Gluten-Free Stores - Wisconsin Grocers Association

Legislative Special
REVIEW
GROCERS IN THE CAPITOL DAY
The 2011 Grocers 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
Grocers 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 Wisconsin 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 Grocers 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 Wisconsin Grocers
Association thanks all
participants for making this
year’s Grocers 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
Wisconsin 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