to view the 30th Anniversary Magazine - National Grocers Association

THE2012COMMEMORATIVEISSUENGACelebrating three decades as the voice ofthe independent grocery industry.®INSIDELooking Back: A Conversation with Tom ZauchaNGA Timeline: An Independent VoiceLooking Ahead: An Interview with Joe Sheridan and Peter Larkin

“A NEW TRADITION”BEGINS…WITH THE INCORPORATION OF THE NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATIONon October 1, 1982, the new national trade association representing food independent retailersand retailer-owned cooperative and wholesalers became a reality. At the time NGA was created,the country was emerging from a severe recession. Interest rates, inflation and unemploymentwere high. Chief among independent grocers’ concerns was the rapid growth of super warehousestores, merger and acquisition activity among chains and predatory pricing. A price war was ragingin Indianapolis, which drew Federal Trade Commission interest and the Justice Departmentwas getting ready to overturn a 25-year decent decree that restricted pricing activities in Texasand New Mexico. These were just some on a long list of issues that the new association wouldhave to grapple with in order to keep the playing field level for independent grocers and helppreserve consumer choice.The association was the result of a mergerbetween the National Association of RetailGrocers of the United States (NARGUS),representing independent retailers and smallchains, and Cooperative Food Distributorsof America (CFDA), representing cooperativewholesalers. Both NARGUS andCFDA had long histories in serving theirsegments of the industry. With the mergerof the two organizations, it was the firsttimeindependent retailers and wholesalersjoined under one organization.While NGA has always had a prominentand robust public affairs department committedto providing a comprehensive governmentrelations program, the association recognizedthat a core purpose was to offer all members astrong educational program with a curriculumapproach, geared towards the operational needsof both retailers and wholesalers.NGA has always (and will continue to)champion the need for keeping the independentsector strong — and their importance inmaintaining a competitive environment forconsumers, for ensuring a diversity of productsin the marketplace and the impact independentshave on the community.0204010301 Houston Grocers visit their Representatives during theWashington Conference in 1994.02 NGA members, the Graul Family, named the 1987 Grocersof the Year.03 Senator Steve Symms (R-ID) right, receives the NGA Spirt ofAmerica Award from NGA member William Long and his wifeDoreen and daughter Jennifer of Waremark Inc. (now WinCoFoods) in Boise, ID.04 Members packed a busy tradeshow show floor at the 1994Annual Convention.30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 1

THANK YOUTO OUR SPONSORSRED LEVELBLUE LEVELPresenting SponsorsContributing SponsorsWHITE LEVELHall of Fame30 TH Anniversary Reception2 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

INTERVIEWLOOKING BACK TO NGA’SBEGINNING YEARSA Conversation with Tom ZauchaTOM ZAUCHA’S DISTINGUISHED 40-YEAR CAREER in the food industry covered thecomplete spectrum of the retailer / wholesaler supply system, with emphasis on government and publicaffairs. In 1982, he became president and CEO of the National Grocers Association upon the mergerof Cooperative Food Distributors of America (CFDA) with the National Association of Retail Grocers ofthe United States (NARGUS) and served until retiring in July 2010.BY OSCAR KATOVQA +Mr. Zaucha shares his perspective in this May2012 interview.NGA In everything, there is a beginning.When did it occur for the merger?TKZ The late 1970s were the “beginningof the beginning”. That’s the only way tocharacterize the many meetings and phonecalls between dedicated retailers and wholesalersas they overcame years of mutual mistrustand suspicions, and embraced the concept thatworking together was more powerful for anorganization than working alone.To remain independent in the future wouldrequire retailers and wholesalers to embrace theconcept of interdependence.NGA When did the discussions begin to getserious?TKZ The actions became more intense in’81, with the involvement of leaders on bothsides who not only effectively communicatedthat concept of a merger to their respectivemembers, but also found they could workharmoniously with each other. Another hurdleto overcome was whether co-ops and voluntarywholesalers would live together with the independentsin a new organization.and support for an organization that focusedexclusively on the needs and representationof the independent sector and that includesrecognizing the cooperatives and voluntaries,the IGAs, the Piggly Wigglys, the AssociatedGrocers, the ShopRites, and you could go onand on. It was always my contention that everyindustry segment needs and will demand fullrepresentation and service. It was clear that avacuum existed, and NGA filled that vacuum.Accomplishing that was a major event.Number two, we go back to creating what Icall the “brand,” the brand being the characterof the independent sector. By that, I meanthe “independents” are community-focusedcompanies with a special commitment andrelationship with the communities they servewhere their customers and employees are alsoneighbors. Independent retailers are the trueentrepreneurs of the food industry.Third was the success of our public policyand trade initiatives. For example, we pressedhard for a level playing field, and fairness inthe marketplace that affect all NGA memberson issues ranging from tax policies and creditcard fees to the preservation of the Robinson-Patman Act to uniform enforcement of theanti-trust laws.“A level playing field is as important to thesmallest one store operator as it is to the largestmanufacturer.”These were major accomplishments, reflectingthe importance we placed on grassrootssupport from our members on key issues –NGA In the 30 years that NGA has grownfrom what I call “a gleam in your eye,” to aleading association in the industry, what eventsoccurred that are of special significance?TKZ I would say there were three events.Number one was the industry-wide recognition30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 3

A toast to theNational Grocers Association.Here’s to 30 years of support for avibrant grocer community.From your friends at®®, , © 2012 Kellogg NA Co.

RememberWHEN...Walt Macey, First Chairmanof NGA and his wife Mary.Recalling The Challenges inNGA’s Early DaysTOM JACKSONFormer President, Ohio Grocers AssociationHOW EXCITING IT WAS for me to move from Michigan to the Washington, DCarea in 1983. And, to add to that excitement, the thrill and challenge of helping builda new association with a great and formidable mission – to be the exclusive voiceof independent grocers and the wholesalers who served them.William Reitz, Scott’s Food Stores,Rebecca Range, Deputy Assistant tothe President, Actress Martha Smithand Tom Zaucha, NGA.Left to Right – Tom Zaucha,Former US Representative CarrollHubbard, and Tom WenningWe were plowing new ground daily, withprograms, membership, and sponsors. WhenNARGUS merged with CFDA to formNGA, it changed the relationship between the“national” association and the state grocersassociation. Formerly, there existed a looselystructured federation type relationship. So, ifa grocer was a member of a state association,membership in NARGUS was automatic. Thiswas not the case in every state, but many hadadopted this arrangement.In the wisdom and association prowess ofTom Zaucha, he knew that the new NGAcould not survive and serve this importantindustry segment under these conditions.Ergo, NGA changed to a direct membershipprogram. This new system created some unrestwith state grocers associations around thecountry. As vice president of industry relations,it was my job to restore good, productive relationshipswith every state grocers association.At that time, there were other nationalassociations who had plenty of resources toenhance their relationships with state associations.Conversely, NGA had limited resources.But, because of the independent grocer focusof NGA, in time we enjoyed new and strongerrelationships with the states. Undoubtedly, thiswas a time of great challenge and uncertaintyfor NGA. All of us who made up one of theearlier teams for Tom Zaucha knew that we hadto work hard to carve out and create the respectand stature necessary for an association thatadvocated for the independent food distributionindustry. The persistence and perseverancepaid off – look at NGA today!6 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

“Working Together With Our Suppliers...PATRICK QUINNFor Our Mutual Benefit.” 1989 NGA ChairmanREMEMBERWHEN...THERE ARE MANY VALUES THAT NGA PROVIDES for the independentretailer and wholesaler, such as the opportunity for face-to-face time with thegovernment to present our case on a variety of issues. We should always be ready torecognize changing circumstances that may affect our industry.We should also be ready to recognize changingbusiness circumstances that could affect ourindividual operations, as well as impact ourindustry. In this area, NGA was instrumentalin creating opportunities to bring us closer toour suppliers to understand the needs we eachhad, and to help us work closely together formutual benefits.The most important initiative that weundertook was a conference attended by retailand wholesale members of NGA, joined byrepresentatives of industry manufacturers. Atthis meeting, we sought input as to what werethe things we should be looking at as we planfor the future. One of the great suggestionsfor us (Spartan Stores) was that we shouldconcentrate on center store products. We didindeed head in that direction, a very positivemove for the company in sales of our centerstore products.“The Constant Concern... MergingWholesale and Retail Together”WE WERE STILL IN THE BUILDING PROCESS with many issues goingon at the same time, and that’s what sticks in my mind as most important. The constantconcern was merging wholesale and retail together. We were fortunate to have agreat leader in Tom Zaucha, and he surrounded himself with an outstanding staff. Theydid a great job keeping both groups involved.Another very important item was governmentrelations. We were continually involved withour legislators, in giving them an understandingof our objectives as independent grocers,and explaining why we needed help in makinga level playing field for all of us.This representation of our objectives was goingon at the same time with state and federal legislators.And while all of this was happening, we alsoneeded to educate our own members about theissues so that we would be effective in explainingthe association’s objectives to legislators.WILLIAM REITZ1988 NGA ChairmanIn the growth of NGA, our goal was tobecome a viable, respectable organization, involvedin government affairs, and sharing eachother’s knowledge with all independent grocers.Now, to talk about our company, Scott’sFood Stores. We never would have been thecompany we turned out to be without NGA.They supplied us with education, introducedus to people in the industry who helped us inso many different ways, as we competed withchain store operations. We were better operatorsby being a member of NGA.We ThankIndustry SupportFor Our EducationInitiativesDEAN JANEWAY1997 NGA ChairmanSUPPORT FOR OUR VITALprograms comes not only frommember dues, but also from foodindustry suppliers who recognizethe value of maintaining a vigorouseffort for education and information through tradeshows and conferences, and for programs thatsupport our grass roots initiatives in reaching out tolegislators and regulators.Other organizations also seek support for theirprograms, but our unique role as the voice ofthe independent sector of the supermarketindustry is of special interest. The demonstratedability of NGA to represent thousands of independentoperators across the country is a powerfulasset, and that strength will grow throughthe years as more independent operators recognizethe benefits of NGA membership.Our financial stability is a crucial factor inmaintaining our initiatives, and we welcomeindustry support in our education and informationefforts, of value to all of us.30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 7

“The Level Playing Field” Hitting AHome Run With NGACAROLE BITTER2006-2007 NGA ChairwomanAS AN INDEPENDENT GROCER who has been deeply involved in leadershippositions at NGA since its inception (actually before its founding when my father, HaroldFriedman, and I were active members of NARGUS), I have seen amazing changes. Yet,what has never wavered is the association’s commitment to a “level playing field” forindependent grocers and the wholesalers who support them. An outstanding example isNGA’s leadership in preserving the right for members to continue to use EDLP when Walmart attemptedto trademark the term. Another NGA success was our action in helping to preserve the Robinson-PatmanAct when it was threatened by the Antitrust Modernization Commission.Another important issue is Leadership Development.The Cornell Executive LeadershipDevelopment Program, initiated under my chairmanship,has led to a second program at USC,which my son (4th generation grocer) had theopportunity to attend this summer. NGA needsto continue to help us develop leadership in thegrocery industry. And, I’m pleased that a newNGA Economic Impact Study is being formalizedthat will help prove the worth and impact ofthe independent grocer and supporting wholesalersas a whole, as well as on the U.S. economy.In all of this, I cite the important value ofNGA in its work behind the scenes that allowsus to do what we do best – serving our communitieswith wholesome, convenient foodin a marketplace that allows our customersincredible variety, great service and competitiveprices.“Proud to Be Associated With NGA”MARK BATENICNGA Ex-Offico Member and CEO of IGA, Inc.I FIRST BECAME ASSOCIATED WITH NGA IN 1988 while working withFleming, which at the time supplied many independent retailers across the country.From the onset, I was impressed with NGA’s focus on championing those independentgrocery retailers, and providing them with the information they needed to maketheir family-owned businesses strong. Little did I know at the time that my careerpath would lead me to IGA and its long-standing history of independent entrepreneurialism,nor did I know that NGA would become such an important touchstone for our progresswith IGA and its brand.IGA has been linked with NGA for more than10 years now, and for good reason. IGA, likeNGA, was established to help the independentsucceed in the face of ever-growing chain competition.IGA, like NGA, is built on the idea of interdependence,or more simply, that independentretailers are stronger when they join together toshare their experiences and learn from each other.Today, we at IGA work closely with NGA,sharing our knowledge in ways that help bothparties benefit the independent retailers weserve. And because many of IGA’s progressiveindependent retailers are also members of NGA,we have a firsthand glimpse of the impact NGA’stimely information, resources and networkingopportunities have on its retail members.We at IGA are proud to be associatedwith NGA, and we look forward to workingtogether in the future to protect and preservethe entrepreneurial spirit and the independentfamily-owned businesses it creates.8 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

“All NGA Policies Help Our Members!”BRIAN JORDANPresident, Illinois Food Retailers AssociationREMEMBERWHEN...BECAUSE OUR CORE MEMBERSHIP BASES ARE THE SAME, allNGA policies also are of great help to our members. For example, NGA played a majorrole in the Senate legislation for reforming debit card swipe fees, together with FMIand NACS – an action of significant interest to our members. We’re also pleased thatother important NGA public policy initiatives included fighting for a permanent repeal ofthe estate tax, or at least urging Congress to maintain the current exemptions and the top rate beforethey’re set to expire at the end of the year, and to extend many of the tax initiatives which were passedduring the Bush administration. These initiatives are critical to help businesses grow and expand,especially family-owned businesses.Whatever success we achieve as an organizationis made possible only through the dedication ofmembers who unselfishly give their time, theirindustry knowledge and resources to makeit happen. Although relatively new with theassociation at the time, I very well rememberWalt Macy, NGA’s first chairman. One couldeasily sense his love for the food industry andhow deeply he cared for our great country andthe communities which he served so well as astore operator.In looking ahead, I think it’s critical thatNGA continues to keep independents appraisedof the overriding legislative issues andprovide them with the necessary tools andinformation to communicate with their legislators.Legislative representation is the mostimportant job of NGA.FIAE and NGA Are Working Together To ProtectIndependent Grocers and WholesalersJIM OLSENPresident, Food Industry Association ExecutivesTHE FOOD INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES congratulates theNational Grocers Association on its 30 th anniversary as a leading national organizationin protecting the independent grocers and wholesalers and the free enterprisesystem in our country. Under the able leadership of Peter Larkin and his talented associates,they have built an organization that provides education, member resourcesand representation to enable companies in this great food industry not only to survive, but to thrive.Over the last 30 years, NGA has been a loudand consistent voice for our industry on along list of issues such as advocating for fairand long-term certainty in estate taxes andinventory accounting methods like Last In,First Out (LIFO). NGA has been one of thelead organizations in the Merchants PaymentCoalition that brought about reforms withdebit card swipe fees. NGA continues to workfor regulations and policies that address therealities that exist in our industry, as we facethe complex challenges of providing health carecoverage to meet our employees’ health andmedical insurance needs, which conform to theAffordable Care Act.It has been a pleasure to work closelywith NGA these past 30 years. There is stillmuch work to be done and the members ofthe Food Industry Association Executiveslook forward to working with partners likeNGA for many years to come. We realizethat our influence is much stronger whenmultiple organizations join together in thefood industry and work together to meet thechanges and challenges our industry will facein the future.30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 9

Five Reasons Why PFMA Loves NGADAVID MCCORKLEPresident, Pennsylvania Food Merchants AssociationACTUALLY, I CAN EASILY RECITE MORE THAN FIVE REASONS.But, I have identified these because they are good examples – through the years –of how NGA public policy initiatives have worked to effectively support PFMAprogram objectives.NGA has fought to ensure that federal regulationsand laws will treat retailers, wholesalers and suppliersequally. In 1984, just a year after its founding,NGA brought the warning about predatorypricing to the attention of policy-makers duringhearings by the Federal Trade Commission,resulting in a 1995 law requiring the FTC toreport on enforcement of predatory pricing laws.The nation’s first Electronic Benefit Transferpilot project (food stamps) was implemented inReading, PA, with the support of PFMA andfood industry associations, including NGA.As EBT programs expanded to all states, NGAadvocated for interoperability across state linesand common operating rules for all EBT contractors.This process continues today.In 1989-90, NGA fought for repeal of an IRSruling which had prevented the transfer of stockto family members / shareholders, which aidedthe process of succession for small businesses.Tom Zaucha chaired a coalition of small businessorganizations, the Small Business LegislativeCouncil, to advocate passage of the repeal.In 1995, the Perishable Agriculture CommoditiesAct, requiring license fees for retailers andsuppliers, was repealed with NGA assistance.NGA was a founding member of theMerchants Payment Coalition in 2004, whichsued VISA and Master Card for price-fixingin credit and debit card interchange fees. Thefight against the now public traded credit cardcompanies continues.C&S is proud to support NGAin all that you do to supportthe Independent Retailer.Congratulations on your30th Anniversary from all of usat C&S Wholesale Grocers!Select the BestC&SWholesaleGrocers10 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

1982NGA Timeline:An Independent VoiceThe National Grocers Association is celebrating 30 yearsrepresenting the independent sector. In that period of time,NGA has made the independent’s voice heard among thefood industry’s partners, powerful congressional leaders, andthe terms of five Presidents in Washington.• The National Association of Retail Grocers of the UnitedStates (NARGUS) and the Cooperative Food Distributorsof America (CFDA) consolidate to form the NationalGrocers Association. The merger builds “A New Tradition”on the foundation of NARGUS established at Chicago’sWorld Fair in 1893 and CFDA founded in 1936.• The “Spirit of America” award was created and bestowedon government officials and NGA members for their workin government and community affairs to preserve andfoster free enterprise and the independent sector of thefood industry.• Photo: (left to right) Jim Stoll, NARGUS Chairman andTom Zaucha, President CFDA.30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 11

1983• NGA holds its first Annual Convention and Food IndustryExposition in San Francisco. President Ronald Reagan addressesthe attendees by video recording and launches the beginning ofNGA’s Grocers Care program.• NGA supports passage of the Federal Anti-Tampering Act,making it a federal crime to tamper or threaten to tamper foodor consumer products.• NGA establishes the Women Grocers of America (WGA) forwomen associated with the food industry.• Photo: Former President Ronald Reagan.1984• To promote a level playing field, NGA and member retailerstestify at five Federal Trade Commission hearings in Indianapolis,Atlanta, Kansas City, Sacramento and Milwaukee;speaking on the competitive effects new store formats werehaving on pricing practices.• NGA creates the “Great American Award,” presented to anindividual or a company whose leadership in the food industrybest exemplifies active and effective participation in publicaffairs as a citizen and industry representative.• Photo: Alexa Binnion, left and Annette Trujillo withSunshine Jr. Stores Inc., Panama City, FL meet with USRepresentative Bill Nelson (D-District 11).19871986• NGA’s convention, scheduled to be held in Philadelphia, is canceled due to a garbagestrike by city workers. The convention is rescheduled for February, 1987 in Dallas, TX.• NGA holds the Excellence in Merchandising contest as a way to honor and recognize thebest merchandising campaigns in the grocery industry.• NGA launches the “NGA Minuteman Militia,” a group of informed retail andwholesale grocers in each congressional district ready to contact their representativeson issues important to the food industry.• NGA publishes “The 1986 Tax Reform Act: A Guide for Retail and Wholesale Grocers.”• Photo: General Walter A. Churchill Sr., Churchilll’s Supermarkets, Sylvania, OH wasthe first National General of the NGA Minuteman Militia Group.• NGA holds its first Annual National BestBagger contest in which Terry Bradshaw,former quarterback of the PittsburghSteelers, hosts as Master of Ceremonies.• Photo: (left to right) Former Senator andVice President Dan Quayle and TomZaucha at the 1987 Annual Conventionin Dallas, TX.1989• NGA launches a campaign to repeal Section 2036(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, whichnegatively impacted family-owned-and-operated businesses’ ability to avoid crippling estate taxes.• NGA sets up the “Excellence in Advertising” Awards Competition as a way to honor and recognizethe best advertising campaigns in the grocery industry.• Photo: NGA Senior VP Thomas Wenning testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee.12 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

1985• Congress passes the Federal Trade Commission Authorization Act, requiring the FTCto report to Congress on its enforcement activities regarding predatory pricing.• NGA wins important victories in passing prohibition of bank charges on retailfood stores for redemption of food stamp coupons and retailer-owned foodcooperatives in the case of Cotter and Co. vs. the IRS, allowing interest incometo be taken as deductions for patronage dividend treatment.• Photo: Vice President George H.W. Bush addresses the NGA Conventionin New Orleans and conducts a tax reform forum with members of NGA’s boardof directors.1988• NGA, in conjunction with the D’Agostino/SilverzweigEntrepreneurial Institute, holds its first program to“perpetuate the family-owned business.”• Photo: National Independent Retail Grocers Week(NIRGW) is constructed to allow grocers to demonstratetheir commitment to community service and representanother step in NGA’s long standing efforts to promoteprivate sector initiatives.1990 1991• NGA’s president, Tom Zaucha, serving as chairman ofthe Small Business Legislative Council’s Coalition on2036(c), leads the Coalition’s successful efforts to eventuallyrepeal section 2036(c), the tax code measure thatadversely affected family businesses.• NGA preserves competitive rights for equal deals andallowances under the revised FTC guidelines.• NGA leads efforts that helpeddefeat a national bottle bill, andintroduces legislation that led to therepeal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and FirearmsSpecial Occupational Tax on Retailers (BAFT SOT).• Photo: NGA member delegates from New Hampshireand Vermont meet with their Representatives andSenators during the Washington Conference.30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 13

19931992• NGA enters into a marketing agreementwith Concord EFS (currentlythe First Data Corporation) to provide independent retailersand wholesalers a program to process credit and debit cardtransactions for costs comparable to large national retailers.• President George H.W. Bush in February addresses the annualconvention in Orlando, FL.• Photo: Representative Alex McMillan (R-NC) presented withthe NGA Spirit of America Award by Dewey Hill, chairmanand president of Hill’s Foods Stores, Lumberton, NC.• NGA helps orchestrate the movement Efficient ConsumerResponse (ECR), a joint trade and industry bodyworking towards making the grocery sector – as a whole –more responsive to consumer demand and promoting theremoval of unnecessary costs from the supply chain.• NGA holds a joint Buyer/Seller Conference with GroceryManufacturers of America (GMA) and the National FoodBrokers Association (NFBA) in Colorado Springs, CO.1996• An NGA study done in conjunction with the Centerfor Taxation illustrates that family-owned retailers andwholesalers must, on the death of a principal owner,either refinance the business to pay the death taxes or sellthe business.1997• NGA is invited to represent the groceryindustry at Gen. Colin Powell’s Presidents’Summit for America’s Future, part of hisAmerica’s Promise program.• Photo: (left to right) Colin Powell, FormerSecretary of State and Chairman of the JointChiefs of Staff and Tom Zaucha, NGA.20001999• NGA adopts a new definition of an independent retailer based upon ownership andphilosophy of operation instead of number of stores or type of format.• Photo: NGA member David Larson, president of Piedmont Grocery Company inOakland, CA checks out store displays at the 1999 Annual Convention.14 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

1994• Photo: NGAChairman CharlesB. Butson testifiesin opposition to President Clinton’smandatory health insurance legislation,which was ultimately rejected by Congress.1995• NGA wins a decade-long battle to repeal thePerishable Agriculture Commodities Act license feespaid by retail and wholesale grocers.• Photo: NGA members attending the 1995Washington Conference Fly-In.1998• NGA supports the development of the Electronic Benefits Transfer System to provideinteroperability across state lines.• NGA challenges the FTC’s mergers and acquisitions policy and opposes Ahold’s proposedacquisition of Pathmark, which is ultimately withdrawn.• NGA and Associated Grocers of Baton Rouge develop and promote a Y2K complianceprogram, where over 10,000 programs and kits were provided to assure food retailersand wholesalers would be computer compliant for 2000.2001• NGA’s Industry and Trade Relations ExecutiveCouncil, consisting of leading retailers, wholesalersand manufacturers, published the “Special Report:A New Vision for the Center Store.” The reportdeveloped four strategies to help supermarketsresolve the attrition of Center Store sales takingplace in grocery and nonfood departments.• Photo: Food Industry Crusade Against Hungercelebrates its 15th Anniversary. NGA was anactive member of the organization.• Congress passes increases in death taxexemptions and rate decreases, with a scheduledone-year repeal in 2010.• NGA moves its headquarters from Reston, VA.,to Arlington, VA.30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 15

20032002• NGA launches a new convention “concept show” format at the Paris LasVegas Hotel to produce successful programs for independent retailersand wholesalers.• Photo: Steve Smith, NGA’s former chairman and the president andchief executive officer of K-VA-T Food Stores, is the only food industryexecutive to meet with President George W. Bush and other corporateleaders in the White House to be a part of “Business StrengtheningAmerica.” As part of NGA’s Grocers Care program, NGA joins in thepresident’s call to promote volunteer service.• NGA launched the process to modified theNGA strategic plan that includes a missionstatement, a statement of philosophy andvalues, and a working agenda.• Photo: Newt Gingrich talks about healthcare at NGA board meeting.2005• NGA Chairman Jay Campbell testifies beforethe Antitrust Modernization Commission on theimportance of the Robinson-Patman Act to thegrocery industry and the need to preserve a diversemarketplace for the benefit of consumers.• NGA, along with Coborn’s, D’Agostino Supermarketsand Affiliated Midwest, files a class-action lawsuitagainst Visa, MasterCard and the largest banks foralleged price-fixing of credit card interchange fees.2006• NGA submits testimony to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommitteeurging an investigation of the collective and discriminatory price-fixing ofcredit card interchange fees by Visa, MasterCard and the largest banks.• NGA retailers and wholesalers, as part of Grocers Care, join with the WhiteHouse Commission on Remembrance to promote and observe a Momentof Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day to honor and pay tribute toAmerica’s soldiers who continue to sacrifice for America’s freedom.• Photo: Tom Wenning, Executive Vice President of NGA participates inFDIC on ILC banking testimony.2008• NGA approves the addition of manufacturer/service suppliers to the NGA Board of Directors.• Kraft Foods inaugurates the Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award with MichaelA. Provenzano Jr., president and CEO of Pro’s Ranch Markets, the first award recipient.• Photo: Two movies based on NGA’s Best Bagger Competition are released – “NationalLampoon’s Bag Boy” and the documentary “Ready, Set, Bag!”16 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

2004• NGA becomes a founding and executive committeemember of Merchants Payment Coalition to combatincreasing and discriminatory credit card interchange feeson behalf of independent retailers and wholesalers.• Photo: (left to right) JC Watts, Former RepublicanCongressman from Oklahoma, Mike and DianeProvenzano Sr. of Pro Ranch’s Markets and Al Gore,Former Vice President of the United States at the 2004Annual Convention.2007• NGA opposes Walmart’s application for IndustrialLoan Company (ILC) for interstate branch banking;after House passes legislation, Walmart withdraws.• In response to NGA request, the House Judiciary Committeeand Chairman Conyers rejected the Antitrust ModernizationCommission’s recommendation for repeal of Robinson-Patman.• NGA holds the first International Best Bagger Competitionagainst Canada.• Photo: NGA celebrates our 25th Anniversary.2009• NGA takes leading role in Coalition for Democratic Workplaceto defeat union backed Employee Free Choice Act.• NGA launches online grassroots advocacy program.• Photo: (left to right) Congresswoman Nita Lowey, NY 18thDistrict, Nicholas D’Agostino, III of D’Agostino Supermarkets,Inc. and Tom Wenning, Executive Vice President ofNGA at the 2009 Washington Conference Fly-In.30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 17

2010• Peter Larkin named the new President and CEO of NGA on July 1 st assuccessor to Tom Zaucha.• Congress passes the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, overobjections by NGA.• NGA was a leader in efforts that led to the ultimate passage of the Durbin Amendmentthat restricts debit card fees and becomes law when the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform andConsumer Protection Act passes.• Photo: (left to right) Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Peter Larkin, NGA.2011• NGA conducts Member Value Proposition (MVP) Project, a majorneeds assessment/satisfaction survey of the association’s members. Thepurpose of the survey was to provide findings, draw conclusions and makerecommendations to assist NGA leadership in developing an effective plangoing forward for the association and independent grocery industry.• NGA renames the Annual Convention to “The NGA Show – WhereIndependents Gather.”• NGA testifies before the NLRB opposing radical changes to the unionelection process.• Photo: NGA’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative Committee meets withWhite House officials.2012• NGA held the 1st Annual National Best Bagger Congressional Competition on Capitol Hill.The 2012 national champion, Stephanie Teteak from Larry’s Piggly Wiggly/Kaukauna, WI,competed against her Member of Congress, Congressman Reid Ribble (WI-8).• NGA expands the Executive Leadership Development Program with a second location at theUniversity of Southern California (USC).• NGA opposes proposed Interchange Fee Settlement with Visa and MasterCard.• Photo: (left to right) Martin Arter, President and CEO of Affiliated Foods Midwest, Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI), andPeter Larkin, NGA, along with the Wisconsin Grocers Association host a warehouse tour and meeting to highlight thetremendous investments made in local communities by independent retail grocers and wholesalers.18 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

Happy 30thOur mission is the same as yours:Helping Small Businesses Succeedin a Big Business World

LOOKING AHEADA Conversation with Peter Larkin and Joe SheridanQA+A NEW ERA BEGINS NOW FOR NGA, with a leadership team of demonstrated experience and abilities, in building our membership, and instrengthening recognition of our unique role in serving the needs and ambitions of the independent retailer.Following the trail of Tom Zaucha and 25 chairmen since NGA’s inception in 1982, are Joseph Sheridan, Chairman, and Peter Larkin, President & CEO.Their comments here, taken from a joint interview in August, not only highlight the sharp professional capability each brings to his NGA responsibility, butalso reflect the respect and cordiality that each holds for the other. Together, the two offer the promise of creating a new environment of accomplishment,stimulating a new growth of NGA.BY OSCAR KATOVNGA Does the phrase “entrepreneurial spirit”have the same impact today as it did whenNARGUS and CFDA joined together to createNGA, 30 years ago? Joe, that phrase hasstrength and significance for you, because 30years later, you used that line in your openingremarks at the 2012 NGA Show: “It’s theentrepreneurial spirit of its members that makesNGA different from all other food industrytrade associations. There’s energy there, thatcan’t be replicated.”JOE As an independent operator and anentrepreneur, as opposed to a chain operatoror manufacturer where you have more of acorporate perspective, but as an entrepreneur- everything that you do is personal. It’s aboutyour family, your family’s prosperity and everythingthat you’ve accomplished as a family.There’s a premise that goes with entrepreneurism,that entrepreneurs love to win. But thetruth is they hate to lose even more. I thinkthis is very important because it touches onthat personal aspect of business.You know, in a lot of ways Wakefern is likeNGA; there are so many parallels. We’re madeup of 47 families, some big, some small, justlike NGA – some big and some small. We havefirst-generation, second-generation, thirdgeneration,fourth-generation just like NGA.You have different levels of family intimacyinvolved in the business. Each entrepreneur is asoloist at Wakefern in their own right but whenWakefern under the trademark of Shoprite getstogether, we call it a symphony of soloists. Sowhen we’re playing, we’re playing as a groupand we make great music.But it’s based upon a buildup – a very granularbuildup – from excellence and the communityintimacy that occurs at the local levelwith the family and the entrepreneurial spiritright where the customer is; aggregated up intoa larger entity called Wakefern. This parallel toNGA is almost uncanny. Here you have a seriesof entrepreneurs that run an association calledNGA, in that the association should be able toprovide détente against some of the macro forcesthat are always impacting family businesses.NGA So there still is the need to pay attentionto the basics, such as attracting new members?How do you see that happening in next thirtyyears?PETER It is important for us to listen to ourcurrent members to learn what they want fromtheir association. Once you listen, you needto respond to stay relevant. It is a changingindustry as we all know, and we always must besure to clearly articulate the value propositionand what return members can expect for theirinvestment in dues dollars and time commitmentsto NGA. Then we can convey thatvalue proposition, to potential members andour association will grow.I think there is no one better positioned torecruit new members than those who have beenthe loyal members of this organization for thepast 30 years. We need to equip our memberswith the materials they need to go out andspread the word – to carry that value propositionmessage forward.NGA Joe, during your time as chairman, whathas been the most important issue or initiativethat NGA has undertaken?JOE I would say we’re in a period now wherealmost all trade associations are questioningtheir purpose, because the reason they werecreated may or may not still be a core valueto its members. I think NGA has an abilityto engage members for governmental actionbecause of its members across all the states.Independents have more access than the largechains often do in getting in front of theirrepresentatives. NGA is uniquely positionedto represent, in a very cogent and influentialfashion, the issues of the entrepreneur and thefamily business to government.I think what’s important is this; it’s themembers of NGA, not NGA itself, making thecontacts. This is a member-driven organization.This is what makes NGA unique fromthe others. It’s the members of NGA that havethe intimacy with the decision makers andregulators, backed by a professional staff atNGA that can put the message out there in avery clear and cogent fashion. So I would saythe most important thing we’re working onnow is identifying those issues – and they’reperpetually changing – and moving those issueson behalf of family businesses in front of thegovernment and dealing with the impact. Thereare some big moving targets out there thatoften fall on the back of family businesses. Thepurpose of NGA is great because that is one ofthe macro-forces impacting all small businessesthat we’re able to go out and represent it in avery personal fashion.PETER Just to put a finer point on that; today,as we speak, the tax issues that are pending inCongress are incredibly impactful to small businessesand independent grocers and our memberswant to have a voice in that debate. That’s exactlywhat NGA is doing. We are following the taxissues, we are actively engaged in the tax issues.20 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

INTERVIEWThe tax issues impact members in differentways depending on their corporate structure.But regardless of the differences you put allour members together – we speak with onevoice. We know exactly the direction we wantto head; we know what’s important whetherits estate taxes, taxes for pass-through entities,or various tax credits used by small business.In addition to tax issues, we are operating in alegislative environment where labor issues areof the utmost importance. Our members wantto have a voice and we give it to them.Where it really becomes important is ourability to generate grassroots support. It’s obviousthat members of Congress would rather hearfrom their constituents than from paid lobbyistsin Washington, DC. We demonstrate this on amonthly, sometimes weekly, basis when we sendout action alerts. And I’ll tell you, people respond.We get hundreds and hundreds, sometimes thousandsof letters generated to Capitol Hill on anygiven issue and it’s coming from all 50 states.NGA That speaks very well for the foundationof NGA, with grassroots as a key factor in thesuccess. Moving forward, what do you think isthe most important issue facing the association?JOE I think that NGA, like all trade associations,has to make sure that they’re – there’s aterm in the book Servant Leadership, “primusinter pares” – “first amongst equals”. I don’tthink NGA should be the lead on every issue.I think it should choose where it’s going to bethe lead and where it should be in support, orin collaboration with other trade associations.Then in turn, you establish your priorities andgo after them. But that means you can’t leadon every issue. It’s that some things are betteroff in collaboration, so you’re a voice of theindustry, large and small.PETER That is a great point Joe; we use a veryactive and broad-based government relationscommittee to help us focus on which issues aremost important to the independent retailer.While there may be 100 issues that we have todeal with here in Washington, we’ve used thegovernment relations committee to go throughthe list and prioritize every single issue. So foreach issue, we know which one we’re takingthe lead on, which one we’re collaborating andworking with others on. We only have a certainbandwidth here in terms of number of staff andexpertise, and we don’t have the luxury of havingspecific industry experts on staff like someorganizations do. So we’re working togetherwith other industry association on a variety ofissues, but taking the lead on those that are mostimportant to the independents and wholesalers.There is such a powerfuland inherent pride tobe part of a familybusiness, and to be partof a bigger fam ily calledNGA. It’s something thatyou have to believe in.NGA One of the highlights for NGA membersis the annual NGA Show and the chance forthem all to gather together. With such a diversegroup to provide for, how do you address theneeds of members when formulating the contentof the NGA Show? How do you continueto make it must-attend event year after year?PETER Well, we’ve used the words “stayingrelevant” a couple of times and I believe thereason that our trade show is still relevant isbecause for many of our members, this is theonly trade show they attend. The NGA Showfocuses on them, and addresses their educationalneeds, and provides an opportunity tosee new products and services.JOE I’d like to give you one more, and Peter’stouching it a little bit on the Show. The NGAShow is emotional.PETER Yes.JOE It’s emotional. I mean, whether it’s fromthe Pledge of Allegiance or the Star-SpangledBanner, to the nature of the speakers, I thinkit’s powerful how NGA connects emotion tobusiness context.Because there’s a hidden pride that just layslatent. An entrepreneur never wants to tiptheir hand as to how well they’re doing becauseyou never know; they always have this fear oftax or a locust storm or the next thing thatcould happen to the business. So you neverget too big for your britches. But there is sucha powerful and inherent pride to be part of afamily business, and to be part of a bigger familycalled NGA. It’s something that you have tobelieve in. That comes from the nature of themembers themselves. I think that when you’reat the Show, you feel an immense pride aboutbeing part of NGA. I think NGA is as hot andas in-tune now as it was when it started. Likeall organizations, it goes through the cycle ofups and downs, it is relevant, it is on target,and it is focused on its growth.NGA Any final thoughts or memories youwant to share with the membership on 30 yearsof representing independent grocers?JOE I’ll give you a rather unique one. Everynow and then you get a chance to go deep ona specific project and you learn a lot about theother people working on the project with you,and about the organization itself. For me, itwas the search to replace a founding leader likeTom Zaucha. And how do you do that? Howdo you have a succession plan for the leaderof the organization that allows you to honorall that was accomplished in the past, and yetmake the moves in order to go forward inthe future? You have to identify what are thecharacteristics that you want, who are the bestpeople to do that and then do that as a sharedexperience between other people on the searchcommittee, backed up by Board feedback.I found that the search that resulted in thehiring of Peter to be almost like a renewal ofvows for NGA. When we wound up with atalented person like Peter, it reflected what themembers were looking for in such a way thatthere’s a level of perpetual engagement – andit’s increasing. It was a singular experienceduring my time at NGA and it allows meto have faith that the energy and time that Iwill commit as Chairman will in fact, pay off.Because there will be a staff that will be ableto do it, facilitate it, lead it, and make surethat there’s total engagement by the rest of theNGA membership.PETER Now you see why he’s ourChairman.30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 21

BestBaggerHistory01 020404 MC Terry Bradshaw interviews, for the televisioncameras, the winner of NGA’s first bagging contest held in1987 at the NGA Annual Convention in Dallas, Texas. Therunner-up was Jan Thommason from Claremont Discountin Oklahoma (at right), and the winner was Jorge Baca,from Fiesta Mart in Texas on the left next to Bradshaw.03011994 Best Bagger winner Jeff Sterns02 2012 Best Bagger Stephanie Teteak and CongressmanReid Ribble (WI-8)03 An excited crowd cheers at the 2011 Championship.The NGA Best Bagger Championshipis a year-long, nationwideprogram in which the topgrocery baggers in the countrycompete for great prizes andthe title of America’s Best Bagger. Contestantsare judged on speed, bag-building technique,weight distribution between bags, style, attitudeand appearance. The championship culminatesat the annual NGA Show, where state championsvie for the national title.NGA’s Best Bagger Championship was createdto promote the grocery industry’s devotionto exceptional customer service through superiorbagging. Excellence in bagging representsan important element in providing outstandingcustomer service in an area in which independentretailers excel.In 1983, the American Paper Institutesponsored its first annual bag-packing contest,with the winner receiving the coveted CharlesStillwell award plus $1,883. The amount is inhonor of the year 1883, when Charles Stillwellinvented the paper-bag machine. With thecontest being central to the grocery industry,NGA took over as sponsor of the Best Baggercontest in 1987 and has run with the programever since.In 1987, the first National Grocers Association(NGA) Best Bagger Contest was heldin Dallas, Texas. The first bagging contestwas called the “Texas/Oklahoma Checkout-Shootout” with only two contestants and TerryBradshaw, former NFL Quarterback for thePittsburgh Steelers, as Master of Ceremonies.Since then NGA has been bringing the country’sfinest baggers together to determine “thebest of the best.”In 2006 and 2007, NGA and the CanadianFederation of Independent Grocers (C.F.I.G.)joined together to hold the International BestBagger Competition for the title of NorthAmerica’s Best Bagger.In 2009, NGA partnered with Pan-Ostonwho presented the grand prize winner’s storewith the “Best Bagger Golden Lane.”In 2010, the NGA Board of Directors votedto switch from paper and plastic to reusablebags. This was in response to the increase inconsumer popularity of reusable bags aroundthe country. That year NGA also increased thegrand prize to $10,000.22 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

NGA’s Bagger Championship Hall of Fame1987Jorge Baca Fiesta Mart No. 4 TexasJan Thommason Claremont Discount Foods Oklahoma1988 Kelly Larrabee Raley’s Supermarket California1989 Caren Callaghan Olsen’s Food Store Washington1990 Mark Cutshall Baker’s IGA Ohio1991 Keith Palch Hartville IGA Ohio1992 Name Not Available Name Not Available Indiana1993 Bob Dropinski Baker’s Supermarket Nebraska1994 Jeff Stearns Fareway Stores, Inc. Iowa1995 Name Not Available Name Not Available Louisiana1996 Mike Dahm Fareway Stores, Inc. Iowa1997 Allen Weimerskirch Fareway Stores, Inc. Iowa1998 Frank Urbanic Finast #828 / Tops Markets Ohio1999 Gwenn Honda Ralph’s Grocery Company California2000 Mike Mechura Fareway Stores, Inc. Iowa2001 Micah Crapo Smith’s Food & Drug Stores Utah2002 Dawn Marshall Pathmark Stores Pennsylvania2003 Darcie Berndt Martin’s Super Markets Indiana2004 Tina Tasso The Kroger Co. Georgia2005 Emily Jensen Macey’s Utah2006 Jason Zitko Dierbergs Central Office Missouri2007 Brian Bay Macey’s Utah2008 Erika Jensen Macey’s Utah2009 Francisco Palacios Fry’s Food and Drug Stores Arizona2010 Kyle Perry Martin’s Super Markets Indiana2011 Krystal Smith Hannaford Supermarkets Vermont2012 Stephanie Teteak Larry’s Piggly Wiggly WisconsinWe want to thank the N.G.A. on 30 years of leadershipand all those members who have supported us over the years.30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 23

AWARDSNGA Industry Service AwardTHE NGA INDUSTRY SERVICE AWARD is awarded to an individual or company whoseyears of service in the food industry have contributed to better working relations and understandingbetween retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers.2011 Dean Janeway, Wakefern Corporation2010 Charles Pilliter, Traders Joe’s Inc.2009 Russ Hockin, Kellogg Company2009 Gary Phillips, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc.2008 Ronald Bloch, Kalik Lewin2004 Norman Turcotte, Associated Grocersof New England2004 Bobby Ukrop, Ukrop’s Super Markets, Inc.2003 Melvyn Williams, Unilever BestFoods, Inc.2002 Philip F. Pellegrino, Kraft Foods, Inc.2001 Benny Cooper, Affiliated Foods Inc.2000 Thomas S. Haggai, IGA, Inc.1999 John S. (Steve) Herbison, URM Stores, Inc.1999 Paul M. Duffley, PepsiCo, Inc.1998 William G. Reitz, Scott’s Food Stores, Inc.1997 Nicholas J. D’Agostino, Jr., D’Agostino’s1996 Darold Anderson, Affiliated Food Stores1995 Don Scott, Scotts Food Stores, Inc.1994 Peter V. Gregerson, Sr., Gregerson’s Foods, Inc.1993 James Armstead, Financial West Foods’ Inc.1992 Marsh H. Blackburn, Sales Force Companies, Inc.1991 J. Bryon Felter, Quaker Oats Company1990 Dr. Wendell G. Earle, Cornell University1989 Gordon McGovern, Campbell Soup1988 Eugene Walters, Farm Fresh Supermarkets1987 David Silverberg, Wakefern Corporation1986 Dick Katzenbach, Fleming Foods Company1985 Gerald E. Peck, National-AmericanWholesale Grocery Association1984 C. James McNutt, Campbell Soup Company1983 Paul Kelly, Grocery Manufacturers of AmericaThe Spirit ofAmerica AwardTHE SPIRIT OF AMERICA AWARDwas initiated in 1982 to honor individualswho have provided leadership in the areas ofcommunity service and government relationson behalf of the food distribution industry. Theaward is our way of saying thanks to thoseindividuals who have worked to help establisha free and independent food distributionsystem. NGA presents the award to recognizekey industry and community leaders for theiractive involvement and participation in communityand public affairs.Over the years, the NGA Spirit of Americaaward has become a prominent and memorableacknowledgement of the dedication ofover 550 recipients, including past PresidentsGeorge Bush and Gerald Ford, former VicePresident Dan Quayle, former Secretaryof State and Chairman aof the Joint Chiefof Staff, General Colin Powell and formerSpeaker of the House Tom Foley.Thomas K. Zaucha EntrepreneurialExcellence AwardKRAFT FOODS, INC. ESTABLISHEDthe Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial ExcellenceAward, as a way to highlight and rewardretailers that have shown the most tangibleexample of persistence, vision, and creativeentrepreneurship throughout the past year. Theaward is one of the most prestigious honorsawarded to independent grocers.2012 Archie McGregor, Archie’s IGA2011 Keith Johanneson, Johanneson’s, Inc.2010 Jeff Brown, Brown’s Super Stores, Inc.2009 Mike Provenzano, Pro’s Ranch Markets24 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

RECOGNIZING 30 YEARS OF INDUSTRY LEADERS WHO SUPPORTNGA AND INDEPENDENT RETAILERS NATIONWIDE.NGA AWARDSThe Clarence G. Adamy Great American AwardTHE CLARENCE G. ADAMY GREAT AMERICAN AWARD is presented to an individualor a company whose leadership in the food industry best exemplifies active and effective participationin public affairs as a citizen and industry representative. Public affairs participation is a broad conceptreflecting service to people as a whole or to the community at large. Service may include, but is notlimited to, charitable, political, educational, or other activities establishing exemplary leadership onbehalf of the food industry.2009 Gary Phillips, AssociatedWholesale Grocers, Inc.2006 Thomas S. Haggai, IGA, Inc.2005 Fred Ball, Balls Food Stores2002 Jack Smith, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.2001 George H.W. Bush, 41stPresident of the United States2001 Nick D’Agostino, Jr., D’Agostino’s Supermarkets, Inc.1995 Hillar C. Moore, Jr., Associated Grocers, Inc.1994 Jack F. Kemp, 9th United States Secretary ofHousing and UrbanDevelopment1993 Peter Gregerson, Sr., Gregerson’s Foods, Inc.1993 Elden Roscher, Food IndustryAssociation Executives (FIAE)1992 Walt Macey, Macey’s Food Store1991 James L. Baska, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG)1990 George W. Koch, Kirkpatrick & Lockhart1989 Stephen B. Barlow, Sr., Barlow Foods1988 James Stoll, Bag N Save Foods1987 Walter Churchill, Churchill’s Super Markets, Inc.1985 Leonard Starr, Jr., Richfood, Inc.1984 Eugene Walters, Farm Fresh Supermarkets1983 Henry J. Bison, Jr., NationalAssociation of Retail Grocers1982 Louis Fox, Associated Wholesale Grocers1982 Clarence G. (“Clancy”) Adamy,National Association of Food Chains30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 25

GrocersCareIn 1983, a videotaped message fromPresident Ronald Reagan welcomed attendeesNGA’s first convention. Duringthat message, the president discussed theimportant impact grocers made in theircommunities and the economy and thankedthe attendees for their efforts. Following Reagan’saddress, NGA launched the Grocers Careprogram that tied in with Reagan’s NationalCare and Share Day which was established topromote acts of charitable volunteerism andcommunity involvement. The Grocers CareProgram provides NGA and its members anopportunity to share and communicate the rolethat the independent retail sector plays to Congress,the White House, the grocery industryand the customers they serve.During the past 30 years, NGA has recognizedthe important role independent grocershave in not only their local communities but inthe national economy and private sector initiatives.Community grocers across the nationdemonstrate and build on the cornerstone ofthis great country – the entrepreneurial spiritGrocers Care seeksto recognize andpromote the involvementof the food industryin community andcivic programs.– through environmental initiatives, politicalinvolvement, and charitable support. Today,Grocers Care seeks to recognize and promotethe involvement of the food industry in communityand civic programs.Noteworthy contributions by NGA membersinclude:• Charitable support for national programssuch as Grocers Fight Cancer,the American Heart Association, theAmerican Diabetes Alert, and theNational Red Cross.• Involvement in local voter registrationcampaigns and participation inlocal, state, and national councils suchas the White House Conference onSmall Business.30TH ANNIVERSARY THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE | 27

020101 Tom Zaucha presents Jim Olin (D-VA) and his wifewith a bag of groceries which a grocer in his districtdonated to a food bank.02 Carmella La Spada, Director of the White HouseCommission of Remembrance, Gary Phillips, AssociatedWholesale Grocers Inc. and Tom Zaucha, NGA.• Support for education and the performingarts through contributions oftime, funds, buildings and percentageof sales donations for reading programsto fight illiteracy, scholarships, andcomputers for students’ programs.• Backing and promotion of programs toshelter and feed the homeless; fitness activities,sports teams and tournaments,Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, FeedingAmerica, and senior citizen assistance.• Providing a leadership role in building aclean America from the environmentalcommitments of the manufacturer andpackager to recycling initiatives at theretail stores. Grocers actively supportand sponsor environmental campaignsin support of the Keep America BeautifulProgram.In 2006, NGA as an organization took anactive role in joining the White House Commissionof Remembrance to promote andobserve a Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m.on Memorial Day to honor America’s fallensoldiers and their families. Since then, hundredsof stores across the country have helpedtheir communities pay tribute to America’sfallen heroes.Thank you for 30 years ofchampioning the independent grocer.Your friends at Bunzl Distribution28 | NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORG

PAST CHAIRMENNGA IS HONORED TO RECOGNIZE PAST CHAIRMEN for theirsignificant contributions to the association and the independent grocery industry. Themany milestones and accomplishments NGA has achieved over the past 30 years weremade possible because of these remarkably talented and hardworking individualsand those who served on their boards. We thank you for your vision and your untiringdedication that has provided us with a very solid foundation for the future.1983 Waldo MaceyMacey’s Food Store1984 Vincent LittleRoundy’s Inc.1985 Roger DierbergDierbergs Markets, Inc.1986 Rodney LoveAssociated Grocersof Colorado1986 Jere LawrenceLawrence Brothers(M-A-L Enterprises, Inc.)1987 James BaskaAssociated WholesaleGrocers (AWG)1988 William ReitzScott’s Food Stores1989 Patrick QuinnSpartan Stores Inc.1990 Kenneth TechauKen’s New Market1991 William ConferRoundy’s Inc.1992 Robert HandDahl’s Foods1993 Everett DingwellCertified Grocers of California1994 Charles ButsonButson’s Supermarkets1995 Steve HerbisonURM Stores, Inc.1996 Larry ContosPay Less Supermarkets1997 Dean JanewayWakefern Corporation1998 Tom GoodnerGoodner’s Supermarkets1999 J.H. (Jay) CampbellAssociated Grocers Inc. -Baton Rouge2000–2001 Steve SmithK-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.2002 Charles PilliterUnified Western Grocers, Inc.2002–2003 Michael NeedlerFresh Encounters, Inc.2004–2005 Gary PhillipsAssociated WholesaleGrocers, Inc.2006–2007 Carole BitterFriedman’s Fresh Markets2008–2009 Michael JacksonSUPERVALU Inc.2010–2011 Christopher CobornCoborn’s, Inc.2012–2013 Joseph SheridanWakefern Corporation

NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 250Arlington, VA 22201WWW.NATIONALGROCERS.ORGCelebrating three decades as the voice of theindependent grocery industry!NGA MISSIONTo ensure independent, community-focused retailers andwholesalers the opportunity to succeed and better servethe consumer through its policies, advocacy, programsand services.NGA PHILOSOPHY STATEMENTTo promote diversity in the marketplace through a vibrantindependent sector, and thereby increase consumerchoice in price, variety, quality, service and value.®