Independent Operators Gather for CGA Symposium

2015_symposiumsponsor_finalIndependent grocery retailers from throughout California gathered in Hawaii recently for the 34th Annual CGA Independent Operators Symposium which included an enhanced educational program that featured several high-caliber educational sessions targeted at key challenges and opportunities facing independent retailers.

Speakers for this year’s Symposium included former Walt Disney executive Dennis Snow, noted author and succession planning expert Tom Deans, and industry consultant Craig Rosenblum.

“The Symposium was a tremendous success,” said CGA President Ron Fong. “It provided our independent grocers a unique opportunity to gather in a relaxed setting to share industry best practices and learn successful new strategies to grow and sustain their business.”

Snow, a Disney executive for more than 15 years, shared his unique perspective on providing the “Disney Approach” to customer service. Deans, the author of the best-selling book, “Every Family’s Business,” provided new concepts on navigating family ownership issues while developing and updating a company’s succession plan.

Using industry-specific data and examples of best and worst practices from independent grocers, Rosenblum, a partner at Willard Bishop Consulting, shared five key trends every independent operator show know and how to successfully apply them to their stores.

This year’s Symposium was January 11-18, at the beautiful Disney Aulani Hotel on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

“We look forward to building this event in the coming years and making it the premier gathering for our independent retailers,” Fong said. “I encourage every independent operator to mark their calendars for next January and plan to join their peers for this tremendous event.”

2015 Independent Operators Symposium Highlights

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