A Vote for Grocery!

By: Jennifer Hatcher, Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs, Food Marketing Institute

Everyday our government relations team tries to influence public policy at 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 16 years, I’ve gotten to know Dan Shaul well and I was excited when he announced he was running in the 113^th district in the Missouri General Assembly.  Dan currently serves on our Government Relations committee and will be a true advocate for food retail. 

We chatted with him via Twitter recently (#FMI_GOTV) about his campaign.

Jennifer: As you campaign for Missouri state representative what is the biggest issue you’re hearing from voters?

Dan: Citizens want someone that they can trust and support, someone who will do what is best for the community!

Jennifer: What is your favorite part of the Missouri state capitol to visit?

Dan: On the second floor of the House, there is a painting that changes based on your perspective. From one direction union soldiers are in the fore ground, but from the other side confederate soldiers are in the fore ground. It reminds me that you must look at things from both sides to get the complete story

Jennifer: How will your work as an advocate for grocers help you serve in the Missouri state legislature?

Dan: The grocery industry is the center of every community. This career and the grocery industry have taught me that details matter. We need to focus on what is the correct thing to do, not whether it is from the right or the left!

Jennifer: If elected, what will be your major priorities?

Dan: I will focus on the “Three E’s” Economy, Education and the Employment. We need to attract more “family sustainable” Jobs to Missouri and the 113th specifically.