were out of compliance with the state’s beverage recycling law.

In addition to the day’s educational sessions and legislative visits, attendees also were invited to CGA’s President’s Reception. This annual event wraps up Grocers Day at the Capitol and gives CGA members the opportunity to meet with their legislative representatives in a more informal basis at the Association’s headquarters.

This year’s Grocers Day included a contingency of loss prevention, safety and risk management directors from a number of CGA-member retail companies that were invited to participate and share insights into the challenges grocers face as the result of the passage of Proposition 47.

“This group was extremely helpful in explaining why Prop. 47 reform is needed,” Fong said. We are not looking to end Prop. 47, merely amend it to make it more effective.”

thank you sponsors

CGA expresses its gratitude to the many companies sponsoring this year’s events. They include:

Event Sponsor: Safeway/Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions

Gold Level: Coca-Cola Refreshments, Unified Grocers, Inc.

Silver Level: C&S Wholesale Grocers, Food 4 Less/Rancho San Miguel Markets, Gelson’s Markets, Ralphs grocery Company/Food 4 Less/Retail Marketing Services, Inc.

Bronze Level: Bristol Farms, Grocery Outlet, North State Grocery, Inc.

Breakfast: Kellogg Company, Save Mart Supermarkets

Luncheon: Jelly Belly, Kimberly-Clarke

Ice Cream Social: Clover Sonoma

President’s Reception: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Roplast – Revolving Recycling & Bring Back Bags