Putting low-fat flavored milk back into schools will bolster the nutrition intake of America’s children, say national dairy organizations in comments submitted to the USDA. In joint comments, both the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) praised a proposed USDA rule for the positive effect it will have on the […]
Tag: legislation
Posted inCalifornia Perspective, Association News, Home Page Latest News, Shelby Content, West
California Perspective: Strength Comes In Unity
by Ron Fong/president and CEO, California Grocers Association Have you ever stopped to closely look at a piece of rope? Like one, for example, used to tie a boat, or even a ship, to a dock? It can actually be a little shocking. Because if you did, you would see that the big, bulky, strong […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Shelby Signature Content, Southeast, Store News
Alabama Market Profile: State’s Economy Is On The Upswing
by Lorrie Griffith/editor–Southeast Alabama’s economy is on the upswing, according to Ellie Taylor, president of the Alabama Grocers Association AGA), located in Birmingham. In fact, the state’s unemployment rate is now 3.5 percent—the lowest in its history. The good times look to be continuing, as two major plants were announced in January. One is a […]
Posted inThe Independent Perspective, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National, Perspectives, Shelby Content, Shelby Signature Content
Larkin: 2017 Year In Review For Independent Grocers
by Peter Larkin/ president and CEO, National Grocers Association Special to The Shelby Report Last year was an exciting one for the supermarket industry, which is perhaps undergoing more rapid change than at any other time. As usual, though, independent grocers proved—once again—that they’re the best equipped to evolve with changing times and serve their communities. […]
Posted inFood Service News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National
House Passes Bill Intended To Clarify Menu Labeling Rules
The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bipartisan bill, introduced by Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Tony Cardenas (D-CA), intended to clarify the FDA’s final rule on menu labeling to create flexibility for grocers to comply. The Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act (H.R. 772) provides liability and enforcement protections for good-faith compliance […]
Posted inHome Page Latest News, Recommended Reading, Shelby Content, West
Recommended: California’s Proposition 47—Crime And No Consequences
California’s Proposition 47 downgraded a variety of “non-serious, nonviolent crimes” that had previously been considered felonies to misdemeanors. These include shoplifting, grand theft, receiving stolen property, forgery, fraud, and writing bad checks. As long as the total value of the stolen property is under $950, only a ghost of an offense has occurred. A thief […]
Posted inGrocery News, Beverage News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Midwest, Supply Chain News
Free The Grapes Takes On ‘Winery Lockout’ In Indiana
While Indiana is one of 44 states that allow legal direct to consumer shipments from wineries, the Hoosier State stands out from the other 43 states in one big way: Indiana is the only state that prohibits wineries from carrying both a legal direct shipping license and a relationship with a wholesaler. According to Free […]
Posted inCalifornia Perspective, Association News, Home Page Latest News, Shelby Content, West
California Legislature’s Focus May Again Be Diverted From Anti-Business Bills
by Ron Fong/president and CEO, California Grocers Association California’s political outlook appears even more unpredictable than in years past due to an intersection of events that don’t happen very often. From the election of the first new governor in eight years, to a legislature in flux due to a number of recent resignations resulting from […]
Posted inRecommended Reading, Beverage News, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Shelby Content, Southeast
Recommended: Wine And Liquor Sales On Sunday? Tennessee Lawmakers Are Trying To Make It Happen
Tennessee lawmakers are renewing a push to allow wine and liquor sales on Sunday, a move that could spur opposition from the state’s liquor retailers. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga, would align hours of liquor and wine sales with beer sales. Under current law, both grocery stores and liquor stores are not allowed […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National, Store News
Walmart To Raise Wages, Provide One-Time Bonus & Expand Benefits
Walmart today announced plans to increase the starting wage rate for all hourly associates in the U.S. to $11, expand maternity and parental leave benefits and provide a one-time cash bonus for eligible associates of up to $1,000. The company also is creating a new benefit to assist associates with adoption expenses. The combined wage and […]
Posted inAssociation News, Big Y Foods, Home Page Latest News, Northeast
Guest Column: Historic Year In Connecticut Politics
by Wayne Pesce/President, Connecticut Food Association Many of us who work at the state capitol were anxious to know before the 2016 election about whether the “Trump effect” or “Malloy effect” would carry more weight at the polls in the minds of Connecticut’s voting public. Based on the results, Connecticut citizens made their feelings clear. In […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National
Industry Orgs React To Senate Passage Of Tax Reform Bill
The Senate voted over the weekend to pass its version of tax reform, and industry organizations have been quick to voice their support for the move, urging the House and Senate to come together on a final bill. Greg Ferrara, SVP of government relations and public affairs at the National Grocers Association (NGA), released this […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, National
GMA Urges Senate Passage Of Tax Reform Legislation
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is urging the U.S. Senate to pass a comprehensive tax reform bill this week for businesses and consumers. “Our industry, the largest sector of American manufacturing jobs, calls on the Senate to quickly pass tax reform legislation,” said Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of GMA. “Tax reform is necessary […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Industry News, National, Store News
Industry Orgs Urge House To Pass ADA Reform Legislation
The National Grocers Association (NGA), a trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, and 28 state trade associations this week urged the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the ADA Reform and Education Act of 2017 (H.R. 620) in a letter sent to lawmakers. According to the organizations, the legislation would “protect businesses from frivolous lawsuits brought […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Grocery News, Health & Wellness
Court Blocks San Francisco’s Health Warnings On Sugary Drinks
The U.S. Appeals Court for the 9th Circuit has blocked a 2015 San Francisco ordinance that requires advertisers of sugary drinks to post health warnings. The ordinance required advertisers who post advertisements for sugar-sweetened beverages include the following statement: “WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. This is a […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, National, Produce News
Senator Jeff Flake To Keynote United Fresh Washington Conference
Arizona Senator Jeff Flake will serve as the opening keynote breakfast speaker at the annual United Fresh Washington Conference, Tuesday, Sept. 19. At a time of heightened political uncertainty in Washington, D.C., Senator Flake has become an outspoken voice on the need for compromise, civility and commitment to conservative values in our national government, says […]
Posted inStore News, Deli News, Food Service News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National
House Advances National Menu Labeling Bill
The National Grocers Association (NGA) on Thursday praised the House Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act (House Resolution 772). The bipartisan bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) and Tony Cardenas (D-California), would clarify the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) final rule on menu labeling to “create […]
Posted inNortheast, Home Page Latest News
New Jersey Raises Smoking Age To 21
With Gov. Chris Christie signing the bill into law Friday, New Jersey joined the growing list of states and communities prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone under age 21. Tobacco 21 laws also have been enacted by California, Hawaii and at least 255 cities and counties, including New York City, Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, […]
Posted inNortheast, Beverage News, Health & Wellness, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Bay State Debates Merits Of Sugared Beverage Tax
Massachusetts residents could pay a significantly higher tax on beverages with added sugar, such as soda and sports drinks. Under review in the Massachusetts Legislature, Senate Bill 1562/House Bill 3329, authored by Sen. Jason Lewis and Rep. Kay Khan, seeks to create a tiered excise tax on sugary drinks, with tax level based on beverages’ sugar […]
Posted inWest, Home Page Latest News, Nonfood Items
Oregon Expected To Become Third State To Raise Tobacco-Buying Age
Oregon is about to become the third state in the nation to raise the age for buying tobacco products to 21. The measure passed in the State House by a 39-to-20 vote on July 6. Although the Senate passed the measure in March, 19 to 8, SB 754 will need to return to the Senate […]