Healthcare, Chain Restaurant Menu Labeling, Data Security, and Tax Reform Top Industry Agenda
WASHINGTON, D.C., 2014-5-1 — /EPR Retail News/ — Over 200 grocery retailers, wholesalers, and food industry state association executives from across the nation convened in Washington, DC today for the annual “Day in Washington” Supermarket Industry fly-in. Members of the National Grocers Association (NGA), Food Marketing Institute (FMI), and the Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE) will participate in over 210 meetings with their elected officials and key Congressional staff to advocate on legislative issues such as healthcare, tax reform, chain restaurant menu labeling, and data security during this two-day event, held Wednesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 1.
On top of many fly-in attendees’ agenda is the definition of a full-time employee, which is set at only 30 hours average per week per month, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The supermarket industry has been steadfast in seeking flexibility and ways to minimize new burdens under the ACA in order for food retailers and wholesalers to continue providing quality health coverage that is affordable to both the employee and the employer.
While the Administration has taken steps to provide some flexibility within the regulatory process, there are several outstanding concerns with the law itself that are impacting how grocers manage their workforce, adjust work schedules and offer employee benefits well beyond health care. Both FMI and NGA advocated in support of the Save American Workers Act (H.R. 2575), which passed the U.S. House earlier this month.
“The supermarket industry plays a critical role in our nation’s economic growth; creating jobs and paying billions in tax revenue,” said Peter J. Larkin, President and CEO, NGA. “It is increasingly important that policymakers in Washington hear first-hand from grocery executives about how legislation and regulations directly impact the supermarket industry, their employees, and ultimately, the consumers they serve.”
“Supermarkets are the place where the real-life economic, social and health concerns of the American public become manifest,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO of the Food Marketing Institute. “With such a close working relationship with their customers, this makes food retailers the voice our legislators need most to hear to help heal the existing disconnect between Washington, D.C. and the citizens they represent.”
###
The Food Industry Association Executives [FIAE] is a national professional association representing local, state and regional food association executives since 1927, who in turn represent over 95 percent of the grocery retail industry. FIAE’s mission is to provide a forum for professional growth of the members’ employees and to serve as a vehicle for the interchange of ideas and advancement of the food industry agenda.
*****
Food Marketing Institute proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI membership covers the spectrum of diverse venues where food is sold, including single owner grocery stores, large multi-store supermarket chains and mixed retail stores. For more information, visit www.fmi.org and for information regarding the FMI foundation, visit www.fmifoundation.org. – See more at: http://www.fmi.org/about-us#sthash.bdmCXL1i.dpuf
*****
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for close to one percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating $131 billion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org
If you need additional information, please contact Laura Strange at 703-516-0700.