Legislative Representation:  The food industry is just one of hundreds of special interests competing for favorable treatment by the Legislature and state agencies.  Issues in taxation, licensing, labor relations, environmental and consumer protection all can have a direct impact on your bottom line.  MGA is your voice in Lansing.  We represent the interests of the food industry every day in the State Capitol, working to limit government's intervention in your business.

Regulatory/Technical Assistance:  One of the most beneficial services MGA offers its members is hands-on, person-to-person assistance in understanding and interpreting laws, rules, and regulations that impact the food industry. We can save members valuable time and money by cutting "red tape", finding the right source to get questions answered and problems resolved.  MGA works with government offices that regulate programs our members are involved with on a daily basis -- Agriculture, Lottery, Liquor Control, Food Stamps, WIC and many others.  A call to MGA can often lead to the resolution of licensing and regulatory matters that may otherwise require legal counsel.

Communications:  MGA communicates its work on behalf of the food industry via print and electronic media.

	The Michigan Food News, is the official publication of MGA.  The award-winning Food News features timely articles, industry news, business and government official profiles.  The Food News is free for MGA members.  Non-members may purchase a yearly subscription for $30.
	Only MGA members receive the weekly Capitol Insights Fax Bulletin.  The bulletin takes over where the Food News leaves off, with detailed analysis of pending state and national legislative and regulatory matters, late-breaking news and status reports on issues and legislation important to the industry.
	MGA’s web site, www.michigangrocers.org, gives members a direct link to the association 24-7.

Education: 

	MGA's Fall Conference is full of business-building, networking and learning opportunities.  Featuring first-class speakers, trainers and entertainment, the convention is an excellent business conference and retreat for hundreds of retailers and suppliers.  MGA members receive valuable member-only discounts.
	The Michigan Grocers Foundation annually awards a number of Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarships to college students that are affiliated with MGA member companies by virtue of their own or their parent's employment.  The program provides Michigan Grocers Association members with a valuable benefit to assist their employees with college expenses.    In 2008, tax-deductible donations to Michigan Grocers Foundation from MGA members, as well as financial and in-kind contributions from the Association allowed the scholarship program to achieve its initial goal of reaching endowment status for the current number and size of scholarship awards offered. This milestone comes 10 years after the MGA Board of Directors honored the memory Paulie Felice with the dream of establishing a fund that would provide college scholarships far into the future. A portrait of Paulie Felice will hang in the MGA office to commemorate the achievement.
	MGA's Legislative Reception has become one of the most talked about events of the year among our state legislators and regulatory officials.  Held in May, the reception provides an excellent opportunity for members to talk informally about the hot topics impacting the food industry and strengthen relationships.  The reception is 100% catered and funded by MGA members.  This event has proven to be an important grassroots addition to MGA's daily advocacy and lobby work.