GFIA LEADERSHIP
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What is the Value of GFIA to Your Company?
A Message from GFIA Chairman
Mike Coggins of Sherwood Foods
This is the question I asked our board of directors and trustees during our last board meeting. Not surprising, retailers and wholesalers spoke of the legislative and regulatory work that the association provides, while most suppliers focused more on the relationships they have built and continue to build through our networking events.
Since becoming GFIA's Chairman, my goal has been to make every one of our members understand the total value the association brings to each member. Almost ten years ago, I learned the hard way to appreciate the GFIA for so much more than our fantastic events. I received a notice from a regulatory agency informing me that the company was being fined $332,000 for selling mislabeled product. Not a great way to start the morning! The GFIA worked diligently with the agency on my behalf to show that we did nothing wrong. After hours of research, countless calls and several meetings, the penalty was cleared. Talk about a sign of relief! To look at it another way, GFIA managed to save our company many annual salaries. I had a whole new appreciation of the value of our terrific organization.
The mission of the GFIA is to address key industry issues, build strategic relationships, and provide proactive leadership to educate, advocate and protect our member companies. I wanted to share with our membership just how the GFIA has been advocating and protecting our members in the recent past.
Shopping Cart Ordinances
Did you know that regulators in Savannah are looking to fine retailers because customers are stealing their grocery carts? It's hard to believe, but true. The GFIA jumped into action and is working with the Mayor and City Council to address the concerns of Savannah's grocers.
Disaster Relief
The GFIA works with GEMA during times of disaster to assist retailers and suppliers with the re-entry process. When SNAP released replacement benefits to its recipients following widespread power outages, GFIA communicated this vital information ahead of time to give our members time to plan for the increase in sales. I know my customers and I sure appreciate this information!
Beer & Wine Curbside Pickup
GFIA is working with the Department of Revenue to allow curbside pickup of beer and wine. If accepted, the association's comments will allow retailers of all sizes to take care of their customers.
You can rest assured that while you are busy taking care of your customers, the GFIA will be taking care of you!
Mike Coggins
GFIA Chairman
President, Atlanta Division
Sherwood Foods
A Message from GFIA Chairman
Mike Coggins of Sherwood Foods
This is the question I asked our board of directors and trustees during our last board meeting. Not surprising, retailers and wholesalers spoke of the legislative and regulatory work that the association provides, while most suppliers focused more on the relationships they have built and continue to build through our networking events.
Since becoming GFIA's Chairman, my goal has been to make every one of our members understand the total value the association brings to each member. Almost ten years ago, I learned the hard way to appreciate the GFIA for so much more than our fantastic events. I received a notice from a regulatory agency informing me that the company was being fined $332,000 for selling mislabeled product. Not a great way to start the morning! The GFIA worked diligently with the agency on my behalf to show that we did nothing wrong. After hours of research, countless calls and several meetings, the penalty was cleared. Talk about a sign of relief! To look at it another way, GFIA managed to save our company many annual salaries. I had a whole new appreciation of the value of our terrific organization.
The mission of the GFIA is to address key industry issues, build strategic relationships, and provide proactive leadership to educate, advocate and protect our member companies. I wanted to share with our membership just how the GFIA has been advocating and protecting our members in the recent past.
Shopping Cart Ordinances
Did you know that regulators in Savannah are looking to fine retailers because customers are stealing their grocery carts? It's hard to believe, but true. The GFIA jumped into action and is working with the Mayor and City Council to address the concerns of Savannah's grocers.
Disaster Relief
The GFIA works with GEMA during times of disaster to assist retailers and suppliers with the re-entry process. When SNAP released replacement benefits to its recipients following widespread power outages, GFIA communicated this vital information ahead of time to give our members time to plan for the increase in sales. I know my customers and I sure appreciate this information!
Beer & Wine Curbside Pickup
GFIA is working with the Department of Revenue to allow curbside pickup of beer and wine. If accepted, the association's comments will allow retailers of all sizes to take care of their customers.
You can rest assured that while you are busy taking care of your customers, the GFIA will be taking care of you!
Mike Coggins
GFIA Chairman
President, Atlanta Division
Sherwood Foods
