Tom Zaucha's legacy as head of the National Grocers Association comprises nearly three decades of building a strong organization that represents the interests of the independent grocery sector. Here are some highlights over the years.
1982
-
Zaucha named chief executive officer of National Grocers Association on Oct. 1. NGA formed from merger of National Association of Retail Grocers of the United States and the Cooperative Food Distributors of America.
1983
-
President Ronald Reagan delivers videotaped address to attendees at NGA's first annual convention in San Francisco. Marks beginning of NGA's Grocers Care program.
1984
-
NGA testifies at five Federal Trade Commission hearings on predatory pricing issues.
1985
-
Vice President George H.W. Bush addresses NGA Convention in New Orleans and conducts a tax reform forum.
-
Congress passes FTC Authorization Act requiring FTC to report to Congress on enforcement on predatory pricing.
-
NGA wins victory for retailer-owned food cooperatives in case of Cotter and Co. vs. the IRS, allowing interest income as deductions for patronage dividend treatment.
1986
-
Zaucha cancels annual convention due to Philadelphia garbage strike. Convention moved to February of following year in Dallas.
1988
-
NGA in conjunction with the D'Agostino/Silverzweig Entrepreneurial Institute holds is first program to perpetuate the family-owned business.
1989
-
As chairman of the Small Business Legislative Council's Coalition on 2036(c), Zaucha leads effort to win repeal of the measure in 1990.
1992
-
President George H.W. Bush in February addresses annual convention in Orlando, Fla.
1995
-
NGA wins decade-long battle to repeal the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act license fees.
1997
-
Zaucha and Frank DiPasquale represent independents at Gen. Colin Powell's Presidents' Summit for America's Future as part of his America's Promise program.
1999
-
Zaucha broadens NGA's definition of independent retailer to encompass ownership and philosophy of operations rather than number of stores or type of format.
-
NGA challenges FTC merger and acquisition policy and opposes Ahold's acquisition of Pathmark.
2000
-
NGA issues report with four strategies to recoup Center Store sales in grocery and nonfood departments.
2001
-
Congress passes increases in death tax exemptions and rate decreases with a scheduled one-year repeal in 2010.
2002
-
Steve Smith, former NGA chairman and president and CEO of K-VA-T Food Stores, meets with President George W. Bush and other corporate leaders in the White House to be a part of “Business Strengthening America.”
-
New annual convention format launched at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.
2003
-
Zaucha listed as one of 50 most powerful people in the food industry in SN's first Power 50 ranking. He remained on annual list for next six years.
2004
-
NGA board ratifies modified strategic plan, including mission statement, philosophy and values.
-
NGA joins Merchants Payment Coalition to combat discriminatory credit card interchange fees.
2005
-
NGA Chairman Jay Campbell testifies before the Antitrust Modernization Commission on the importance of the Robinson-Patman Act and the need to preserve a diverse marketplace.
2006
-
NGA as part of Grocers Care joins the White House Commission of Remembrance to promote and observe a Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day to honor soldiers.
2007
-
NGA celebrates 25th Anniversary on Oct. 1. Tom and Bernadette Zaucha honored by the NGA board for their vision, leadership and stewardship.
2009
-
Kraft Foods inaugurates the Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award with Michael A. Provenzano Jr., president and CEO of Pro's Ranch Markets, the first award recipient.
-
Food Marketing Institute honors Zaucha with a lifetime achievement award for his championship of independent food retailers.
2010
-
Zaucha retires on June 1.
