NGA announces support for the Save Local Business Act

Grocery stores are like people—they come in all different shapes and sizes. And here at The Local Checkout, I’ll be taking a closer look through a wide lens of independent grocery stores. Because just like people—they all matter.   

Fighting for Main Street

The National Grocers Association (NGA), which advocates for independent grocers on a variety of issues, announced its support on Friday for the Save Local Business Act, which clarifies the joint employer standard.

“This new definition of a ‘joint employer’ is a textbook definition of government supported labor overreach, putting small businesses like independent grocers in potential scenarios where they are held liable for contractors that do business in their stores, like DSD shelf-stockers or cleaning service workers.” said Chris Jones, NGA’s SVP of government relations and counsel, in a statement. “We also fear this rule could complicate the legal relationship that retailers enjoy with wholesalers, cooperatives, and marketing alliances. NGA supports the Save Local Business Act which would institute a stable joint employer standard going forward.” 

Independent grocers across the country truly are the heartbeat of the communities they serve. And for that I think we can all agree that main street is worth fighting for.

Celebrity citing

Hugo's Family Marketplace, a local, family-owned business with 10 convenient locations in North Dakota and Minnesota, has a fan favorite in Food Network star Molly Yeh.

In an interview with Eat This, Not That!, the host of the TV show “Girl Meets Farm” revealed that Hugo’s was her favorite grocery store.

With so many grocery stores to pick, Yeh favored Hugo’s, which opened its first store in 1939.

Local leaders

Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative, Milwaukee's coop-owned natural food and organic grocery store, recently announced that its board of directors has selected Ray Simpkins as its next general manager. Simpkins, 45, succeeds outgoing general manager Pam Mehnert, who retires next month following a 42-year-career with the co-op. Simpkins brings more than 20 years of retail store management experience, including serving in leadership roles at several national grocery chain locations.

“After a nationwide search, we are thrilled to have found a general manager who brings such a rich background and extensive experience in grocery retail,” said Ashley Fisher, president, Outpost’s board of directors, in a statement. “Ray’s an energetic team leader with a passion for customer service. We’re excited to watch him excel at Outpost.”

More food co-op news

By the way, did you know on average, a food co-op purchases from 281 local farms and sells $5.6 million worth of local products each year? These are among the findings National Co op Grocers (NCG) released this month from its 2022 Food Co-op Impact report, an annual study measuring how its member community owned food co-ops impact their local and national food communities. That is a significant impact on local food systems.

“NCG food co-ops serve nearly 230 communities across 39 states, and that number is growing,” said C.E. Pugh, NCG CEO, in a statement. “Our annual report demonstrates many of the reasons why community demand for food co-ops is increasing nationally. Co-ops are not one-size-fits-all grocery stores, they are unique businesses that are owned by, and part of the community, so they are tailored to benefit the community in many different ways.”

Happy Mother’s Day

It’s nearly Mother’s Day, and for anyone reading this—no matter what is needed—no mom wants to go to the grocery store on Mother’s Day. Trust me, I know. I experienced it last year. A last-minute item forced me to go against my will while my husband was out with the kids. So, to any moms out there finding themselves on Sunday doing a quick grocery grab, be sure to find anything on the shelves that you would like. You deserve it. For me, I grabbed a bouquet of red tulips. They were my mom’s favorite. And now they are mine too.

This week’s shout-out that deserves the hashtag #KindessCostsNothing goes to all the moms out there. Happy Mother’s Day!

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