Arlington, VA – Today, the National Grocers Association (NGA) and the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) presented the NGA Spirit of America Award to Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers in recognition of her efforts to preserve and foster the principles of free enterprise and advance pro-growth policies that supports the independent supermarket industry. The award was presented by Jan Gee, president and CEO of WFIA on behalf of the independent grocery industry in Washington State and across the nation.
“Independent grocers are important to Washington’s local economy and serve as the backbone of so many communities in the state. NGA is honored to be able to recognize Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers for her efforts on behalf of our industry and members in Washington. From her leadership on the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act to her support of comprehensive tax reform, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers has been a strong advocate for the independent supermarket industry,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA EVP of advocacy, public relations, and member services.
“Having a champion, who understands family owned and community-focused grocers like Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers has been incredibly important in ensuring the independent supermarket industry is a robust one. We are grateful for all of the work and leadership she has provided in Washington and our nation’s capital,” said Jan Gee, president and CEO of WFIA.
Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004 and serves Washington’s Fifth Congressional District. As Chair of the House Republican Conference, she is the fourth highest-ranking Republican in the House and the highest-ranking woman in Congress. She is also the longest-serving woman in Republican leadership.
The NGA Spirit of America Award, established in 1982, honors key industry and community figures that have provided leadership in the areas of community services and government relations on behalf of a free and independent food distribution system. NGA has given this award to over 550 individuals, including Presidents George H. W. Bush and Gerald Ford, as well as other distinguished individuals serving in the grocery industry and the public interest.
About WFIA
Since 1899, the Washington Food Industry Association proudly supports the independent grocery industry and its suppliers in Washington. WFIA is a non-profit, statewide trade association comprised of independent supermarkets, convenience stores, and food and beverage suppliers. WFIA's retail membership represents more than 20,000 stable, reliable jobs and $805 million in wages. Our members generate approximately $373 million in state and local taxes and $3 billion to the state economy. Located in Olympia, WFIA is one of the oldest trade associations and the only state based grocery industry association in Washington. Since day one, it's been our goal to support and serve the community-focused grocers in our beautiful state. We are proud to say that we've stayed true to our goal for over 119 years and are recognized as industry leaders in areas of government, industry relations, and education.
About NGA
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for close to one percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating $131 billion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.
Source: The National Grocers Association (NGA)