Local Grocers Gear Up For Annual Event
/24-7PressRelease.com/ - Sacramento, CA, April 7, 2005 - The California Independent Grocers Association (CIGA) will honor a new slate of 2005/2006 elected officials at its Annual Installation Banquet on Saturday, April 16, 2005, at the Sheraton Hotel in Sacramento. In an industry where giant superstores threaten the livelihood of independent grocery stores across the nation, CIGA"s incoming directors face the challenge of preparing members to survive
and thrive.
"We will continue to promote the independent sector of California"s grocery industry and prepare our members to become activists in their local communities," says Scott Hair, Owner of Green Frog Markets in Bakersfield, California and CIGA"s incoming Chairman for 2005/2006. He adds, "More than ever before, we must keep
informed of local land use and zoning issues as they pertain to our industry, and we must focus on improving communications with city and county governments." He says the association will continue to utilize the recently published handbook "Big Box and Superstore Development in California" to help members understand California"s land-use approval process.
The following Executive Committee Officers will be installed at CIGA"s Annual Banquet:
Chairman of the Board.............................Scott Hair, Green Frog Markets, Bakersfield
1st Vice Chairman....................................Del Clegg, Cookie Crock Market, Cambria
2nd Vice Chairman/Treasurer...............Louis Young, Payless Markets, Lockeford
3rd Vice Chairman/Assistant Treasurer...Jim Pallios, Richland Markets, Ceres
Immediate Past Chairman.......................Bob Spengler, Save Mart Supermarkets, Modesto
Mike Stone, Owner of Mollie Stone"s Markets in Mill Valley, will be installed for a second 3-year term; Troy Cochran of Valley IGA in Waterford will be added as a new Retail Board Member; and Arline Mello of NuCal Eggs, new Vendor Board Member. Joe Falvey of United Western Grocers will be installed as Board Member Emeritus. Board terms for all elected officials begin May 1, 2005.
Immediate Past Chairman Jim Pallios of Richland Markets, Ceres will be recognized for his contributions to the organization. CIGA"s current Chairman Bob Spengler, President and COO of Save Mart Supermarkets of Modesto, says "it"s an honor to serve on a board dedicated to preserving the livelihood of our industry." Outgoing Directors to be honored for their contributions include: Bob Parriott, Deluxe Foods of Aptos; Dale Downing, Sonoma Market; and recently retired CIGA Board Member Merlin Stigge.
Chuck and Willy Evans, husband and wife owners of Twain Harte Market in Twain Harte, California, will be presented with CIGA"s Retailer of the Year award; and Jacque Vance of J V and Associates, Sacramento will receive Associate Member of the Year honors.
Hosting the event for the evening will be Bodine Balasco, named one of the "Top 21 Speakers For The 21st Century" by Successful Meetings Magazine, Mr. Balasco has established himself as one of the country"s most knowledgeable and entertaining speakers with an extraordinary understanding of human behavior and achievement. He delivers information and insights with entertaining showmanship that makes learning fun for his audience. Mr. Balasco"s impressive client list includes ATandT, Mitsubishi, ARCO, 3M, Warner Brothers Television, DuPont, Boeing and many more.
CIGA Executive Director Sharon Paxton says the Annual Installation Banquet is a key time for the association to recognize and honor its volunteer leaders. "Independent grocers are a united and powerful group" says Sharon Paxton, CIGA"s Executive Director. Ms. Paxton states that CIGA members benefit from the combined strength and experience of the group, "it helps to be part of a large network of like-minded professionals who face similar challenges every day."
Headquartered in Sacramento, California, CIGA has continued to represent the Independent Retail Food Industry since the early 1900s. Today, more than 1,200 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.
13.02.2006 - 22:02 Source: 24-7pressrelease.com | Read: 335 X
