Independents Can Be ‘Steady Beacons’ in Economic Crisis

As the U.S. deals with the weak economy, the independent grocery sector must remain strong to meet the changing needs of their customers "and be a steady beacon in the communities you serve," Michael Jackson, president and chief operating officer of Supervalu, Minneapolis, told the National Grocers Association convention this week.

LAS VEGAS — As the U.S. deals with the weak economy, the independent grocery sector must remain strong to meet the changing needs of their customers "and be a steady beacon in the communities you serve," Michael Jackson, president and chief operating officer of Supervalu, Minneapolis, told the National Grocers Association convention here this week.

Jackson, in the middle of a two-year term as NGA chairman, spoke at the opening session of the convention. "Your spirit as independent business people is strong, and you will continue to shine and create success stories — not with bailouts but with your commitment to your customers," he declared.

Jackson also said NGA is committed to working with the new administration in a bipartisan way. "We've already reached out to President Obama to express our opposition to the Free Choice Act and to ask for tax relief for entrepreneurial business as part of the stimulus package."