8 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com
Legislative Special REVIEW GROCERS IN THE CAPITOL DAY The 2011 <strong>Grocers</strong> in the Capitol Day was an extraordinary experience for grocers and legislators alike. The event began the evening of April 12, 2011, with a Legislative Reception at the Governor’s Residence. Governor Scott Walker and his wife, Tonette, attended the evening reception. All members were able to get their picture taken with the Governor and briefly speak with the couple. Members from both parties spoke to grocers, including (top down) Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, Representative Evan Wynn, and Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca. The Governor presented Dave Spiegelhoff, Spiegelhoff Supermarkets, with the 2011 <strong>Grocers</strong> Care Political Action Award. Representative Robin Vos, Co-Chair of the Joint Finance Committee, also awarded Dave with a legislative citation acknowledging his endeavors. The following day the WGA held an issue-briefing at the Concourse Hotel. After introductions by Brandon Scholz, WGA President and CEO, and Brad Brooks, WGA Chairman, legislators discussed issues with attendees. Members from both parties attended to speak to the grocers: Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Assembly Minority Speaker Peter Barca, Representative Evan Wynn, Senator Van Wangaard, and Representative Chad Weininger. Between legislators’ speeches, Michelle Kussow, Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications, prepared attendees for their legislative visits; she comprehensively explained various issues that <strong>Wisconsin</strong> grocers face. Later that afternoon, WGA members met individually with legislators to discuss their experiences and issues affecting the grocery industry. Pat Fox, Michelle Kussow, and Dave Kotwitz at Legislative Reception at the Governor’s Residence. Rep. Chad Weininger (right) role-plays with Marlin Greenfield. Following these visits, the firstannual Ice Cream Social in the Capitol, sponsored by Kemps and Blue Bunny, was a huge success. Over 100 legislators and staff stopped by to mingle with WGA members and enjoy ice cream treats. By Jenna Mueller, WGA Intern Dave and Kathy Spiegelhoff with the <strong>Grocers</strong> Care Political Action Award and Certificate of Achievement from the Office of the Governor. The first annual Ice Cream Social was sponsored by Kemps and Blue Bunny. Tera Holtz and Jenna Mueller, WGA Interns, assist with the Ice Cream Social sponsored by Blue Bunny and Kemps.. The <strong>Wisconsin</strong> <strong>Grocers</strong> <strong>Association</strong> thanks all participants for making this year’s <strong>Grocers</strong> in the Capitol Day a great success. Remaining politically involved is an essential element to the prosperity of businesses, and we encourage all members to plan on attending next year to continue making the voices of <strong>Wisconsin</strong> grocers heard at the Capitol. Following are summaries of the issues discussed: Alcohol Sales Starting at 6:00 a.m. The current alcohol sales law, allowing alcohol sales beginning at 8 a.m., has been in place since 1981 and is unquestionably obsolete. More lenient time restrictions, >>> For more information on these or any issues affecting the WGA, please contact Michelle Kussow at 608.244.7150 or mkussow@wisconsingrocers.com. 2011 Summer WISCONSIN GROCER 9