NGA Names Honorary Congressional Best Bagger

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) competed against the National Grocers Association’s (NGA) 2015 Best Bagger National Champion David Tochinskiy of Spokane, Wash-based Rosauers Supermarkets, in NGA’s fourth annual National Best Bagger Congressional Showdown.

Tochinskiy defended his title, completing the challenge in 38 seconds while McMorris Rodgers finished only slightly behind at 40 seconds.

"We are grateful to Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers for joining us to showcase the importance of baggers and pleased to name her an NGA Honorary Best Bagger,” said NGA President Peter Larkin. He went on to add that baggers are often the first and last impression customers have of a store, noting that many key supermarket industry executives got their starts in the industry by being a bagger.

The congressional challenge was held in conjunction with the American Frozen Food Institute’s Frozen Filibuster on Sept. 30.

The national Best Bagger Competition is a promotion intended to highlight the notable customer service skills needed in the position. Participants are judged on speed of bagging, proper bag-building technique, weight distribution in the bag as well as personal style, attitude and appearance. Finalists are chosen through bagging competitions held at the state level.

Tochinskiy was named the winner during the competition held during NGA’s annual trade show in February in Las Vegas. The 30th anniversary of the NGA Best Bagger Championship will be celebrated at the next NGA show, held in Las Vegas Feb. 28-March 2.