CGA NEWS
CGA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INDUCTS MIMI SONG AND BOB GARIBALDI INTO HALL OF ACHIEVEMENT The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF) inducted Mimi Song, Superior Grocers, and Bob Garibaldi, UNFI, into the prestigious Hall of Achievement in late April in Anaheim, California. The Hall of Achievement recognizes grocery leaders for their tremendous contributions to the grocery industry and within their local communities. In addition to honoring Song and Garibaldi, attendees raised more than $530,000 during the awards gala which will help fund the Foundation’s signature college scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs to support future grocery industry leaders in their pursuit of higher education.
Song and Garibaldi, both dedicated leaders in California’s grocery industry, have long championed industry education and the CGA Educational Foundation. Founder of Superior Grocers, Song established the Superior Foundation which has raised more than $3 million to support local schools and organizations over the last 20 years. Garibaldi has long been a committed advocate for independent grocers, serving as a board member for the California Independent Grocers Association (CIGA) before the organization merged with CGA in 2014. “I can’t think of two more deserving industry leaders to receive this honor. Both Mimi and Bob embody the Foundation’s mission and have each devoted several decades to bettering the grocery industry and supporting academic opportunity for our industry’s students,” CGAEF President Ron Fong said. Recipient of CGAEF’s fourth annual $10,000 Legends of the Industry Scholarship, Jennifer Pelayo took the stage during the event to share how the industry’s support will help her complete her educational journey and fulfill her career goals. Pelayo, who serves as director of human resources at Smart & Final, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in human resources management at the University of Southern California. Thank you to our attendees, honorees, and sponsors for an unforgettable evening! ■
INDEPENDENT GROCERS CONNECT ON THE GOLF COURSE The independent grocery community enjoyed a lively day of golf and connection at this year’s Independent Grocers Golf Tournament which took place on June 7 in Rohnert Park, California at Foxtail Golf Club. The annual tournament allows independent grocers, wholesalers, and suppliers to network with one another outside of the office while practicing their swing for a productive day of golf, sampling product from sponsors, and forming new business relationships. After a day of play, attendees gathered back at the clubhouse for a raffle and silent auction. The grand prize winner took home an eight-day vacation to Mexico. CGA is appreciative of our sponsors for supporting the event, and thankful to our attendees for spending their day with us! ■
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