By: Jennifer Hatcher, Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs, Food Marketing Institute
Every day our government relations team works to shape public policy on the federal, state and local levels. I can’t think of a better way to directly affect the way policy is written in the states than to elect grocers to the state legislature.
Serving as Director of the Missouri Grocers Association for the past 18 years, I’ve gotten to know Dan Shaul well and I was excited when he announced he was running in the 113th district in the Missouri General Assembly. Dan is a true advocate for food retail. He is the recipient of FMI’s 2016 Donald H. MacManus Award, an award presented to individuals who show extraordinary leadership in public affairs, industry relations and community relations. He has served the state of Missouri well for the last two years, championing legislation to preempt localities from regulating plastic bags and ensuring statewide consistency on the issue. He is running for re-election this year, and it is critical to vote—and to make an informed one. Learn more about Dan Shaul at www.VoteShaul.com.
Additionally, director of strategic initiatives for K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc., Israel O’Quinn is currently serving the Virginia House of Delegates –District 5. Israel’s expertise has proven beneficial for food retail, championing patent troll legislation to protect businesses from abusive trolls that was signed into law in Virginia. In July 2015, he testified on behalf of FMI before the United States House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee to express the supermarket industry’s support for the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015 (H.R. 2017), and being recognized by the Virginia Chamber for his legislative work. To learn more about Israel, click here.
FMI wants to help make it easy for you and your associates to be educated about priority issues, learn more about your candidates, and be able to check the locations of your voting precinct and how to request absentee ballots in a non-partisan way. FMI’s Voting Resources page can help: www.fmi.org/votingresources.
Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
