Change - Wisconsin Grocers Association

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
SODA VENDING
SUMMARY: On behalf of the
WGA, Representative Jerry
Petrowski (R-Marathon)
introduced a bill that would
prohibit DATCP from
enforcing regulations related to
coin-operated soda vending
machines. Of specific concern
to retailers is the rule that
requires soda bottlers to charge
a rental fee to retailers for soda
vending machines.
WGA POSITION: Support
OUTCOME: A hearing was held,
but no action was taken. It was
recommended that the bottlers
and the retailers work together
to find a solution that does not
involve legislation.
IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: This bill
would allow soda vending
wholesalers to negotiate, on an
individual basis, with each
retail food establishment the
terms of providing coinoperated
soda vending
machine.
Looking Forward
The now-Democrat majority
in the Wisconsin Assembly,
joins the Democratically
controlled Wisconsin Senate
and Democratic Governor Jim
Doyle giving Democrats full
control of Wisconsin’s state
government.
While it’s hard to predict
precisely which issues will top
legislative agendas, the recurring
theme is the state’s estimated
$5.5 billion budget shortfall.
Given the impending and dark
financial situation, we are to
assume the Legislature’s priority
will be cutting spending and
finding additional revenues for
the state.
Among the ideas floated to
raise revenues for the state
include:
• Beer Tax
• Income Tax Surcharge
• Soda Tax
• Repeal of tax
exemptions After reviewing
for services
(advertising, 2008, it is
legal and apparent that
accounting) the real battles
• Sales tax
will be fought
increase
during the
• Payroll tax
to fund upcoming
universal legislative session.
healthcare
• Oil tax
• Hospital assessment
After reviewing 2008, it is
apparent that the real battles
will be fought during the
upcoming legislative session.
As we enter the 2009-2010
Legislative Session, please
keep in mind that
the WGA exists to
serve our members.
But, we cannot do
this alone and
count on your
assistance. As
always if you have
any questions or
comments, please
contact Michelle
Kussow or Brandon
Scholz toll-free at
888.342.5942.
I don’t know how it’s possible, but we seem to be fitting more and more into the average workday.
I don’t know
And I know that grocers are the same way. When I visit a store or call on a grocer, there are a hundred different things they may be doing—greeting customers,
bagging groceries, stocking shelves, talking to suppliers and the list is as long as the average grocery list.
This means that the Wisconsin Grocers Association
how it’s
Communications
needs to continue to find better ways to communicate
possible,
with our members. We know that not all of our
we
but
grocers check email on a regular basis, check faxes or
be fitting
seem
more
to
By Michelle Kussow, Vice President, Government Affairs and Communications even go through their mail. We know that most
and
retailers are too busy to take a day to attend a seminar,
the
more into
the WGA Expo or a legislative day at the Capitol. So, it is our continuous goal to find the best and easiest way to communicate with our members.
workday.
average
In 2008, our two newest forms of communication have worked very well and we plan to continue these options in the future:
WGA President’s Letter
And
visit I know
store or
that
call
grocers
on a grocer,
are the
there
same way. When I
are I a don’t hundred know how it’s possible,
may be doing—greeting
different retailers are things too busy take
customers,
they a day attend
but we seem to be fitting more a seminar, the WGA Expo or a legislative
bagging and more into
talking to
groceries, the average
suppliers and
stocking day at the Capitol. So,
the list
shelves,
it our continuous
workday.
goal to find the best and easiest
long as the grocery list.
is
way
as
to
This
Grocers
means
Association
that the Wisconsin
communicate with our members.
And I know that this is true of grocers.
needs When I visit
to find
to a store
better
continue
or call a grocer,
there are a hundred different
to communicate
ways
things they In 2008, our two newest
with may
We know
our be doing—greeting members.
customers, bagging
groceries, stocking shelves,
all of our grocers
that talking not to
forms of communication
suppliers and the list is as long as the have worked very well and
check average grocery
to take
emailo list.
day to
busy
we plan to continue these
attend This means
the President’s
a that seminding
the Wisconsin Grocers
options in the future:
Association needs to continue to find better
Letter—a ways to communicate
Schneider.
weekla with our members.
started with
Debbie
great We know addition that not all of our the grocers
to
WGA check In 2008, our two newest forms of communication
our staff.
mid-2008
She is
and
very
has
enthusiastic
been a
and
addition, email
has a regular already
she basis, check is faxes going
visited or even have worked go through their mail. We know that most
to
many very well and
be compiling
of we plan our to
an email to Brandon Scholz at
members.
information
In
on
exciting
store
happenings
openings, remodelings continue these options in the future:
Brandon@wisconsingrocers.com.
in your storestrategically
and any other
working her way across Wisconsin in 2009 and we
WGA
President’s
Letter
WGA President Brandon Scholz began
sending the President’s Letter—a weekly,
electronic newsletter—early in 2008 and
has received positive feedback from
members, suppliers and others on his
distribution list. The e-newsletter includes
tidbits on Wisconsin retailers, warehouses
and vendors; the economy; government
affairs, and other industry information
specific to Wisconsin. If you would like
to receive the e-newsletter, please send
2008 Year End Review WISCONSIN GROCER 13