LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION - Lobbying efforts of the GFIA have literally saved Georgia's retailers millions of dollars. The association lobbies on their behalf every day of the legislative session to monitor and testify on industry legislation.

REGULATORY REPRESENTATION - The GFIA's invaluable relationships with state and federal agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Revenue, Department of Human Resources, and USDA have allowed us to successfully assist retailers with WIC, EBT and other critical industry issues.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES - GFIA hosts various events throughout the year that provide members opportunities to build relationships with key contacts. Events include golf tournaments, annual convention and trade show, a holiday event and the Hispanic Trade Share Group.

GFIA EDUCATION FOUNDATION - Georgia Food Industry Education Foundation provides scholarships each year to employees or children of full time employees of retail, wholesale and associate member companies.

INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS - GFIA's bimonthly newsletter, Expressline, keeps our membership up to date on the latest industry news. Our annual magazine and directory, The Georgia Food Connection, provides readers with industry articles, member highlights and a directory of members.

MEMBER PARTICIPATION - Join GFIA and get involved! Make the most of your membership. GFIA offers opportunities to serve on various committees, task forces and boards.
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Food Industry for Good Government

GFIA's PAC Fund is the only political action committee in Georgia dedicated to supporting and building the best legislative and regulatory environment for Georgia's grocery industry. Legislation is introduced every year that seeks to regulate your business - alcohol and tobacco regulations and penalties, bad check collection restrictions, health insurance mandates, bottle bills, item pricing, higher minimum wages, licensing and fees, gift certificates and gift card restrictions, unemployment insurance increases, and the list goes on.

Due to the 1993 Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act, that portion of a member's dues spent on lobbying is not deductible as a business expense. GFIA spends 60% of a member's dues on lobbying expenses. The other 40%of a member's dues is not deductible as a charitable contribution but may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses.