Independent Grocers Gather for Board Meeting/Industry Update

Preserving the future of the independent grocery industry while protecting community quality was the focus of the California Independent Grocers Association (CIGA) Board Meeting held Thursday and Friday, September 7 & 8, 2006, at the Omni Hotel in San Diego.

Sacramento, California (PRWEB) September 16, 2006 -- Preserving the future of the independent grocery industry while protecting community quality was the focus of the California Independent Grocers Association (CIGA) Board Meeting held Thursday and Friday, September 7 & 8, 2006, at the Omni Hotel in San Diego.

CIGA Board Chairman Scott Hair called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. Steve Herum, Attorney with the law firm of Herum and Crabtree, provided an update on CIGA’s publication Big Box and Superstore Growth in California: A Handbook. The Handbook is a guide that helps grocers better understand the land-use approval process so that they can become active in grass-roots efforts to preserve community quality. CIGA produced the handbook in response to current superstore growth facing communities throughout California.

Greg Ferrara, Director of Government Relations for the National Grocers Association, followed with a presentation on the Campaign to Preserve Competition and Consumer Choice. Independently funded by private donations from individuals, corporations and organizations, the Campaign represents those who are actively engaged in preserving a level playing field in the marketplace. Ferrara believes that retailers and wholesalers play critical roles in preserving a competitive, diversified marketplace that greatly benefits the American consumer.

CIGA Executive Director Sharon Paxton says "community activism is a key to maintaining the independent grocery industry that provides good-paying jobs, benefits, and quality food products to communities. We're preparing our members to take active local roles in land development and growth issues, protecting the interests of their community as well as their businesses."

Headquartered in Sacramento, California, CIGA has continued to represent the Independent Retail Food Industry since the early 1900s. Independent grocers and supplier companies make up its membership. CIGA’s vision is to be the best possible association by promoting, supporting, educating, protecting and fulfilling the needs of the independent grocer.

For more information, call Sharon Paxton at (916) 929-9741.

###