Pam Coy and Mick Kneeland (Viking Village, Reedsburg) and WGA's Brandon Scholz meet with Senator Dale Schultz. See more photos on our Facebook page. Click here.
Grocers Day Highlights
Grocers went to the Capitol with sleeves rolled up, position papers in hand and a story to tell. The Shelby Report of the Midwest was there to cover it all. The WGA's BRANDON SCHOLZ, told the SRM's GEOFF WELCH, "It's just so important to have our members come to the state's capitol, whether it's here in Wisconsin or any other state, to be a part of what goes on in the legislative process," Scholz said. "The other thing that is hugely valuable is that by having our members come to Madison and go meet with their legislators, the legislator is going to remember that visit.
They're going to remember the grocer, where the grocer's store is. So that when we go in next week or the week after to talk about an issue, they're going to remember the grocer that came in from their district and that's going to help us immensely as we lobby on other issues." See more at theshelbyreport.com. While you're there, take a minute and sign up for your free subscription.
President's Letter Brandon Scholz, WGA President and CEO, publishes a weekly on-line newsletter. This is a sample from the most recent news. Sign up for your full version today. SEE MORE.
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| Brandon Scholz, WGA President and CEO |
Private Label Growth The Independent View reports private-label products are rising faster in price than branded goods at a rate of 5.3% last year compared with the industry average of 1.9%, according to SymphonyIRI. Prices of private-label perishable foods are rising 12% last year versus an 8% jump for national brands. About 28% of respondents cited loyalty and positive experiences as influencing their decision to purchase private label, according to a study conducted by Clarkston Consulting. The study also found that private-label products cost 29% less than brand-name equivalents, but prices increased 5.3% in 2011, while the industry average was 1.9%. See the WSJ story here.
On The Cover The February issue of the Madison-based Brava magazine features Metcalfe Market's Chef LEAH CAPLAN on the cover. Among many things, the story covers her culinary journey from Hong Kong to Washington Island to Madison (and her adventures in between). "It's only fitting that a chef who's traveled the world would gladly share her experiences with local palates. And if the greatest way to experience a place is through its food, she continues to make Madison a more delicious place to live," says the article.
America's Best Bagger STEPHANIE TETEAK of Larry's Piggly Wiggly in Kaukauna is busy practicing for the Best Bagger Contest to be held during the NGA Convention in Las Vegas on February 13. NGA recently updateed the rules regarding speed and proper bag building techniques. Now, to receive a perfect score in the speed category, you must bag 39 items in 45 seconds or less. But Stephanie knows it's not all about the speed. Each bag must be packed properly with no glass bottles next to each other, and the weight of each of the three bags must be uniform. Join us in cheering on Stephanie to become the next America's Best Bagger!
V-Day $$$ The National Retail Federation (NRF) is out with its annual predictions about what US shoppers are going to spend on Valentine's Day, suggesting that they will spend an average of $126 on their sweethearts this year, up 8.5% from last year, for a total 2012 expenditure of $17.6 billion. NRF says that this is the highest level of Valentine's Day spending in a decade. According to the survey, 19% of shoppers plan to buy jewelry for their significant others, 50% intend to buy candy and 36% plan to buy flowers and dinner out.
Still Coupon Crazy Progressive Grocer reports more than 3.5 billion coupons for consumer packaged goods were redeemed in the United States last year, a 6.1% increase over 2010. That's according to Inmar, which reported that while redemption activity in the first half of last year showed virtually no change from 2010, a 16% jump in coupon response in the third quarter of 2011 sparked the overall annual increase. The increase in coupon redemption seen in 2011 continues an upward trend that began almost five years ago. But, shoppers also saw declining coupon values and shorter redemption periods. The average face value declined by 1.3% and the average amount of time a shopper had to use a coupon decreased by 4%.
Golden Anniversary Congratulations to Wisconsin Lift Truck, who is celebrating their 50th Anniversary! Fifty years ago, Otto Wolter started his company as a two-man, two-car garage operation. Today, it is one of the nation's largest materials handling distributors and one of 
Wisconsin's largest privately held firms. In 2011, Wisconsin Lift Truck was awarded MVP (Most Valuable Partner) status by the Materials Handling Equipment Dealers Association which recognizes the company's commitment to business excellence, professionalism and good stewardship. For more information on Wisconsin Lift Truck, contact DAVE OLDENBURG, at (262) 781-8011 ext. 3025 or dave.oldenburg@wisconsinlift.com.
Copyright ©2009 Wisconsin Grocers Association, Inc.