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 (September 16, 2008) –Matthew Dodson has joined the California Grocers
Association government relations department as Director, Local Government Relations.
In this position, he is responsible for CGA’s local government advocacy and outreach for the
Southern California region. In addition, he will research and analyze ordinances and regulatory
proposals, draft advocacy plans and messages and communicate with elected officials and
regulatory staff, and member companies. Dodson will also serve as CGA’s representative in
Southern California on many association issues, a role that had been vacant since January. His
office is located in Burbank, CA.
Dodson served as Field Representative for California State Senator Jack Scott for the past two
years, representing the Senator at district events and researching policy issues. He previously
worked for California State Senator Debra Bowen and for City of Los Angeles Councilwoman
Cindy Miscikowski.
Additionally, he has worked for a number of political campaigns in Southern California.
Matthew has a Juris Doctor from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a
Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College.
“As we continue to strengthen our government relations team with experienced, career oriented
government relations professionals, Matthew will be a great addition to the team,” said CGA
President Ronald Fong. “His experience with state and local government will be invaluable to
the Association and will greatly assist in strengthening CGA’s advocacy program in Southern
California. By bringing back this position ‘in house,’ we are able to better serve the needs of our
members.”
The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide 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.