One Industry, One Voice

April 25, 2024 | Sacramento, CA

With the bill introduction deadline behind us, the grocery industry’s legislative priorities are coming into focus. Now more than ever, lawmakers need to hear directly from you. Join your peers for CGA’s premier advocacy event, Grocers Day at the Capitol, for face-to-face meetings with state elected officials to discuss legislation that could significantly impact your business.

Our program will feature insightful panel discussions and legislative briefings, equipping you with key policy insights needed to effectively run your business in California. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with lawmakers and members of the Capitol community during our Legislative Bagging Competition and evening President’s Reception.

Make your voice heard on Wednesday, April 23 in Sacramento. Register below or contact Leticia Garcia with questions.

2025 Sponsorship

Support for Grocers Day benefits industry policy objectives and the Association’s year-round advocacy efforts. View sponsorship opportunities for Grocers Day at the Capitol below, or reach out to Beth Wright for more information.

North State Grocery Executive Elected Chair of CGA Board of Directors

SACRAMENTO, CA (Dec. 18, 2024) – Michel LeClerc, Chief Administrative Officer, North State Grocery, Inc., was elected the 2024-2025 California Grocers Association (CGA) Chair of the Board of Directors at the Association’s Annual Meeting on Dec. 6, 2024. 

As Chair, LeClerc will lead the Board’s strategy regarding CGA’s numerous legislative, educational, and industry-related programs. CGA is comprised of more than 350 retail companies, operating more than 6,000 stores in the west. The chair serves for one year. LeClerc succeeds Lynn Melillo, Vice President of Asset Management, Bristol Farms. 

“Michel has long been committed to the Association and will make a fantastic Board Chair,” CGA President and CEO Ron Fong. “His experience leading our Government Relations Committee over many years has made him intimately familiar with California’s political environment and the challenges and opportunities impacting the grocery industry and will be of great benefit to our members.” 

In his current role, LeClerc oversees North State’s strategic planning, human resources, real estate, legal, compliance, government relations, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan. LeClerc joined North State in 2011 as General Counsel and later served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. He holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from University of Oregon School of Law. LeClerc has served on the CGA Board of Directors since 2011 and has been Chair of the Government Relations Committee since 2014. 

In addition to LeClerc, the following individuals were elected to the 2024-2025 CGA Board of Directors Executive Committee: First Vice Chair, Richard Wardwell, Superior Grocers; Second Vice Chair, Jonson Chen, Tawa Supermarket Inc.; Treasurer, Pam Burke, Grocery Outlet; Secretary, Bertha Luna, State Bros. Markets; Immediate Past Chair, Lynn Melillo, Bristol Farms. 

Directors elected to their first full three-year team include: Steve Brancamp, UNFI; Dorothy Carlow, Mother’s Market & Kitchen; Justin Hyer, Molson Coors Beverage Company; Brady Matoian, OK Produce; Candance Minton, PepsiCo; Chris Richmond, Post Consumer Brands; Amber Hammond, KeHe Distributors. 

Directors elected to their second full three-year term include: Joe Angulo, Chedauri USA, Inc.; Jon Gianinni, Nutricion Fundamental; Brandon Lombardi, Sprouts Farmers Markets; Andrew Nodes, Instacart; Bethany Pautsch, Tyson Foods, Inc.; Eric Pearlman, C&S Wholesale Grocers; Marc Swisher, Mondelez International, Inc. 

Elliott Stone, Mollie Stone’s Markets was re-elected Executive Committee-IOC Chair. Former CGA Chair Dennis Darling, Foods Etc. IGA was elected an honorary board member. 

Empower Your Store Leaders

Help your store leaders unlock the next level of leadership. CGA and the CGA Educational Foundation are hosting one-day Store Leader Training Seminars in Northern and Southern California this summer to enable your team’s growth and professional development. Our seminars are an affordable way to build effective leaders who empower their teams and excel in service. 

What to Expect

Grocery veteran and leadership expert Steve Black will share his signature 5 Rules to unlock your team’s potential and transform culture in the workplace. Special guest Dave Davlin will discuss three essential ingredients for developing a purpose-driven mentality to achieve a fulfilling career and balanced life. Learn more about our speakers below.

Who Should Attend

• Store Directors
• Assistant Directors
• Department Managers

Seminar Dates

Southern California

• Tuesday, July 23, 2024
• Hilton Costa Mesa

Northern California

• Thursday, July 25, 2024
• Hilton Concord

The independent grocery community soaked up the sun and connected on the golf course at the 2024 Independent Grocers Golf Tournament on June 5 in Rohnert Park, CA.

This annual tournament allows independent grocers, wholesalers, and suppliers to network while practicing their swing for a productive day of golf, sampling product from sponsors, and strengthening business relationships. After a day of play, attendees gathered back at the clubhouse for a raffle and silent auction. Grand Prize winner Darin Austin took home a week’s stay in Mexico.

CGA thanks our 2024 sponsors for supporting the event, and our attendees for spending their day with us! Check out our winners and event photos below.

First Place:

Elliot Stone

Aaron Stone

Sean Corey

Don Moresco

Second Place:

Dennis Albrecht

Jeremy Markus

Bennie Tiappon

Tim Albrecht

Longest Drive:

Darin Austin

Hayley Miller

Grand Prize Winner:

Darin Austin