NGA Awards Champion of Independent Grocers to Congressmen

The National Grocers Association awarded its Champion of Independent Grocers to two Congressmen on Sept. 14 to Rep. Ron Kind of Wisconsin and Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington.

Brandon Scholz, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association presented Rep. Kind with the award. Kind had earlier in the year toured Ptacek’s IGA in Prescott, Wis., to learn about the issues facing the independent grocer. “Congressman Kind has been a leader on issues important to the independent supermarket industry,” said Peter Larkin, NGA’s president and CEO. “NGA applauds him for his support of policies that allow independent grocers to grow their businesses and better serve the communities.”

Jan Gee, president and CEO of the Washington Food Industry Association presented Rep. Newhouse with his award. Newhouse also participated in the fifth annual Congressional Best Bagger Showdown against reigning Best Bagger National Champion Candice Lastimado of Metropolitan Markets, Seattle, Wash. He gave a good effort, but Lastimado retains her Best Bagger title.

“NGA would like to thank Congressman Newhouse for joining us in this spirited event,” Larkin said. “In appreciation for his great effort, we’re pleased to name him an NGA Honorary Best Bagger.”