National Grocers Association

“For the independent #grocery industry, the importance of implementing a robust #cybersecurity posture cannot be overstated. The ramifications of a cyberattack, particularly ransomware, can be devastating, affecting not only your ability to conduct business but also the trust and safety of your customers as well as the goodwill of your brand.” – Kenneth Andrews, president and chief information officer, Millennium Digital Technologies Read more guidance on cybersecurity in the Summer 2024 issue of Independent Grocer! https://lnkd.in/eFjXUUZt

?? Congratulations to the 2024 Charlie and Becky Bray Legacy Scholarship recipient. May this scholarship help you reach new heights. Kyah Ledbetter “One of my goals is to eradicate childhood hunger and eliminate food deserts,” said this student at Austin Peay State University who works as a Food City cashier. “I plan on working in agriculture with a focus on economics, food security, horticulture or inspection. I want to help others realize their potential through community gardening and by giving to our local food banks.” The Scholarship program is coordinated through the NGA Foundation and funded by the generosity of our donors and affiliate groups.

Did you know September is National Food Safety Education Month? To celebrate, NGA is highlighting important resources for NGA Members with our official food safety partner Ecolab! You can learn more about these critical resources in today's blog by NGA's Jim Dudlicek - https://lnkd.in/gVudAuhu ?? Ecolab at The NGA Show this year.

“It’s important to ensure consumers are seen, heard and understood. That could mean language, context or product assortment,” says Michelle Mendoza, VP of marketing and customer experience for the Associated Supermarket Group. Gladys Marquez, marketing director El Rio Grande Latin Market, says, “Our #marketing initiatives are important in connecting with the specific demographics within our community. By tailoring our campaigns to reflect the #cultural #values, #traditions and preferences of our #diverse #customer base, we build stronger, more meaningful relationships.” Learn more about multicultural marketing in the Summer 2024 issue of Independent Grocer! https://lnkd.in/eFjXUUZt

?? Calling all grocers who are interested in or currently accepting SNAP Online! SEMTAC, a partnership of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and the National Grocers Association Foundation, would love to hear from you to help simplify the SNAP Online application process for grocers like you. Would you be willing to take a 5-minute survey to offer your advice? All results are anonymous unless you choose to share contact information. Take the short survey here: https://lnkd.in/er4gED8b

Incredible contribution by Superior Grocers and their customers to City of Hope! ??

“The primary purpose of store design is to communicate a brand's unique value proposition to customers, which may include origin stories, features, benefits, drama, personality, attitude and causes. Customers need to be able to see, feel, smell, taste and touch the unique benefits your store adds to their lives within seconds of arriving at the store.” – Kevin Ervin Kelley, AIA , co-founding partner and principal, Shook Kelley ? Discover more store design insights from Kevin Ervin Kelley, AIA in the Summer 2024 issue of Independent Grocer! https://lnkd.in/eFjXUUZt

??Upcoming Webinar: Independents Embrace Smart Carts For Excitement and Sales Did you know smart carts are more than just an alternative to self-checkout? Grocery customers are calling it an adventure! From tracking your running total to instant coupons, loyalty programs, and even opportunities to win discounts—smart carts make shopping fun and independent! Join us for this webinar to discover how gamification, personalization, and advertising can turn grocery shopping from a chore into an experience your customers will appreciate! Speakers: ?? Nick Nickitas, Rosie by Instacart ?? Theresa Larsen, Inserra Supermarkets, Inc. Learn more and register today: https://lnkd.in/eyjDsMRr

Executive Conference Session Preview: High Highs and Low Lows – The Global Economy and Shifting Input Costs We invite you to join us next month (October 28-30) at the Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit to analyze the impact of global #economic changes on #grocery input costs, including raw materials, labor, and transportation. This session will help you understand how supply chain disruptions and price volatility affect grocery #pricing and #operations. ?? Andrew Moriarty, Expana ?? Amanda Rastovic, Expana Learn more and register today: https://lnkd.in/erjuqmD

?? NGA Blog: Independent Grocers Are Being Heard by Standing Together by RF Buche "With so many voices competing for attention on the issues of the day, it’s easy to understand why some folks feel they’re not being heard.?But by sticking together, independent grocers are not only being heard, they’re making progress toward bringing about the kind of change that will help not only our businesses, but the communities that we serve." "Little did I know that when I offered testimony as part of a roundtable on food insecurity three years ago, it would lead to my business and our industry gaining some national attention." Learn more in today's blog by NGA Member RF Buche: https://lnkd.in/eR8kQ4Tv ?? FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya visiting Buche Foods