July 29, 2015
  • Additional Workers Eligible for Overtime? Don't Miss This Webinar!
  • Sales Tax Holiday Starts Friday
  • Food City Entering Georgia Market
  • GMO Labeling Bill Applauded by Industry Groups
  • Question of the Week
  • Jeff Downing- A True Legacy!
  • Congratulations to Some Special Winners Announced at This Year's Convention
  • Auction Success!
  • GFIA Event Calendar

Additional Workers Eligible for Overtime? 

Don't Miss This Webinar!

 

The US Department of Labor has released proposed rules that will dramatically expand the number of workers who could be eligible for overtime. These proposed rules will have a significant impact on the retail grocery industry. NGA and FMI are keeping the industry updated on the issue. NGA is offering a webinar TODAY, Wednesday, July 29 at 2:00 to explain:

  • The proposed changes completed by the rules
  • The next steps by the DOL before the rules become final
What grocers should do to analyze their workforce to understand how the proposed rule will impact their operational costs and bottom line.

To register for this webinar, please Click Here.

Sales Tax Holiday Starts Friday


 

The sales tax holiday, which includes school supplies and other items for back to school, runs Friday July 31 and August 1stClick Here to see the GA Dept of Revenue item listing.

Food City Entering Georgia Market

K-VA-T Food Stores will purchase 29 BI-LO stores in Tennessee and Georgia with plans to convert the stores to its Food City banner by October. K-VA-T's entrance into GA will increase the size of the company by 28 percent. Eight of the stores are in Georgia, including a store in Blairsville, Chatsworth, Dalton, Fort Oglethorpe, Lafayette, Trenton and two stores in Rossville.
GMO Labeling Bill Applauded by Industry Groups

State and national associations that represent the food industry were very pleased with last week's action on the federal GMO labeling bill. The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act passed by a vote 275-150 and the bill now goes to the Senate. Thanks to those of you that contacted your legislator.

 

The legislation would prevent states from mandating confusing and costly state bills and create national labeling standards to identify the GMO content of food products. Companies would be required to get certified by the USDA before declaring themselves as non-GMO.

Question of the Week

Q: My egg prices increased and I am having trouble getting on WIC's site to update my pricing. Can I use last quarter's password?

 

A: Call WIC's customer service hotline 404-657-2900 and ask to speak with Rolandria Boyce. She will verify the password with the vendor and advise you how to handle the situation.

Jeff Downing- A True Legacy!

When Jeff Downing, owner of Foothill's IGA was announced as the 2015 Legacy Award Winner, he was totally surprised- not only at winning the award, but the surprise guest appearance from his children and grandchildren who were on hand to watch this special night. 

GFIA is not the only group recognizing this talented individual. Jeff was named as the 2015 IGA International Retailer of the Year and last year was named Pickens County Citizen of the Year! Click Here to watch the IGA presentation.

Jeff is active in a number of organizations, including the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, his local food bank and his local chamber of commerce, just to name a few. As busy as Jeff is with his business and community, he always makes time for the GFIA. Jeff has served as chair of the Independent Council and was recently inducted as GFIA's Chairman. The GFIA is lucky to have someone like Jeff involved in the association!

Congratulations to Some Special Winners 
Announced at This Year's Convention:

Legacy Award: Jeff Downing, Foothill's IGA

Servant Leadership Award: Mike Givens, Atlanta Beverage Company

 

2015 Best Bagger: 1st place- Jason Farmer, Quality Foods, Inc.

 

All contestants are winners! The following talented individuals proudly represented their company during the exciting finals: 

Nick Button, Publix Super Markets; LaDavias Morris, The Kroger Company; Frank Vetrano, J & J Foods; and Julian Wagner, Wayfield Foods

 

Trade Show Winners:

 

                         Multiple booth Category- Coca Cola Refreshments

                         Single Booth Category- Wise Foods

 

Coming Next Week: More information on Mike Givens, 2015 Servant Leadership Award and a tribute to GFIA's volunteers!


Auction Success!

Thank you to our hard working Trustees who always find a way to make the auction better year after year!! Even Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black donated dinner for 50 people on his farm! Thanks to the Kroger Company, Coca Cola Refreshments and Snyder's Lance for their generous contributions at this year's live auction! Also thanks to Publix Super Markets Charities and the AJC for their generous donations which allow the Foundation to offer additional scholarships each year!

 

What  great silent and live auctions we had at this year's convention! This year's mobile bidding brought technology to our auction. We raised a combined total of almost $137,000, which is $4,000 more than last year! Thanks to our generous donors and winners:

 

Click Here for more details!

GFIA Event Calendar

Independent Retail Seminar

Save The Date

Thursday, October 1st

TBD on location

 

Fall Golf Tournament

Save The Date

Wednesday, October 14th

White Oak Golf Club

Newnan, GA 

 

Holiday Extravaganza

Save The Date

Tuesday, December 1st

The Cobb Galleria Centre

Atlanta, GA