Greg Ferrara Archives
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News

Independent Grocers Gather For 2025 NGA Executive Conference

The National Grocers Association (NGA) kicked off its 2025 Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit on Oct. 20 in Washington, D.C., bringing together independent grocers and industry leaders from across the country to examine trends, gain insights and network. This year’s conference kicked off with the association’s volunteer leaders holding a series of committee and […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Anniversary Issues, Associated Grocers, Inc., News, Southeast

With New Leadership Team At Helm, AG Has ‘Same Goal In Mind’

In announcing David Politz’ appointment this spring as president and CEO of Associated Grocers Inc. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Daphne Lamendola, who chairs AG’s board of directors, cited his “unwavering dedication, strategic vision and forward-thinking leadership” that will continue to guide the company toward sustained growth and success. Politz has been with AG since 1985, […]

Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National, News

Work Not Finished, But NGA Pleased With Efforts On Tax Measure, SNAP

Independent grocers across the country are applauding significant policy victories following months of persistent advocacy led by the National Grocers Association (NGA). With the enactment of a landmark tax package and the defense against the most damaging proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, NGA has delivered tangible results for independent operators and the […]

Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National, News

SNAP Incentives, Fresh Innovation And The Role Of Independent Grocers

In June, the independent grocery industry came together in force for the 2025 NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, where fresh food innovation met community commitment. From fresh-forward merchandising strategies to discussions about food safety, traceability and technology, the summit underscored what independent grocers already know – fresh food is not only a driver of growth […]

Posted inAssociation News, National, News

NGA Fresh Summit 2025 Features Innovation, Industry Insight

The National Grocers Association (NGA) brought together independent grocery leaders from across the country June 16-18 for the NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over two days of expert-led sessions, store tours and networking, attendees explored strategies to increase profitability in the areas of produce, meat, dairy, deli, bakery and foodservice. The summit opened with […]

Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National, News

Independent Grocers Make Their Voices Heard In Washington At NGA’s Fly-In

Every spring, the National Grocers Association’s Fly-In for Fair Competition reminds me of something simple yet powerful – when independent grocers come together and speak with one voice, we can move mountains. The 2025 Fly-In was no exception. More than 125 independent operators, wholesalers and state association partners from 38 states converged on Capitol Hill […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Guest Contributors, National, News

NGA Scores Big Legislative Wins For Independent Grocers

At the time of this writing, the first 100 days of the new congressional session are wrapping up, and the National Grocers Association (NGA) has secured major victories that will ease regulatory burdens, promote fair competition and protect independent grocers nationwide. From advocating for antitrust enforcement to blocking costly energy regulations, NGA’s efforts are making […]

Posted inDairy News, Association News, Corporate Store News, Health & Wellness, Home Page Slider, Independent Store News, National

CARES Act Reactions, Mercato Delivers Free To 60+ During Pandemic

With the passage of the recent Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act by Congress, grocers and affiliated businesses across the country should get some relief from strains due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. The National Grocers Association (NGA) voiced its support of the legislation, which also fixed the retail glitch contained in the […]

Posted inHealth & Wellness, Association News, Beverage News, COVID News, Home Page Slider, National, Produce News, Suppliers, Supply Chain News

Businesses Find Ways To Help During Covid-19 Pandemic

As Covid-19 continues to spread across the globe, businesses and associations are working to find ways to contribute to the fight against the pandemic. As NGA and United Fresh Produce Association come together to help keep grocers stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, Bacardi is using its facilities around the world to help make desperately […]

Posted inAssociation News, C-Store News, Corporate Store News, COVID News, Home Page Slider, Independent Store News, National, Nonfood Items

NGA Applauds Senate For Including Retail Glitch Fix In Stimulus Package

The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, released a statement from NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara on the U.S. Senate including a fix to the retail glitch—a drafting error in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 that harms retailers—in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic […]

Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Home Page Slider, National, Nonfood Items

NGA Promotes Jones To SVP Of Government Relations And Counsel

The National Grocers Association (NGA) has promoted Christopher Jones from VP to SVP of government relations and counsel. “Chris and his team are tremendous advocates for NGA’s members before Congress and federal agencies. Under Chris’ leadership, NGA’s advocacy efforts achieved many important wins for NGA’s members, while NGA’s Grocers PAC saw record contributions last year, […]

Posted inAssociation News, Corporate Store News, Food Service News, Home Page Slider, Independent Store News, National, Nonfood Items, Perishables

Women Grocers Of America Presents Graff With Woman Of The Year Award

The Women Grocers of America (WGA) recently presented the Woman of the Year Award to Jennifer Graff of Columbiana Foods/Giant Eagle. Graff began her career in the grocery industry when she was 17 and currently holds the position of perishable director. “For 30 years, Jennifer has been a tremendous leader in the grocery industry, helping […]

Posted inAssociation News, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, National, Nonfood Items, Packaging News

National Grocers Association Crowns 2020 Best Bagger

Nicole Cote of Hannaford Supermarket in Maine defeated 22 other best baggers from across the country to claim a grand prize of $10,000 in the Feb. 24 National Grocers Association (NGA) Best Bagger Championship. The event is sponsored by PepsiCo and emceed by Akbar Gbajabiamila, co-host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior and author of “Everyone […]

Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, National, Nonfood Items

NGA Presents Dory With Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award

The National Grocers Association (NGA) presented the Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award to Rudy Dory, executive chairman at Newport Avenue Market. The award was presented the evening of Feb. 22, prior to the opening of the NGA Show in San Diego, California. “When you think of what it means to be an entrepreneur, Rudy […]

Posted inAssociation News, National

NGA Urges Congressional Leadership To Fix The Retail Glitch This Year

On Dec. 12, the National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, sent a letter urging congressional leadership to include the “Restoring Investment in Improvements Act” in any end-of-year spending package. The bill resolves the “retail glitch,” a drafting error in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that causes interior remodels to independent grocery […]

Posted inNational, Executive News, Home Page Latest News

NGA Brings On Huie To Government Relations Department

Terence Huie has joined the government relations department of the National Grocers Association (NGA) as a manager of PAC and grassroots. In this role, Huie will manage NGA’s political action committee, Grocers PAC, and its grassroots advocacy efforts. He joined NGA on Oct. 30. “Terence’s experience in managing PAC and grassroots accounts for companies, trade associations […]

Posted inNational, Albertsons, Association News, Executive News, Suppliers, Wholesaler/Distributor News

NGA Appoints Kirtland, Raya To Board, Presents Industry Service Award To Jones

The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, has appointed Amy Kirtland EVP of independents, fresh and exclusive brands at KeHE Distributors, and Lori Raya, chief merchandising and marketing officer at SpartanNash, to fill vacancies on its board of directors. Kirtland serves KeHE’s customers in the areas of grocery independents […]

Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, National, Shelby Originals, Shelby Signature Content, Wholesaler/Distributor News

UPDATED: ROFDA To Join Forces With NGA Jan. 1

The Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (ROFDA) organization will merge under the National Grocers Association (NGA) umbrella, effective Jan. 1, 2020. The announcement was made this morning at the NGA and ROFDA co-located fall conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. ROFDA’s current share groups and buying programs will continue to operate under this new […]