CGA members from throughout California gathered in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 30, to discuss key industry issues with state legislators.
CGA Hosts Legislative Reception
CGA members and state legislators participated in a special Legislative Reception on the evening before Grocers Day at the Capitol at The Kitchen in Sacramento.
Click here to view a photo wrap-up of this event.
The Association’s annual Grocers Day at the Capitol drew more than 80 grocery retailers and suppliers who spent the day hearing from key regulatory leaders and visiting with nearly 70 legislators in the State Capitol.
“This was a tremendous opportunity for our members to educate elected officials on legislation that not only impacts our industry but their constituents,” said CGA Presdient/CEO Ron Fong. “These visits go a long way in helping CGA’s government relations team establish strong relationships with legislators and staff.”
In addition to the in-office visits, attendees also heard from Christine Baker, Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations, who discussed the challenges and reforms taking place in the state’s workers’ compensation program, and Christine Nelson, Director of the California WIC Department, who discussed the on-going moratorium on the issuance of new WIC licenses.
“Both issues are top level issues for our industry,” said Fong. “Hearing directly from the heads of these two departments was a real plus for our members.”
Following the morning briefings, attendees were assigned in teams to meet with at least five legislators and discuss legislation to ban plastic carryout bags and sugar-sweetened beverages . In addition, members encouraged legislators to help lift the moratorium on new WIC licenses.
“Hearing directly from grocery retailers and suppliers really drove home how these issues impact Californians,” Fong said. “Legislators listen when they hear from those in their district.”
In addition to legislative visits, legislators and their staff were invited to CGA’s annual Ice Cream Social, sponsored by Nestle Dreyer’s Ice Cream.
The day ended with a President’s Reception at CGA’s headquarters. More than 90 grocery retailers and suppliers, along with a number of legislators, participated in the event.
2013 Grocers Day Sponsors
CGA wishes to thank the following companies for sponsoring this year’s event.
Gold Level
Coca-Cola Refreshments
Food 4 Less/ Rancho San Miguel Markets
Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets
Safeway Inc.
Unified Grocers, Inc.
Silver Level
Anheuser-Busch InBev
Gelson’s Markets
Bronze Level
Bristol Farms
Nutricion Fundamental
Ralphs Grocery Co./Food 4 Less
Smart & Final
WinCo Foods
Breakfast
Kellogg Company
Reception
MillerCoors