Press Release Archive

2006 Archive:
Foundation Seeking Support for Felice Scholarships
Michigan Grocers Foundation Awards Scholarships

2005 Archive:
Emergency Response Resource
Michigan Grocers Foundation Awards Scholarships
Comprehensive Recycling Program Poll
Proposals Continue to Slam Michigan Job Providers

2004 Archive:
Roundy's Executive Elected to MGA Board
Michigan Grocers Foundation awards scholarships
Food Security Exercise     Feldpausch Elected MGA Board Chairman

2003 Archive:
MGA Board elects officers Membership elects new MGA board member
Help feed hungry people while you grocery shop this July
Michigan Grocers Foundation awards scholarships

2002 Archive:
Gobler elected FIAE chairperson Granholm white paper MGA president honored

2006 Press Releases

Grocers Foundation Seeking Support for Felice Scholarships

December 1, 2006

The tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Michigan Grocers Foundation, Inc. launched a fundraising campaign in November to support MGA’s Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship Program. The campaign includes a year-end appeal for individual tax-deductible contributions as well as a request for business, corporate and foundation gifts.

An important milestone will be reached if the campaign raises more than $40,000 – building the program’s endowment fund to a point that will sustain the current level of annual scholarship awards well into the future. “This is a sure sign of progress,” said Michigan Grocers Association president Linda M. Gobler, who also serves as a trustee of the Foundation. “Our initial goal was to provide some scholarships as we grew the endowment and we’ve done that for the past nine years. If this campaign is successful, we will have secured a lasting legacy in honor of Paulie Felice.”

Paul M. Felice managed the family-owned Felice and Valuland Food Centers in southeast Michigan before losing a hard-fought battle with cancer in 1997. He was a director and former Chairman of the Michigan Grocers Association and board colleagues honored his memory by establishing the scholarship program in his name.

Michigan Grocers Foundation was established specifically to aid in fundraising for the scholarship program. It’s an IRS approved exempt organization and all program contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes. “The Foundation is a recognized charitable organization,” said Gobler. “For tax purposes, contributions are treated the same as those made to the Red Cross, the Humane Society and other exempt charities.” A Board of Trustees, elected annually by MGA directors, manages the Foundation. Trustees serving for 2006-07 are Susan Felice-Herzfeld, Warren Disch, Mark Feldpausch, and Linda Gobler.

“This is an excellent donation opportunity for those in the food business,” said Gobler. “It’s a great cause, just looking for patrons that will step-up with their support.” Companies and individuals that are able to support the fundraising campaign are encouraged to contact any of the Trustees or MGA’s Mike Hamelin at (800) 947-6237 ext. 20. Back to Top

Michigan Grocers Foundation awards three $1,000 scholarships

July 1, 2006

Michigan Grocers Association announces the 2006 Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship winners. Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship toward expenses at any accredited, nonprofit public or private U.S. university.

The three 2006 winners are:
Stephen Gardner, a Grand Valley State University student.
James Grinias, an Eastern Michigan University student.
Amanda Robinson, a University of Michigan student.

Winners of the Felice scholarship are chosen each spring by an independent and impartial selection committee composed of professional educators. The selection committee reports that over 100 students applied this year.

In evaluating the applicants, the committee considers academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities and recommendations.

Stephen Gardner, a previous winner, will be a sophomore at Grand Valley State University this fall where he majors in mathematics with an emphasis in secondary education. He is a 2005 graduate of Western High school in Auburn where he was active in golf, tennis, youth in government, WHS volunteer tribe and National Honor Society. He received the AP Scholar Award, Saginaw Valley Conference Golf MVP, MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Finalist (Golf), and First-Team Academic All-State (Golf) among others. He is eligible for the scholarship because his dad, Ron, works for Spartan Stores.

James Grinias will be a sophomore at Eastern Michigan University this fall where he has a 4.0 GPA. He majors in chemistry and minors in math. He received the Presidential Scholarship Award and is on the Dean's List. He is involved in student government, Habitat for Humanity and chemistry research. In 2005, he graduated from Clinton High School where he was Valedictorian; he also won first place in the Tri-State Math Competition. Grinias is eligible for the scholarship because he has worked as a grocery clerk and cashier at Busch's for the past four years.

Amanda Robinson, a previous winner, will be a junior at the University of Michigan this fall where she has a 3.896 GPA. She is majoring in elementary education with specializations in language arts and math. At U of M, she received the William J. Branstrom Freshman Prize and the Judith V. Tucker Memorial Award. She was also a James B. Angell Scholar, which a student who earns all A+, A, or A- grades for two or more consecutive terms in a calendar year. She is involved in New Life Church and K-grams, a mentoring and learning program that pairs up college and elementary school students through a suite of programs. She graduated from Lansing Christian High School in June 2004 where she was Valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. Robinson is eligible for the scholarship because her father, Tom is president - finance and technology for Carter's Foods.

The Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship Program was established by MGA’s Board of Directors to honor former board chairman “Paulie” Felice. He and his family owned and operated the Felice and Valuland Food Centers in Waterford, Macomb and Sterling Heights.

The one-year scholarships are awarded annually to a high school senior, college freshman, sophomore or junior who is the child of an employee of an MGA member retailer or supplier or who is a part-time student employee of an MGA member company for at least six months of the year in which the scholarship is awarded.

Recipients must enroll as full-time students in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded and continue in school for the entire academic year without interruption.

To learn more about the Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship Program or to request a scholarship application for the 2007-2008 academic year visit MGA's web site at www.michigangrocers.org or call Mike Hamelin at 800.947.6237 (ext. 20). Back to Top

2005 Press Releases

MGA, Food Retailers Develop Emergency Response Resource

November 15, 2005

The food industry faces potential threats of many types including bioterrorism, power failure, severe weather, and fire. To help all food retailers establish a more uniform approach to disaster readiness, the Michigan Grocers Association, several grocery chains, and the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Community Health joined together to create an organized plan of reaction to emergencies.

“Under the leadership of Michigan Grocers Association (MGA), a food security and safety emergency response resource was developed by food retailers for food retailers,” said MGA President Linda Gobler. “We wanted every food retailer to be on the same page if disaster strikes,” added Spartan Stores, Director of SecurityTim Bartkowiak. “Small chains, mom and pop stores, and other independent retailers may not have the same access to resources that bigger companies enjoy. This prompted a group of us from Spartan, Farmer Jack, Kroger, and Meijer to develop a ‘Flip Chart of Emergency Procedures for Retail Food Establishments. [PDF file]’”

Representatives from these companies, along with Michigan Grocers Association, are part of the state’s Retail Food Security Work Group, which meets quarterly to address food security issues. After the 2003 blackout in the Detroit area, the group focused on what it could do to help smaller Michigan food stores strengthen their emergency procedures. Spartan Stores had an emergency procedures flip chart that the group used as a starting point to create a disaster readiness resource for the industry.

The group had two main goals in developing the flip chart: (1) Improve responses at store level in more common emergency situations, such as power failure or water problems, and in large-scale disasters such as civil unrest or bioterrorism acts, and (2) Improve how retailers coordinate response activities of store employees and government emergency responders at the local, state, and federal level.

“We looked at the steps we had in place to respond to emergencies and organized them in a way that other retailers could adapt them to their situations,” said Bartkowiak. “The flip chart is only to aid decision-making; it doesn’t mandate that specific actions be taken.”

The flip chart is tabbed into sections highlighting possible areas where problems could develop. The tabbed sections are: threat level action steps, medical emergency/bloodborne pathogens, power failure, severe weather/tornado, water problems, broken water pipe in store, workplace violence, product contamination, robbery, gasoline/chemical spill, fire, flood, natural gas or propane leak, bomb threat, suspicious substances, civil unrest, contact and resource, threat call log, and suspicious person description report form.

The Work Group applied for a grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health to help defray the cost of producing the emergency resource. “MGA was really the driving force in securing the grant,” Bartkowiak said. “In addition, in the role of advisor, the association provided invaluable direction to ensure the document met the goals of the project.”

“We received a $10,000 grant,” said Gobler. “But that only covered the cost to print the flip charts. The Work Group members volunteered their time and resources to make this happen. It’s a terrific example of the food industry coming together to better protect public health and minimize the negative impact of emergency events.”

The response from retailers has been extremely positive. In addition, food industry representatives from Minnesota, Ohio and Massachusetts have requested to use the flip chart as a basis to develop similar resources.

The flip chart can be downloaded in PDF format or retailers can call MGA's Nora Hale to request a copy at (517) 372-6800, ext. 25 or inquire via email at nora@michigangrocers.org. Back to Top

Michigan Grocers Foundation awards three $1,000 scholarships

July 1, 2005

Michigan Grocers Association announces the 2005 Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship winners. Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship toward expenses at any accredited, nonprofit public or private U.S. university.

The three 2005 winners are:
Stephen Gardner, a graduating senior at Auburn Western High School.
Amanda Robinson, a University of Michigan student.
Daniel Shannahan, a Grand Valley State student.

Stephen Gardner graduated from Western High school in Auburn in June. He will attend Grand Valley State University to major in secondary math education with a possible dual major in engineering. He received the AP Scholar Award, Saginaw Valley Conference Golf MVP, MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Finalist (Golf), and First-Team Academic All-State (Golf) among others. His GPA is 4.167 based on a 4.0 scale with extra points for AP classes.

Amanda Robinson graduated from Lansing Christian High School in June 2004 where she was Valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. She will be sophomore at the University of Michigan this fall. She is majoring in elementary education with specializations in language arts and math. Her college GPA is 3.9, and she has received the University of Michigan Regents Merit Scholarship and the William J. Branstrom Freshman Prize.

Dan Shannahan graduated from Troy Athens High School Summa Cum Laude in 2004 with a GPA of 3.98. Because of advanced placement credits, he will be a junior at Grand Valley State this fall. He is majoring in psychology and has made the Dean's List both semesters of his first year. His college GPA is 3.779. He was a National Merit Scholarship winner, received the Grand Valley's Presidential Scholarship was was voted Most Likely to Succeed by his high school graduating class.

The one-time scholarship is awarded each year to a high school senior, college freshman, sophomore or junior who is the child of an employee of an MGA member retailer or supplier or who is a part-time student employee of an MGA member company for at least six months of the year in which the scholarship is awarded.

In evaluating the applicants, the committee considers academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities and recommendations.

Recipients must enroll as full-time students in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded and continue in school for the entire academic year without interruption.

To learn more about the Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship Program or to request a scholarship application for the 2006-2007 academic year visit MGA's web site at www.michigangrocers.org or call Mike Hamelin at 800.947.6237 (ext. 20). Back to Top

Poll: 90% of Michiganians Support Comprehensive Recycling Program Three-quarters willing to pay nominal fee to support statewide recycling program

May 9, 2005

The Michigan Recycling Partnership, which MGA founded in 1989, issued a press release [PDF file] noting that Michigan residents say the state is not doing enough to improve recycling and an overwhelming majority say they would pay a nominal fee to see a comprehensive recycling program created as a way to preserve natural resources and reduce pressure on public landfills, a new statewide poll shows.

The poll, commissioned by the Michigan Recycling Partnership and conducted by Public Sector Consultants, also found strong public support for several funding options to pay for increased recycling. Back to Top

Proposals Continue to Slam Michigan Job Providers

April 27, 2005

The Michigan Grocers Association (MGA) is dismayed that proposals continue to be introduced that will harm our state’s job providers at a time when leaders and lawmakers talk nonstop about the importance of improving Michigan’s job climate.

Single Business Tax Restructuring Plan is Bad for Food Retailers, Others
“Michigan Grocers Association supports efforts to lower taxes for all job providers,” says Michigan Grocers Association President Linda M. Gobler. “We do not support Single Business Tax reforms that create winners and losers in the retail food industry.”

MGA Member Spartan Stores, Inc. will pay $1.2 million more in taxes each year under Governor Granholm’s plan to restructure Michigan’s Single Business Tax.

“Spartan is not alone,” says Gobler. “The majority of MGA members have indicated that the proposal, as introduced, would raise—not reduce—their business taxes. MGA has strong reservations about the impact the governor’s tax shift plan will have on Michigan businesses.”

Gobler continues, “MGA speaks for 260 food companies that provide jobs for more than 75,000 Michigan residents. That’s nearly 2 percent of the state’s payroll jobs! We ask how anyone can support a plan that will lead to a tax hike for any of these job providers.” Back to Top

Expanding Michigan’s Bottle Deposit Law is Bad for Food Retailers, Entire State
n Michigan has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. How can it get any worse? Expand the bottle bill.
Michigan’s current bottle bill already places tremendous logistical and administrative burdens on the food industry. Expanding an inherently flawed system would only exacerbate the inefficiencies and costs related to container deposits.

“Pro-expansion comments reveal a frightening lack of knowledge about the container deposit system,” says Gobler. “Some people say, ‘There is no difference between a bottle of soda and a bottle of water.’ Well, yes, there are differences—very important ones.”

She continues, “Many food retailers don’t have room to store the current returnable containers. So where would they keep the added cans and bottles? Plus, unlike carbonated beverages, there is no uniform local system in place to control the distribution, sale, return, and recycling of non-carbonated beverages such as water. Both the initiation of the deposit and redemption of the containers would be a logistical nightmare under expansion.”

“Michigan’s bottle bill is working on the backs of conscientious retailers,” says Gobler. “Expanding the number of redeemable containers increases the labor, storage, and sanitation strains on these backs. For some—especially the small, family-owned businesses—the increased burden from expansion would be enough to put them out of business. And as businesses go, so do the jobs.”

n Michigan businesses face competitive disadvantages with neighboring states. How can it get any worse? Expand the bottle bill.
MGA member retailers who operate stores on Michigan’s borders struggle to compete with out-of-state retailers who face a much lower cost of doing businesses. An expanded bottle bill—coupled with our state’s current Item Pricing Law and aspects of the Single Business Tax—will put many of these stores out of business.

n Michigan has the worst recycling rate of all Great Lakes states. How can it get any worse? Expand the bottle bill.
While other Great Lakes states average a 26-pecent recycling rate and the national average is nearly 30 percent, Michigan’s rate has plunged to 15 percent. None of the other Great Lakes states have a Bottle Deposit Law.

“Bottle deposit laws ignore the bulk of waste reaching landfills and roadsides. The most prevalent components of roadside litter are paper, building materials, and auto parts,” says Gobler. “Adding a dime deposit to more containers would simply remove more valuable aluminum from our struggling recycling centers. Michigan needs a comprehensive process for recycling that includes community drop-off centers and increased curbside recycling.”

n Michigan food retailers struggle with the health risks carried into stores each day. How can it get any worse? Expand the bottle bill.
Bringing dirty bottles and cans into food stores compromises our food safety concerns. The practice is in direct conflict with increasing federal and consumer demands for higher food safety standards.

By now, we hope people are aware of the alarming things brought into food stores every day via returnable containers: cockroaches and other insects, mice and mice nests, human waste, used hypodermic needles and condoms, tobacco chew and cigarette butts, rotted food residue, and gasoline. These items travel from resident to food retailer to distributor. All along this filthy trail handling and counting is required. Obviously, the health, safety, and security concerns will only get worse if more containers are hauled into food stores.

In 2003, a Michigan Senate task force conducted a comprehensive, 10-month investigation of our state’s poor recycling performance. The task force did not recommend expanding the Bottle Deposit Law because they said, “the current system places too many burdens on dealers and distributors.”

“After all we know about recycling, how can anyone support expansion of the bottle bill?” Gobler asks. “It contributes to low recycling rates, strips important scrap revenues out of the recycling system, creates sanitation and security risks in food stores, and places an enormous burden on food retailers—who are significant job providers in our state. We must move beyond the bottle bill and enact real change to our state’s approach to recycling and to the burdens placed on our state’s job providers.”

Michigan Grocers Association is the voice of the state's supermarket and grocery industry, representing 900 leading chain and independent retail stores and more than 100 manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors. Our industry generates $13.5 billion in annual sales, with a net profit of less than 1 percent. Back to Top

2004 Press Releases

Roundy’s Executive Elected to MGA’s Board of Directors

October 20, 2004

Rick Schmitz, vice president of sales and development for Roundy’s Westville Division, was named to the Michigan Grocers Association Board of Directors at it’s annual meeting on September 20.

“We welcome Rick to the board,” says Board Chairman Mark Feldpausch, Chairman and CEO Felpausch Food Centers. “He has been a part of the grocery business for more than 30 years, and he understands the challenges facing our industry today. I look forward to working with him.”

Schmitz has been with Roundy’s for more than eight years where he has held positions in marketing, sales and sales development. As vice president of sales and development he is responsible for new sales development, growing sales with current customers, helping customers with succession planning, competitive issues, remodels, additions, strategic planning, P&Ls and cash flow.

Before joining Roundy’s, Schmitz was with Club Foods in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Columbus, Ohio, for two years where he oversaw buying and merchandising. From 1992-1994, he was with Scrivner, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, managing merchandising in the 120 corporate-owned stores. From 1971-1992, Schmitz was with Nash Finch Company in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota holding the following positions: store manager, retail operations supervisor and division director of merchandising.

He and his wife Lori have two teenage daughters. When he is not working he enjoys being outdoors, playing golf and woodworking.

Also elected to the board for another three-year term were Dale Grooters - Encore Floral Marketing/WMFS, Lisa VanGilder - VG's Food Centers and Mark Feldpausch - Felpausch Food Centers. Back to Top

Michigan Grocers Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships

July 5, 2004

Michigan Grocers Association announces the 2004 Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship winners. Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship toward expenses at any accredited, nonprofit public or private U.S. university.

The three 2004 winners are:
Rebecca Bellville, a graduate of West Ottowa High School;
Heetal Patel, a graduate of Howell High School; and
Tom Pavlak, a graduate of DeWitt High School.

Rebecca Bellville will be a senior at Washington, D.C.'s American University this fall. A journalism major with a 3.7 GPA, she is on the Dean's List and serves as editor of the campus newspaper, The Eagle.

Heetal Patel will be a freshman at Michigan the University of Michigan this fall where she plans to major in bio-medical engineering. She graduates high school with a 3.97 GPA and numerous academic achievement and leadership awards.

Tom Pavlak will be a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame in the fall. An engineering major with a 3.87 GPA, he is on the Dean's List. In high school, he was on the varsity track and soccer teams.

In addition, each year the Michigan Grocers Foundation sponsors a $1,000 scholarship for Western Michigan University. Western Michigan University student Jason Szymkiewicz was selected by university faculty as the 2004 scholarship recipient. With a 3.2 GPA and a major in food marketing, Szymkiewicz plans to graduate in 2005.

In evaluating the applicants, the committee considers academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities and recommendations.

Recipients must enroll as full-time students in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded and continue in school for the entire academic year without interruption.

To learn more about the Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship Program or to request a scholarship application for the 2005-2006 academic year visit MGA's web site at www.michigangrocers.org or call Mike Hamelin at 800.947.6237 (ext. 20). Back to Top

May 25, 2004

Michigan Grocers First in Nation to Hold Food Security Exercise

How would grocers, emergency response leaders and government officials react if food purchased in a Michigan grocery store was purposely contaminated and making people sick? That was the question posed on May 21 at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Center during an interactive food security reality check.

Michigan grocers are the first in the nation to hold this kind of food security threat exercise to help government and industry leaders meet critical security challenges. Michigan Grocers Association was a key sponsor and organizer of the exercise. Linda Gobler, president of the grocers association, strongly believes in the benefit of finding effective real-world solutions for emergency response.

“In the post-September 11 world, the food industry is now on the front lines of the war on terrorism,” says Gobler. “Michigan Grocers Association—along with the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Dr. John Tilden—initiated this training exercise to ensure Michigan citizens have a secure environment in which to eat, shop and work.”

More than 125 participants simulated four aspects of a grocery store-related security situation, moving through the threat, incident, response and recovery. Those involved included grocery industry representatives; local, state, and federal homeland security, food and health officials; local law enforcement and emergency first responders; public health information officers; and association staff. The Uriah Group, a security consulting company, and Michigan State University coordinated the exercise.

The results: Face-to-face communication between industry and government to find ways to improve food security measures and response. “This one-day exercise has already improved communications and relations one-hundred percent,” says Gobler.

“One of the most important aspects of food security prevention and protection—whether for industry, government or academia—is education,” says Ed Mather, deputy director of the National Food Safety & Toxicology Center at Michigan State University. Mather is the MSU lead on a new Department of Homeland Security Center for Food Security. “This exercise is a critical step toward minimizing suffering and damage in the event of a terrorist attack.”

It is likely that every state will want to hold exercises using the model debuted for the grocery industry in Michigan as leaders implement the new Presidential Directive – 9, which directs that a national policy be developed to protect the food system against terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergency situations.

“We strongly encourage the grocery industry in other states and other industries and groups in our state to hold exercises such as this, enabling them to best prevent, detect, respond to and recover from any security threat,” Gobler says.

The project was the result of a public-private partnership, bringing together the Michigan Grocers Association, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan State Police, Michigan State University, Food Marketing Institute, Food and Agriculture Information Sharing and Analysis Center, United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and National Restaurant Association.

“Cross-agency and organization partnerships and activities like this are instrumental in further enhancing the state’s efforts to ensure safe and secure food supply,” says Dan Wyant, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. “In fact, because of this cooperative approach, Michigan is truly emerging as a national leader in proactively working to address and prevent potential threats to our food and agricultural infrastructure.”

An after-action report will be prepared within the next 60 days so that the participants can use the lessons learned to improve their ability to coordinate an effective response should an actual attack ever take place. Back to Top

March 2, 2004

Feldpausch Elected MGA Board Chairman

The Michigan Grocers Association elected a new chairman of the board at its March meeting in Lansing. Mark S. Feldpausch, chairman and CEO, Felpausch Food Centers, was elected to a two-year term. He has served on the MGA Board of Directors since February 2001.

"I'm honored to have been chosen for this role and look forward to helping the Association continue to provide leadership, service and solutions to advance the interests of the food industry," Mark says. "I particularly look forward to advancing MGA's legislative issues on behalf of our members."

Mark continues many years of a close Felpausch-MGA working relationship. Felpausch's Roger Jones served on MGA's board until his retirement in December 2000. Prior to that, Mark's father, Dick, served on the board for many years.

Tradition is important to MGA's new chairman. He has been involved in the family's grocery business as long as he can remember. In the late 1960's he worked as a cashier. Later, when he was home from college for summer break, he worked in the store's maintenance department fixing and repairing anything that needed attention.

Mark admits, "It was never my goal to become CEO. It just evolved over time. I've always enjoyed each and every position I've held. It has always been gratifying to be involved in the family business."

Felpausch has been operating as an associated-owned company since 1995. The company celebrated 70 years in business in 2003.

"My job goes smoothly because everyone here -- no matter what their position -- does a great job," Mark explains.

When he's not working, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. He's also an avid reader.

Felpausch replaces Meijer's John Zimmerman as chairman. Back to Top

2003 PRESS RELEASES

December 10, 2003

MGA Board Elects Officers

At the November meeting, the Michigan Grocers Association Board of Directors elected officers. John Zimmerman of Meijer, Inc., Grand Rapids, was renamed chairman of the board.

"John is an excellent chairman,” says MGA President Linda Gobler. “He has a high energy level that brings added excitement and enthusiasm to MGA’s diverse and talented group of board members. Under his leadership, the industry will move forward as we carry out our agenda.”

Mark Feldpausch of Felpausch Food Centers, Hastings, was named vice chairman and Lisa VanGilder of VG’s Food Centers, Fenton, is past chairperson. Back to Top

December 10, 2003

Membership Elects New MGA Board Member

Betsy F. Raymond, senior vice president of administration, D&W Food Centers, Inc. was elected to the Michigan Grocers Association Board of Directors at the September 2003 Annual Meeting.

She brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience in manufacturing and retail to the board. Raymond joined D&W in December 2001 as vice president of human resources. She was responsible for the human resources team including directing the areas of training and development, associate relations, diversity, compensation and benefits, and employment. In the summer of 2002, she was promoted to senior vice president, and assumed accountability for D&W’s administrative functions in mid-2003.

Raymond is relatively new to the retail industry. Prior to joining D&W, she served as vice president of The Holland Group, an international manufacturer of vehicle connection products headquartered in Holland, Michigan. She also served as vice president and corporate secretary of Harrow Industries, a manufacturing holding company based in Grand Rapids and now owned by Ingersoll Rand.

“I’m looking forward to using my experience in manufacturing to help advance the interests of the food industry in Michigan,” says Raymond. “I hope I can be a good resource for fellow board and MGA members.”

Other MGA and MGSC directors include: John Busch, Busch’s Inc., Ann Arbor; Warren Disch, SuperValu, Central Region, Xenia, Ohio; Dave Duthler, Duthler’s Family Foods, Grand Rapids; Dale Grooters, West Michigan Floral Supply, Grand Rapids; Tom Johnston, The Johnston Group, Frankenmuth; Sally Lake, Spartan Stores, Inc., Grand Rapids; Larry Lemieur, Crossmark Sales & Marketing, Grand Rapids; DJ Oleson, Oleson’s Food Stores, Traverse City; Tom Robinson, Carter’s Inc., Charlotte; Leonard Terranova, Kroger Company, Livonia; Andy Woodrick, Ric’s Food Centers, Mt. Pleasant; Linda M. Gobler, Michigan Grocers Association; Mike Hamelin, Michigan Grocers Service Corporation.

“MGA’s Board of Directors is ready to continue our work to keep the food industry competitive so store owners and company executives can concentrate on their core businesses,” said Gobler. “My thanks to everyone for their commitment to the food industry.” Back to Top

Help Feed Hungry People While You Grocery Shop This July

July 1, 2003

During the month of July, grocery shoppers throughout Michigan can contribute to food banks by purchasing designated food and household items at hundreds of participating supermarkets like Meijer, Carter's, L & L Food Centers, IGA stores and Spartan affiliated stores including Family Fare, Prevo's, Great Day, Glen's, Ashcraft's, Felpausch, VG's and more!

The annual Food Aid for Michigan effort, sponsored by the Michigan Grocers Association, collects a donation from product manufacturers based on the quantity of their chosen Food Aid designated products that are sold during the month-long promotional period. Shoppers should look for the special Food Aid shelf tags throughout the month of July.

Michigan Kroger stores are also supporting Food Aid with a consumer coupon program that allows customers to add $1, $3 or $5 to their grocery order.

Dozens of national brand and store brand products are involved; from Pioneer Sugar, Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes and Ritz Crackers to paper towels, napkins and several Spartan brand products. Many Food Aid products will be featured in grocery ads during July, and special shelf tags in the stores will easily identify all products.

Summer is typically a slow time for canned food drives and food donations. Food Aid is the perfect program; customers stock up on the items they need and we use the Food Aid proceeds to distribute emergency food. Food Aid has provided over 940,000 emergency meals to hungry families.

All Food Aid funds are contributed to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, a statewide network of food bank distribution centers, and are used to purchase nutritious food items that are not available by donation. These items are then distributed by the regional food banks to over 2,700 local charities such as church food pantries, shelters, senior programs, and other on-site meal centers. The Michigan food bank network serves all 83 counties. Back to Top

Michigan Grocers Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships

June 5, 2003

Michigan Grocers Association announces the 2003 Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship winners. Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship toward expenses at any accredited, nonprofit public or private U.S. university.

The three 2003 winners are:
Jennifer Hogoboom, a 2001 graduate of Byron Center High School;
Cody Leonard, a 2003 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School; and
Amber Zelley, a 2002 graduate of Grand Blanc High School.

Hogoboom will be a senior at Michigan State University this fall. She is majoring in psychology and is currently studying abroad in Greece this summer. Her father, Dave, works for Spartan Stores. Being selected to receive the scholarship this year makes Hogoboom a two-time scholarship winner. She was also chosen to receive the scholarship in 2001.

Cody Leonard will be a freshman at Michigan Technological University this fall. During high school, he was active in chess club, soccer and swimming—receiving the All American Academic Swimming Award. He was also a member of the National Honor Society. While attending high school, Leonard worked part-time for Felpausch Food Centers in Battle Creek.

Amber Zelley will be a sophomore at the University of Michigan this fall. A member of the Literature, Science & Arts Honor’s College, she was on the Dean’s List for winter semester and is a member of St. Mary’s Student Parish. Amber’s father, Neil, works for Pepsi Bottling.

In evaluating the applicants, the committee considers academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities and recommendations.

Recipients must enroll as full-time students in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded and continue in school for the entire academic year without interruption.

To learn more about the Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship Program or to request a scholarship application for the 2004-2005 academic year visit MGA's web site at www.michigangrocers.org or call Michele McPherson at 800.947.6237 (ext. 11). Back to Top

2002 PRESS RELEASES

November 20, 2002

MGA President Linda Gobler elected Chairperson of Food Industry Association Executives

LANSING — Michigan Grocers Association (MGA) President Linda M. Gobler was elected chairperson of the Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE) at their Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. She is the second woman to chair this international, professional organization, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year.

“I am honored to lead FIAE,” said Gobler. “The organization represents local, state and regional grocery association executives, who in turn, represent over 95% of the grocery retail industry. I look forward to chairing this esteemed group in the coming year.”

Gobler oversees the management and operations of the Michigan Grocers Association—a voluntary, statewide, nonprofit organization representing food retailers and the companies that serve and supply them. Founded in 1898, MGA is the leading advocate for the state’s food industry, representing the business interests of retailers and their suppliers in daily communication with legislators, regulatory agencies and the public. Gobler has served as MGA president for the past 17 years.

“Linda is highly regarded and respected by her colleagues and is recognized as one of the most effective state association executives and lobbyists in the business,” said FIAE President Barbara McConnell. “With the enormous changes taking place in the food industry, and the challenges that face food industry associations nationwide, Linda Gobler’s leadership, experience and energy is just what we need to help us excel during these difficult times.”

The primary objective of FIAE is to provide a forum for members to achieve professional growth, networking, coalition building, sharing of ideas, government affairs and working together to strengthen and promote the grocery industry. As a professional organization, FIAE sponsors meetings, activities, publications and services to advance the knowledge and professionalism of the food industry association executive, and serves as a vehicle for the advancement of the food industry's agenda.

Gobler has been a member of FIAE for the past 10 years and has served as Secretary-Treasurer and Vice Chair. In March 2002, she was named to Corp! Magazine’s list of “Michigan’s 95 Most Powerful Women.” In 2001, she received a Special Recognition Award from the Michigan Environmental Health Association for her dedicated work in getting the Michigan Department of Agriculture to update Michigan’s food laws. She was also elected as the first woman president of the Lansing-based Capitol Club.

Among her professional affiliations, Gobler serves on the Michigan Women’s Foundation Board. She is also a former board member of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and she served on and chaired the Michigan Travel Commission for 10 years.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Gobler received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in social work. She is married to Dennis Schornack. Back to Top

October 22, 2002

Retailers call Granholm ‘white paper’ a whitewash

LANSING — A so-called white paper issued by Attorney General Jennifer Granholm is a slap in the face to the retail industry and contains fundamental errors about legislation intended to increase stores’ pricing accuracy through reform of the state’s item-pricing law, leaders of two Michigan retail groups said today.

"The research and conclusions of this study are misleading and harmful. This isn’t a white paper, it’s a whitewash that unfairly singles out and bashes one of Michigan’s most economically valuable industries," said Larry Meyer, chairman and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association.

"Essentially, the attorney general paints retailers as cheaters preying on consumers. That’s both wrong and irresponsible. It’s an insult to the tens of thousands of honest, hard-working retailers in this state," said Linda Gobler, president of the Michigan Grocers Association.

Meyer said retailers strongly support passage of House Bill 5544, which, contrary to Granholm’s description, does not involve a form of technology called an Electronic Shelf Labeling System or ESL. Instead, the bill would enable retailers to get out from under the inefficient, costly and time-wasting burdens of individual price marking if, and only if, the store:

	Achieved an audited and certified 98 percent pricing accuracy.
	Used clear signage on store shelves to mark prices.
	Placed remote scanners in the store so that a consumer could verify the price and receive a printout that could be checked against the register receipt at checkout or at home.
	Paid the consumer double the current penalty whenever a mistake did occur.

"This legislation meets criteria that the attorney general has said was necessary for her to support reform of this outdated law," said Meyer. "Reform is vital to encourage continued growth of the industry that employs nearly one in five workers in this state."

Gobler also pointed out that consumers are protected from deceptive pricing practices by state law and the intense competition that exists throughout the retail industry. "This study ignores the price and service competition that exists in the retail marketplace, as well as the fact that any retailer that does cheat consumers doesn’t stay in business," she said.

The Michigan Retailers Association is the unified voice of retailing in Michigan and the nation’s largest state trade association of general merchandise retailers. MRA’s more than 5,800 retail business members operate more than 13,000 stores across the state.

The Michigan Grocers Association is a nonprofit industry trade association that provides lobbying and communications for retail and associate members. Its retail members operate more than 1,000 supermarket, grocery and convenience stores throughout Michigan. MGA also serves more than 100 associate member manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, food brokers and providers.
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March 21, 2002

MGA President Linda Gobler honored as one of Michigan’s most powerful women

LANSING -- Linda Gobler, president of Michigan Grocers Association, was named to Corp! Magazine’s list of “Michigan’s 95 Most Powerful Women” (March 2002 issue).

Serving as MGA president for the past 16 years, Gobler oversees the management and operations of the association—a voluntary, statewide, nonprofit organization representing food retailers and the companies that serve and supply them. Founded in 1898, MGA is the leading advocate for the state’s food industry, representing the business interests of retailers and their suppliers in daily communication with legislators, regulatory agencies and the public.

In 2001, Gobler received a Special Recognition Award from the Michigan Environmental Health Association for her dedicated work in getting the Michigan Department of Agriculture to update Michigan’s food laws. She was also elected as the first woman president of the Lansing-based Capitol Club.

The Corp! Magazine list, released to commemorate March as Women’s History Month, profiles Michigan's most prominent female professional, civic and community leaders who influence the state's business and industry, legal, communications, educational, cultural, medical and public service climates.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized in the company of so many wonderful women,” Gobler said. “These women boldly face challenges each day to make a positive impact on our community. It’s my hope that women will continue to steadily advance in the workplace as females of all ages find more opportunities to make a difference.”

“Women continue to make strides in the grocery industry,” Gobler added. “In 2000, our association elected the first woman chairperson to lead our members.” MGA retail members operate more than 1,100 supermarket, grocery and convenience stores throughout Michigan. MGA also serves more than 150 associate member manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, food brokers and providers.
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