Grocers from throughout California gathered in Sacramento on April 17, 2012, to meet with their elected officials to discuss key industry issues at the 2012 California Grocers Association “Grocers Day at the Capitol.”
“This was an excellent opportunity for our members to meet with their state elected officials and staff and address the most pressing legislation impacting our industry,” said CGA President and CEO Ronald Fong.
In addition to meeting their elected officials in pre-scheduled meetings in the state Capitol, the more than 80 attendees heard from top legislative leaders.
“Attending Grocers Day and participating in these face-to-face meetings with legislators is the single most important activity a grocer or supplier can do to help further our industry’s cause in Sacramento,” said Keri Bailey, CGA’s Vice President of Government Relations. “Legislators want to hear from their constituents. It’s important they hear our message.”
During the one-day lobbying event attendees met with lawmakers in their Capitol offices to share concerns on critical legislation affecting the grocery industry. Six bills were lobbied by attendees on CGA’s behalf. Topics ranged from WIC and recycling to pallet theft and grocery store regulation.
Attendees also heard legislative insights from Assemblyman Mike Gatto. In addition, CGA held its annual Ice Cream Social, sponsored by Unilever. The day ended with CGA’s annual President’s Reception, which included attendees and invited legislators.
CGA wishes to thank this year’s Grocers Day at the Capitol sponsors:
- Anheuser-Busch InBev
- California Shopping Cart Retrieval Corporation
- Coca-Cola Refreshments
- Food 4 Less (Stockton)/Rancho San Miguel/Times Supermarkets
- Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market
- Gelson’s Markets
- Kellogg Company
- Nutricion Fundamental
- Ralphs
- Safeway Inc.
- Save Mart Supermarkets
- Smart & Final
- Stater Bros. Markets
- Unified Grocers, Inc.
- Unilever
- WinCo Foods