Similar to 2012, this past year’s themes encompassed those of partisan gridlock and legislative uncertainty, making it another challenging year for our industry. While the so-called “fiscal cliff” was averted in the very early hours of 2013, Americans experienced a partial government shutdown for the first time in more than a decade. Many issues, including […]
Category: The Independent Perspective
Posted in, Southeast, The Independent Perspective
Southern Season Opens In Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
A Southern-style emporium featuring cooking classes, a specialty grocery store, a restaurant and more is now open for business in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Live 5 WCSC reports that Southern Season, located at 730 Coleman Blvd., is holding a grand opening celebration through Sept. 22. The festivities include live music, cooking demos, tastings and a “Southern […]
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
Retailer Need Drives NGA’s Leaps In Technology
More than 2,700 retailers, wholesalers and suppliers recently joined us for the 2013 NGA Show in Las Vegas. As I said in my February column, our goal was to offer new and innovative resources to the industry, particularly in the area of technology. The show opened with a conversation I had with Joe Sheridan, president […]
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
Status Quo The Result Of Election 2012
If you live in one of the 2012 battleground states, you are probably thankful that Election Day has come and gone. Your phone has stopped ringing, your mailbox is not overflowing with political flyers and you can watch television without being bombarded with ads for candidates and causes. A record $6 billion was spent in […]
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
Celebrating 30 Years Of Serving Independent Grocers
by Peter J. Larkin/president and CEO, NGA Special to The Shelby Report Three decades ago, a new organization was created to represent the independent sector of the supermarket industry. Today, the National Grocers Association (NGA) remains the only national trade association exclusively focused on representing the independent sector of the food industry. Over the past […]
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
Grocers Take Notice: FDA Tobacco Compliance Checks Are On The Rise
by Peter J. Larkin/president and CEO, NGA Special to The Shelby Report The Tobacco Control Act, signed into law by President Obama in June of 2009, gave the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explicit power to regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products. Since then, the retail industry has been subjected to new […]
Posted in, Center Store, National, The Independent Perspective
Ezekiel Bread Rolls Out Sprouted Flax Variety
Food for Life’s Ezekiel 4:9 bread is now available with sprouted flax. Like all Food for Life products, Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Flax Bread is 100 percent flourless and free of conditioners, additives, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. It also is made with filtered water and no added fat and is low-glycemic, diabetic-friendly, pH-balanced and kosher-certified. […]
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
SNAP a Target for Cuts as 2012 Farm Bill Debate Heats Up
This month, negotiations in Congress continue to heat up as the massive and very influential 2012 Farm Bill is debated before Congress leaves town for the August recess and another round of campaigning. The Farm Bill, which authorizes proposed funding for five years and deals with a diverse array of policy topics such as agriculture, […]