September 2018 Michigan Food News

September 2018 Vol 72, Number 9

Crystal Mountain Resort Welcomes Grocers & Suppliers Look inside for “The Insider’s Guide” Everything you need to know about the Food Retailers Summit  Schedule of Events  Educational Opportunities

Also Inside  Minimum Wage Hike, Paid Sick Leave Won’t be on Ballot. Find Out Why, page 5  WMU’s Phil Straniero Passes Away, page 10  Grocers Celebrate Anniversaries, page 11  Changes in MDARD Food & Diary Division, page 15  Look Inside Two New Meijer Formats, page 22

 Grocer-Supplier CONNECT Luncheon  Networking Activities & Much More ... SEE PAGES 7-9

Grocers: Take Advantage of Upcoming Buy Nearby Weekend Celebration

Michigan Retailers Association encourages grocers to participate in the upcoming Buy Nearby Weekend, October 5-7, to create shopper excitement and grow sales. The Buy Nearby campaign is Michigan Retailer’s shop-local initiative to educate consumers on the importance of keeping shopping dollars in Michigan — and making them feel good about keeping their money in the Mitten!

While the campaign runs throughout the year it is formally celebrated during the first weekend in October, called “Buy Nearby Weekend.” This special shopping weekend includes a contest to get shoppers into local stores and show off their purchases via social media. The Buy Nearby campaign has several elements including a great mascot: the Buy Nearby Guy is the face of LEPPINK FOOD CENTER’S JOHN LEPPINK MEETS BUY NEARBY GUY

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Michigan Retailers Association 603 S. Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933

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Royal Fresh Market - Detroit, Michigan

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MEMBER STRENGTH & GROWTH There is great strength in our numbers with our store count growth and the buying power we possess as America’s largest cooperative food wholesaler. We proudly serve our members in more than 36 states from our eight full-line wholesale divisions.

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Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. 5000 Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66106

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Wayne Hall 608-347-7318 Louis Stinebaugh 262-227-7559 Dave McKelvey 713-876-6240 Tom Altadonna 314-482-9706

AWG BRANDS AWG’s store brands - Best Choice, Always Save, Clearly 2UJDQLF DQG 6XSHULRU 6HOHFWLRQV R΍HU FRQVLVWHQW quality that delivers big sales and a competitive advantage for AWG member retailers.

president ’s message

James P. Hallan Publisher Lisa J. Reibsome Editor

Advertising Index AWG ................................................................ 2 Aunt Millie’s Bakeries ..................................... 6 Campbell Group ............................................. 18 Dutch Farms ..................................................... 4 Grazing Fields ................................................ 16 IFRA............................................................... 12 Michigan Apple.............................................. 12 Michigan Lottery ........................................... 19 Miller Poultry ................................................. 15 Paramount Coffee........................................... 16 Schupan Recycling......................................... 14 SpartanNash ................................................... 20 Star Truck Rentals .......................................... 10 TOMRA ......................................................... 13 Effective January 1, 2018, Michigan Grocers Association is officially a division of the Michigan Retailers Association

Michigan Grocers Division Board of Directors Rich Beishuizen, Country Fresh Craig Diepenhorst, H.T. Hackney Dave Duthler, AMRA Energy Jim Forsberg, Arctic Glacier Premium Ice Jim Gohsman, SpartanNash John Leppink, Leppink’s Food Centers Ken McClure, Kroger Company of Michigan Bryan Neiman, Neiman’s Family Market DJ Oleson, Oleson’s Food Stores Joe Risdon, Prairie Farms Dairy Don Symonds, Lipari Foods Thom Welch, Hollywood Markets Jim Zyrowski, Ben’s Supercenters Michigan Food News is completely recyclable.

Printed on recycled paper with soyoil-based ink.

Publisher does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers in business competition.

MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS © 2018 Michigan Retailers Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contact Information Lisa J. Reibsome, communications director 517.449.2256 MGAReibsome@comcast.net  Michigan Food News advertising  Michigan Food News all content, layout, and printing  Grocers Division public relations Grocers Division Michigan Retailers Association 603 South Washington Avenue, Lansing MI 48933 517.372.5656 or 800.366.3699 www.Retailers.com

Fall Brings Excitement and Opportunity For 120 years Michigan Grocers have come together to address the most critical issues facing the food industry. In 1898, like-minded business people assembled in Detroit as members of an industry affected by government policies, regulations, and changing business practices.

That’s much like we are today. Back then, coming together as an association was critical to maintaining a strong, collective voice. And that is still true today as well.

Over the years, the association has had several transformations. The name changed from the Michigan Business Men’s Association, to the Retail Grocers & Meat Dealers Association of Michigan, to the Michigan Food Dealers Association, to the Michigan Grocers Association, and finally, to the Grocers Division of the Michigan Retailers Association. Through it all, no matter what it was called, the association worked on your behalf to advance the success of the food industry so you could better serve your customers.

This was accomplished by providing leadership, industry-specific programs and services, and by delivering a unified voice when advocating for policies and legislation. I’m pleased to say that this continues today in the state capital, state departments, and Washington DC as we work on your behalf to craft friendly and quash harmful legislation and regulations. This is in addition to our work developing and managing a host of member services ranging from legislative advocacy and expert credit card processing to business insurances, discount programs, information services, college scholarships, the popular Buy Nearby campaign, and more.

This month we’ll once again gather — this time at Crystal Mountain Resort, Sept. 23-25 — to celebrate and reflect on the impressive 120 year milestone and discuss the coming year and beyond. Over the past several months, we’ve planned and prepared for this annual event.

We’ve refreshed the agenda to put a new twist on the gathering. We certainly hope you’ll find it worthwhile and very productive.

I look forward to addressing the group and getting to know you better. From the fantastic Al Kessel Achievement Awards to the timely, relevant speakers, and the many great social and networking opportunities, the Food Retailers Summit will reflect and honor the past and offer insight into the future. Please see the Insider’s Guide to the Summit on pages 7-9 for more details. I look forward to seeing you at this much-anticipated event!

Buy Nearby Weekend I also want to mention an important weekend coming up after the Food Retailers Summit.

October 5-7 is our Buy Nearby Weekend, an annual event designed to encourage shoppers to buy local. The face of our campaign is our mascot, Buy Nearby Guy. Buy Nearby Guy, or BNG as he’s referred to at MRA, is a shopping bag shaped like the state of Michigan. Since launching several years ago, the campaign and mascot have resonated with hundreds of thousands of Michiganders because of an overwhelmingly positive message. I look back and think about how a simple idea generated such a multifaceted statewide program that makes everyone feel good and reminds consumers of the significant impact buying nearby has on our state. We invite grocers and others in the food industry to participate in the campaign and the upcoming Buy Nearby weekend, in particular. Please see page 5 for more information.

it ’s the law

Supreme Court Protects Store-level SNAP Data

At the end of August, the Supreme Court decided to maintain the stay protecting retail level SNAP data from becoming public while the Food Marketing Institute appeals the case to the Supreme Court. The stay temporarily halts the release of store-level SNAP sales data while the Supreme Court considers FMI’s forthcoming petition for a writ of certiorari (a document asking the Supreme Court to review the decision of a lower court). The decision is the latest development in a years-long battle between the South Dakota Argus Leader newspaper and the supermarket industry over whether retail SNAP data should be subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. For decades, the Department of Agriculture has protected the data as confidential business information, which is exempted from FOIA request by statute.

Grants Available to Improve Worker Safety

Employers with up to 250 employees can now apply for a matching grant of up to $5,000 to make improvements in their workplace safety and health. The goal of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) grant program is to create a safer and healthier work environment and reduce the risk of injury and illness to workers in Michigan. The grants totalling $250,000 will be offered to employers to purchase safety and health-related equipment and equipment-related training that will provide a safer and healthier work environment. All projects will be evaluated based on the specific hazards addressed. The grant period begins October 1, 2018, and continues on an ongoing basis until grant funding is expended. For more information about the MIWISH grant program visit www.michigan.gov/mioshagrants, or contact MIOSHA at (517) 284-7811.

September 2018  Michigan Food News

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Grocers: Take Advantage of Upcoming Buy Nearby Weekend Celebration, continued from cover

the campaign and has grown to be a beloved representative who returns to cities year after year to walk in parades, greet people in stores and restaurants, and take part in festivals and other events. Last year he traveled almost 14,000 miles to spread the word about the importance of keeping shopping dollars in Michigan.

“Every time I’m out on the road with the Buy Nearby Guy, I’m thrilled by the public reaction to the big shopping bag in the shape of Michigan,” says MRA President and CEO Jim Hallan. “I’m also amazed at how much the program has grown since we launched it in 2013.

Everyone seems to love it.”

This year, MRA is spreading the message more broadly across the state by partnering with MLive.com and the media outlet’s Michigan’s Best program (the folks who name “Michigan’s Best Doughnut,” “Michigan’s Best Pizza,” and so on by polling readers about their favorites). Buy Nearby and Michigan’s Best make a perfect match because both are all about promoting hardworking retailers and restaurants that help our communities thrive. You can learn more at buynearbymi.com or at mlive.com/michigansbest. Also keep an eye out for online ads, social media blasts, video blogs, and news articles about the importance of shopping local.

Recently, MRA commissioned an economic study on retail’s impact, conducted by Public Sector Consultants, a highly regarded public policy group. MRA is distributing an infographic and shopping bag stuffers to retailers to share the powerful facts about the impact shopping local has on our economy. The report can help educate shoppers about the value of changing their shopping habits. The main message: If every Michigan resident switched just one in 10 purchases from an out-of-state seller to a Michigan retailer, our state would get a $1.2 billion boost to its economy and 10,600 more jobs. There’s no doubt it’s worth it to buy nearby!

Available to retailers: Twitter graphic (above), bag stuffer (below), and much more.

Free Buy Nearby Toolkit MRA is all about helping retailers promote Buy Nearby. There are shopping bag stuffers, posters, banners, balloons, graphics for your social media posts, and other materials for retailers to promote the program and help educate shoppers about the power of buying local.

Be sure to follow the Buy Nearby Guy on Twitter @BuyNearbyMI, retweeting the messages for maximum impact. The official social media hashtag for the campaign is #buynearbymi — which matches the website www.buynearbymi.com. You can also find Buy Nearby on Facebook (fb.com/BuyNearbyMI) and Instagram (@mibuynearby).

Contact MRA’s Rachel Schrauben at rschrauben@retailers.com for a free toolkit. Thanks to DTE Energy and Retailers Insurance Company for sponsoring the Buy Nearby campaign.

Minimum Wage Hike, Paid Sick Leave Won’t be on November Ballot

On September 5, the Michigan Legislature adopted two ballot proposals to: (1) Raise Michigan’s minimum wage and (2) Require employers to offer paid sick leave. This move keeps these proposals off the November General Election ballot.

The proposals would gradually raise Michigan’s minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2022 and would require paid sick leave for employees, giving employees one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. All employees (full-time, part-time, temporary workers, and independent contractors) would be entitled to use 72 hours in a year.

“These initiatives were attacks on Michigan’s legislative process by out-of-state entities that dumped millions of dollars into Michigan and paid signature gatherers, who are often outof-state individuals, to collect signatures,” says MRA Vice President, Government Affairs Amy Drumm. “Even worse, signature gatherers are not required by law to truthfully and fully explain the content of the proposals.”

By adopting the proposals, the Legislature gave itself the ability to make future changes to the proposals. If legislative initiatives had instead been approved via the ballot, changes would have required a “super majority” re-

Study Helps Grocers Navigate Changing Landscape

By now many people have seen the statistic that in as few as five to seven years, 70% of consumers will be grocery shopping online. This is according to a report by the Food Marketing Institute and Nielsen release earlier this year.

In reacting to this news, whether they question or support the statistic, industry experts agree that grocers who are not proactive in positioning themselves to be a part of or compete in this new reality will not survive.

Deeper research from FMI offers some insights and suggestions to help. “Grocery Shopper Trends, 2018” surveyed over 2,100 grocer shoppers age 18 and older and conducted in-person interviews. The study found that shoppers expect brick-and-mortar stores to remain central to their shopping needs. When asked what they would actually miss if stores went away, shoppers point to areas where they see brick-and-mortar as hav-

ing irreplaceable value. (See orange bars; blue bars indicate where online is expected to eventually catch up or at least become adequate.) This picture confirms that brick-and-mortar stores will continue to be: places shoppers turn to for high-quality perishables; places where people can choose; and places for people to create, reinforce, and leverage personal connection.

FMI recommends grocers take care to look beyond

quiring three-fourths of the legislators in each chamber to vote in agreement, a near impossible standard. However, by adopting the proposals, the Legislature can now amend them with a simple majority.

“Business policies that involve pay and benefits should be kept in the hands of policymakers,” Drumm says. “These policymakers are elected by Michigan residents, and they should not have their hands tied by super majorities and be unable to make changes to problematic laws.

Michigan Retailers Association fully supports the Legislature taking back control of policies that they have the right to review and debate.”

just the fresh areas and also look for the distinctive ways in which each grocery touchpoint can foster connection with food.

September 2018  Michigan Food News

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Aunt Millie’s has the freshest dinner rolls for rolls season.

And versatile too! Here’s a recipe your customers will love.

INGREDIENTS • 1 package Aunt Millie’s Hawaiian dinner rolls. 12 ct.

• 4 oz. jalapeño cream cheese • 1 1/2 lbs. turkey • 2 c. colby jack cheese, shredded • 8-9 pieces bacon, cooked ͻ Ϯ dďƐƉ͘ ďƵƩĞƌ͕ ŵĞůƚĞĚ • 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese, shredded Yield: 12 servings

AuntMillies.com

DIRECTIONS 1. Cut rolls in half. Ϯ͘ WůĂĐĞ ƚŚĞ ďŽƩŽŵ ŝŶ Ă ĚĞĞƉ ďĂŬŝŶŐ ƉĂŶ ůĂƌŐĞ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ to hold 12 sandwiches, about 11” x 14” pan.

3. Top the rolls in the pan with cream cheese, turkey, bacon, and cheese.

4. Place the top of the rolls on the sandwiches. ϱ͘ ƌƵƐŚ ǁŝƚŚ ŵĞůƚĞĚ ďƵƩĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƐƉƌŝŶŬůĞ ŽŶ Parmesan cheese.

6. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. ϳ͘ ZĞŵŽǀĞ ĨŽŝů ĂŶĚ ďĂŬĞ ĂŶ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ϭϱ ŵŝŶƵƚĞƐ to allow the rolls to crisp.

8. Remove from oven to cool and serve.

Welcome to the 2018 Food Retailers Summit After months of planning and hard work, the Grocers Division of the Michigan Retailers Association is ready to kick off the new and improved annual fall event: The Food Retailers Summit. A refreshed agenda gives both retailers and suppliers more opportunities to connect as everyone comes together from across the state, setting aside competitive differences to benefit from combined wisdom and experience. Retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, specialty distributors, brokers, and service providers of all kinds and sizes gain from idea-sharing with peers, thought-provoking lessons from industry experts and other speakers, and many unique social and networking opportunities. People make the event great, and your participation makes it even better!

Receiving Michigan Meetings & Events 2018 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Service, Crystal Mountain Resort’s entire team is ready to help make your experience relaxing and productive. You’ll feel at home from the moment you arrive, enabling you get the most from the upcoming 2½ day event. The following pages provide the information you need to navigate the 2018 Summit.

Insider’s Guide to the Summit

Schedule of Events

Sunday, September 23 Hotel Check In ................................................................................................................................. 4-6:30 p.m. ...................................................... Inn at the Mountain Summit Registration .........................................................................................................................4-6:30 p.m. ..............................................Crystal Center Main Level Pick up Buy Nearby Welcome Bag

Grocers Division Advisory Board Meeting ...............................................................................................4-5 p.m. .......................Baffin Island/Crystal Center Upper Level Welcome Reception..............................................................................................................................6:30 p.m. ....................Northwest Territories Lobby/Crystal Center SpartanNash Dinner & Al Kessel Awards ............................................................................................. 7:30 p.m. ....................Northwest Territories Room/Crystal Center NEW! H.T. Hackney Euchre Tournament, Hospitality & Networking ................................................ 9:30-11 p.m. ................................................................ Lodge Pavilion

Monday, September 24 Complimentary Breakfast Buffet ........................................................................................................... 8-9 a.m. ....................Northwest Territories Lobby/Crystal Center Opening Session ......................................................................................................................... 9 a.m-12 p.m.. ................... Northwest Territories Room/Crystal Center MRA President & CEO Jim Hallan: Grocers Division and Government Affairs Update Grocers Fund Administrator Tim Hanna: Fund Update USDA Rural Development State Director Jason Allen: USDA Update & Opportunities Break FMI President & CEO Leslie Sarasin: U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends Target Asset Protection Director Kim Mills & Market Investigator John Shuler: Loss Prevention & Active Shooter Tips

NEW! Grocer-Supplier CONNECT Luncheon .................................................................................. 12-1:30 p.m. ................... James Bay Hall/Crystal Center Lower Level

sponsored by Arctic Glacier Premium Ice, AWG, H.T. Hackney, Mehmert Store Services, Michigan Potato Industry Commission, TOMRA

Aunt Millie’s Cup Bocce Tournament .......................................................................................................2 p.m. ......................................................Golf Practice Facility BMC Cornhole Tournament ......................................................................................................................3 p.m. ......................................................Golf Practice Facility Reception ..................................................................................................................................................6 p.m. ...........................................Northwest Territories Lobby Lipari Foods Dinner & Entertainment by Mike Ridley .......................................................................... 7:30 p.m. ...........................................Northwest Territories Room Bocce & Cornhole Tournament Finals .................................................................................................9:30 p.m. ................................ Slopeside, back lawn of The Lodge Dawn Foods Hospitality & Networking ........................................................................................... 9:30-11 p.m. ............................................... Vista Lounge/The Lodge

Tuesday, September 25 Complimentary Breakfast Buffet ........................................................................................................... 8-9 a.m. ........................Lake Harbor/Crystal Center Upper Level General Session ............................................................................................................................. 9-10:30 a.m. .............Hudson Bay Room/Crystal Center Upper Level Speaker Michael Broome: Be a People Power Person! (Leadership, Service, and Communications)

Fall Golf Outing ................................................................................................................. 11 a.m. shotgun start ................. Crystal Mountain’s Mountain Ridge Course September 2018  Michigan Food News

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Insider’s Guide to the Food Retailers Summit Name Badges

Your name badge is your “ticket” into all functions, and it should be worn at all times. Check in at the registration desk at the Crystal Center to pick up your badge and a Buy Nearby Welcome Bag beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The desk will be staffed until 6:30 p.m. You’ll want your badge for the first event — the 6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception in the Northwest Territories Lobby.

Dress Advisory

Resort casual or business casual attire is recommended for all conference functions. For outdoor activities, such as Sunday night’s Euchre Tournament and Hospitality Tent, keep in mind that fall in northern Michigan can mean cool weather, so plan accordingly.

Summit Meals

Breakfast: Both Monday and Tuesday mornings offer a complimentary breakfast buffet from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday’s breakfast is in the lobby outside the Northwest Territories Room on the main level of the Crystal Center.

Tuesday’s breakfast is on the upper level of the Crystal Center in the area called Lake Harbor, outside the Hudson Bay room.

Lunch: On Monday, join us for the CONNECT Luncheon in the James Bay Hall, in the lower level of the Crystal Center. All Summit attendees are welcome.

On Tuesday, Fall Golf Outing participants will receive a box lunch.

Dinner: All event attendees are invited to attend Sunday night’s SpartanNash Dinner/Al Kessel Awards as well as Lipari Foods Dinner on Monday night.

SpartanNash Dinner & Al Kessel Outstanding Achievement Awards

Sunday night is very special, with an event celebrating some of what makes our industry great. The Al Kessel Awards honor former MGA board member Al Kessel, who passed away in 2012. Al was the founder of Kessel Food Markets. To reflect his generous spirit, the awards recognize the achievements of one Outstanding Retailer and one Outstanding Business Partner.

Join us in the Northwest Territories Room for a wonderful opening night dinner, sponsored by SpartanNash, followed by the presentation of the awards. We will honor 2018 Outstanding Retailer Hollywood Markets and Outstanding Business Partner Aunt Millie’s Bakeries.

New! H.T. Hackney Euchre Tournament & Hospitality

Sunday night’s hospitality event will be even more fun this year with the addition of a Euchre Tournament. If the phrases “Ace No Face,” “Going Alone,” “Throwing In,” “Stick the Dealer,” and “Jump the River” mean something to you, then the Euchre Tournament may be your time to shine!

Sign-up sheets will be at the registration desk. And whether you play or not, come join us for a fun night! Location: Under the tent in the Lodge Pavilion. Sponsored by H.T. Hackney

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Michigan Food News  September 2018

Timely, Relevant, Expert Speakers Monday and Tuesday mornings are set aside for education and inspiration. Monday’s session begins with MRA President and CEO Jim Hallan providing an update on what’s happening with the Grocers Division since MGA joined forces with MRA on January 1, 2018. He will also provide an insightful legislative and regulatory update on what’s impacting grocers and what to watch for in the coming months.

Next, Regency Group’s Tim Hanna will discuss the Michigan Grocers Fund, and then USDA’s Jason Allen will share helpful information about USDA opportunities for Jim Hallan grocers and suppliers.

U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends — Monday’s Keynote Speaker Leslie Sarasin is President and CEO of the Food Marketing Institute. She’ll share in-depth research to provide a close look at what shoppers want from their grocery stores. Attendees will gain insights regarding emerging shopping patterns and shopper expectations enabling grocers to best prepare for what’s next in an industry full of changes.

The morning session will conclude with a can’t-miss presentation from two great Target speakers: Asset Protection Director Kim Mills and Market InvestigaLeslie Sarasin tor John Shuler. They will share valuable information about loss prevention as well as provide tips on how to best respond to an active shooter.

Be a People Power Person!—On Tuesday morning, Michael Broome will illustrate principles of teamwork and the art of working and living with others. Talking and listening, arguing and agreeing, managing and serving are his major areas of emphasis.

The program is emotionally powerful, intellectually penetrating, and spiced with the spontaneous good humor that is Michael’s trademark. Attendees will leave with improved leadership, service, and communicaMichael Broome tion skills.

Join Us for Monday Night Dinner & Entertainment Reception at 6:30 p.m.

Lipari Foods Dinner & Entertainment by Mike Ridley Northwest Territories Room at 7:30 p.m.

Mike Ridley is known throughout Michigan for his great live performances.

This talented musician’s song parodies are always well crafted and highlight his musicianship. His interactive music sets have been known to be the life of the party.

A Unique Networking Experience!

Sponsors – Thank You! Diamond Sponsors

NEW! Grocer-Supplier CONNECT Luncheon. Grocers and suppliers can sit together at tables where they will enjoy a relaxed, casual lunch — with plenty of time to get to know one another better and discuss how their businesses can best work together. Everyone is welcome at what’s sure to be a fun, productive networking lunch.

Location: James Bay Hall, in the lower level of the Crystal Center.

Sponsored by Arctic Glacier Premium Ice, AWG, H.T. Hackney, Mehmert Store Services, Michigan Potato Industry Commission, TOMRA of North America.

Kroger Company of Michigan Lipari Foods Meijer SpartanNash

Platinum Sponsors Arctic Glacier Premium Ice Aunt Millie’s Bakeries

Gold Sponsors BMC - Business Machines Company Dawn Foods H.T. Hackney Company Star Truck Rentals, Inc.

Silver Sponsors

Aunt Millie’s Cup Bocce Tournament

AWG The Cola-Cola Company Mehmert Store Services Michigan Potato Industry Commission TOMRA of North America

The venerable Aunt Millie’s Cup is on the line and all bocce aficionados (beginners, too!) are invited to play in this fun activity that’s become an annual tradition.

Two-person teams compete in this single-elimination tournament. If you don’t have a partner, come anyway. We will find you one. No experience necessary. Sign-up sheets will be at the registration desk on Sunday and Monday. Play begins at 2 p.m. on the Golf Practice Facility, west of Kinlochen on Mountain Center Road. Sponsored by Aunt Millie’s Bakeries. Finals: The finals will take place under the lights at 9:30 p.m.

Monday night, slopeside on the back lawn of the Lodge.

BMC Cornhole Tournament

Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, is a lawn game that everyone can enjoy. Players take turns throwing bags of corn at a raised platform with a hole in the far end — getting points for various throws. Sign-up sheets will be at the registration desk on Sunday and Monday. All are welcome to play starting at 3 p.m. on the Golf Practice Facility, west of Kinlochen on Mountain Center Road. Come join us!

Sponsored by Business Machines Company.

Finals: The finals will take place under the lights at 9:30 p.m. Monday night, slopeside on the back lawn of the Lodge.

Dawn Foods Hospitality & Networking

Plan to wind down Monday night by joining us for a nightcap or two and time with friends and colleagues. Sponsored by Dawn Foods.

Location: Vista Lounge in the Lodge.

Golf Outing

This year’s Fall Golf Outing tees off at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25 on Crystal’s Mountain Ridge Course. You’ll enjoy scenic vistas from tee to green as you play from the heights of the mountain. Lunch is included for pre-registered golfers.

Bronze Sponsors

Explore

Michigan Grocers Fund Retailers Insurance Company Thermo Kind Michigan, Inc.

Rent Bikes: Crystal Mountain has a whole new fleet of bikes featuring flagship Kona Bikes like the Process 153, Cinder Cone, and Unit-X trail bikes, as well as Kona WO Fat Tire Bikes. The resort also has new hybrid bikes. Crystal redesigned its trail maps and partnered with the Michigan DNR to replace wayfaring signs on the Betsie River Pathway, making it easier to explore the combined 14 miles of beautiful mixed-use trails. Bike rentals available. Helmets and maps provided.

Hike: Enjoy miles of amazing on-site hiking trails, including a 1.6 mile loop through the acclaimed Michigan Legacy Art Park.

Relax: Claim a seat by the fire. Or checkout the services at the awardwinning Crystal Spa. New This Year: The Mountain Market. This new specialty grocery is in the lobby of the recently completed $11 million expansion to the Inn at the Mountain. The new space offers necessities, gifts, wine, craft beer, northern-Michigan-made products, locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses, and other unique items. Shoppers can also enjoy a coffee, wine, beer, or cocktail from the Bru Bar, located next to the Mountain Market.

September 2018  Michigan Food News

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WMU’s Phil Straniero Passes Away

In 2010, Straniero (on the right with WMU’s Dr. Frank Gambino) received the Adrian Trimpe Distinguished Service Award – the highest honor presented for dedicating extraordinary time and effort to support and enrich the Food/CPG Marketing Program and its students.

Phillip T. “Phil” Straniero died September 8, 2018, at age 70. A longtime food industry and Michigan Grocers Association supporter, he received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and was an active member of the food industry for more than 50 years.

Upon graduation from Kent, Straniero joined the Kellogg Company where he spent the next 31 years in a variety of sales and management positions across the U.S. In 2002, he started a second career at Western

Michigan University as an executive-in-residence in the Food & Consumer Package Goods Marketing Program. He soon began teaching classes in both sales and marketing strategy, which he did until the spring of 2017 when he retired.

Phil was a member of the WMU Food Marketing Industry Advisory Board for more than 30 years and remained active with this group until the end. Michigan Grocers Association staff served with him on the board, and his contribution to the food industry was invaluable. Association members may best remember him from the summer golf outings as well as the annual Food Marketing Conference.

Memorial donations may be made to the Phillip T. Straniero Scholarship Fund at Western Michigan University: MyWMU.com/stranierofund.

Memories maybe shared at: http://farleyestesdowdle.tributes.com.

Fairview Food Market Wins National Honor

Fairview Food Market Owner Daniel Swartzendruber

Association Member Fairview Food Market won national recognition at the American Cured Meat Championships (ACMC) in Kansas City, held in conjunction with the annual convention of the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP).

To compete, meat processors enter their products for evaluation by judges who are meat scientists and industry specialists. This year there were 678 entries in 29 product classes. All entries are judged on aroma, flavor, eye appeal, color, and texture.

For its Hillbilly Jerky, Fairview was awarded “Reserve Champion–Jerky, Whole Muscle Class.” While Fairview has been selling smoked meats for almost 70 years, owner Daniel Swartzendruber told the Michigan Food News that this was the store’s first year competing. “We entered our products in four different classes and were ecstatic to win an award in the largest class — whole muscle beef jerky,” he said. “This class had 41 entries from meat processors and retailers from across the U.S.” “The winners of the ACMC continue to demonstrate the competitiveness and excellence of their products,” said AAMP Executive Director Chris Young. “On behalf of AAMP and our leadership, we congratulate Fairview Food Market for this outstanding accomplishment.”

The Little Store Marks 30 Years with Celebration

Leppink’s Food Centers Celebrates 90 Years

Association Member Leppink’s Food Centers is a fourth-generation, family owned and operated company with six Michigan grocery stores in Belding, Howard City, Lakeview, Spring Lake, Stanton, and Newayo — the newest location which opened in 2017.

Michigan Retailers Services Board Member John Leppink and brother-in-law Rich Cole own four of the stores, and cousin Ransom Leppink owns the other two. The family’s foray into food started in the 1920s when, after immigrating from the Netherlands, John and Ransom’s grandfather, John Leppink, opened a meat market and soon added dry goods. Then in 1928, he opened “John Leppinks Quality Cash Market” in Belding. From there the business grew behind the efforts of John and his sons Gordon, Robert, and Kenneth. Grandsons John and Ransom grew up working in the stores, and Rich married into the business approximately 40 years ago. Today, a fourth generation is also very involved in running the stores.

Rather than create a cookie-cutter approach to business, each store is different by design so it can be a true neighborhood market where people come to buy high-quality food at competitive prices. The stores are big enough to offer great low prices and small enough to provide convenience and outstanding service. Some of the stores have pharmacies owned and operated under the Leppink’s Pharmacy banner. Also, over 20 years ago, Leppink’s opened the first ground-up Save A Lot Michigan store in Holland, and they now operate 10 Save A Lot stores and a Do It Best hardware store called North Bank Hardware.

Each store is an important part of the local community providing support and service. Leppink’s Food Centers are connected to the community in so many ways it is difficult to name them all; a few ways they give back include sponsoring Gus Macker basketball tournaments, participating in Toys for Tots, and donating food or space for school and community events, service clubs, churches, and more.

“For 90 years, we’ve made it our mission to be more than just a grocery store,” says John.

“It’s been our goal to make a difference in the communities we serve.”

Michigan Grocers Association named Leppink’s the 2016 Outstanding Retailer. John served on MGA’s board from 2015 until the association joined the Michigan Retailers Association in 2018. He now serves on the Michigan Retailers Services Board. Rich serves on the Board of Trustees for the Michigan Grocers Fund, a member-owned, self-insured workers’ compensation program for grocers.

Leppink’s kicked off an anniversary celebration over the summer which includes giveaways, Facebook trivia, and cookouts with grilled hot dogs, chips, and soda for 90 cents at each store.

And, in keeping with Leppink’s extensive commitment to the communities they serve, all proceeds support local nonprofit organizations.

Kroger to Phase Out Single-Use Plastic Bags by 2025

Association Member The Kroger Co. will phase out single-use plastic bags and transition to reusable bags across its family of stores, including those in Michigan, by 2025.

Seattle-based QFC will be the company’s first retail division to phase out the bags, with the transition to be completed in 2019.

“As part of our Zero Hunger, Zero Waste commitment, we are phasing out use-once, throwit-away plastic bags and transitioning to reusable bags in our stores by 2025,” said Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen. “It’s a bold move that will better protect our planet for future generations.”

Some estimates suggest that 100 billion single-use plastic bags are thrown away in the U.S. every year. Currently, less than five percent of plastic bags are recycled annually, and single-use plastic bags are the fifth-most common single-use plastic found in the environment by magnitude.

Kroger will solicit customer feedback and work with NGOs and community partners to ensure a responsible transition. Kroger currently sells reusable bags starting at $1 each and plans to ramp up the availability of those bags. For the foreseeable future, shoppers will still have the option of asking for paper bags.

Kroger said it is also looking to phase out plastic bags for produce and meat, but it’s focusing on eliminating checkout bags for now.

“We listen very closely to our customers and our communities, and we agree with their growing concerns,” said Kroger EVP and COO Mike Donnelly. “That’s why ... at QFC, we will begin the transition to more sustainable options. This decision aligns with our Restock Kroger commitment to live our purpose through social impact.”

Industry analysists predict that Kroger’s decision will pressure other major competitors to follow suit.

Association Member Marcia Boyer, owner of The Little Store in Six Lakes, is celebrating 30 years in business this year. The 2,300-square-foot convenience store and Marathon fuel center employs six people who, along with Marcia, are praised on social media sites for being “friendly,” “hard-working,” “considerate,” “helpful,” and “wonderful.”

The pizza also gets rave reviews. Marcia says they make their own, and that the grinders and subs are also popular deli items.

The store is focused on serving customers and the community. Through several improvements and remodels, most recently putting in all new floors and cooler doors, Marcia continues to reinvest in the Six Lakes community. There’s also a long history of supporting numerous school and community events.

To commemorate 30 years, the fuel center sold gas for 30 cents a gallon on August 25. “There were so many people, it was nuts,” Marcia shares. “I took cupcakes to all the cars as people waited in line.

The fuel center has two double-sided pumps, so it took a while to serve them all. We went through 1,956 gallons of gas in about two and a half hours.”

The festivities also included free hot dogs and chips, prize drawings, and special giveaways.

“We’re proud to be an independent hometownstrong store in a great community,” Marcia says.

Riverside Market Turns 70 in November

Association Member Riverside Market is celebrating 70 years in business this November. The Thorsby family started the business in 1948 when Alfred Thorsby Sr. opened a grocery store in Montrose, Michigan. He ran the business until the late 1950s when his son Alfred Thorsby Jr. took over.

The store is a true neighborhood market, where owners and associates consider it their responsibility to devote resources to improving the quality of life in their home communities. The Thorsby family are well-known for their long history of giving back which includes supplying food for charity events and sponsoring local sports teams, schools, and many community groups. In fact, the Montrose community honored the family with a special tribute day in 2011 for all the family does to support others.

Brad Thorsby, current store owner and grandson of the company founder, and his brothers Patrick and Barry, grew up helping out in the store.

Brad and Pat purchased the store from their dad in 1997, and they also purchased a second store in Durand. Pat runs the 30,000 square-foot Durand store, and Brad runs the 43,000 square-foot Montrose one. Both focus on providing exceptional customer service with friendly, helpful associates and carryout service. In addition, the stores are known for their meat, deli, bakery, and fresh produce departments. Brad says that while their dad, now age 88, is fully retired, he stills comes in occasionally to see customers and check on the business. Riverside Market plans to mark the anniversary with a celebration in November.

September 2018  Michigan Food News 11

SpartanNash’s Adornato Retiring, New Corporate Retail SVP Named

Association Member SpartanNash announced that Executive VP and General Manager of Corporate Retail Ted Adornato will retire effective October 6. Tom Swanson, currently VP Merchandising and Marketing for Adornato Corporate Retail, will succeed Adornato as Senior VP and GM of Corporate Retail. In that position, Swanson will lead the business unit for all corporate retail banners and Quick Stop fuel and convenience centers.

“Ted’s expertise and leadership during his 15 years with the company have helped make our corporate retail stores more consumer-driven, competitive, and a vital part of our company and the communities we serve,” said SpartanNash President and CEO David Staples.

Adornato served as EVP since 2003, and in March 2018, was promoted to General Manager.

He previously served as Eastern Region Vice President of Tops Markets.

Swanson has over 30 years of executive and managerial experience in grocery retailing, including over six years as Vice President of SpartanNash’s corporate Retail-West operations. He currently oversees marketing and merchandis-

ing for SpartanNash’s 140 corporate-owned stores, having joined the company when Nash Finch merged with Spartan Stores.

He previously served in various leadership positions at Bashas’ Supermarkets.

Swanson “Tom’s extensive experience leading our retail grocery business has been and will continue to be of great benefit to us as we increasingly invest in strengthening our retail operations,” said Staples.

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2018 Michigan Apple Crop Expected to Hit 28 Million Bushels

Michigan’s apple growers will harvest approximately 28 million bushels (1.176 billion pounds) of apples this year, according to the official crop estimate announced August 24. Average Michigan Apple harvest is about 25.2 million bushels per year. There are more than 11.3 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 35,500 acres on 825 family-run farms in Michigan.

“Michigan had favorable weather conditions for growing apples during spring and summer 2018,” says Michigan Apple Committee Executive Director Diane Smith. “That, coupled with last year’s smaller crop, means the trees are producing more fruit this year. Growers are indicating that the crop is plentiful and looks beautiful as well. Thanks to plenty of heat during the summer, the flavor will be great, too.”

When trees produce smaller crops, as they did last year due to a late spring frost, they store energy for the following crop. After a 20 million bushel crop in 2017, apple orchards in Michigan are producing more fruit in 2018.

Michigan Apples are typically shipped from mid-August all the way through the following June. Michigan Apple packers and shippers work throughout the year to bring Michigan Apples to 27 states and 18 countries worldwide, according to Smith.

Happy Belated Birthday Ralph Nehring Association Member Nehring’s Market threw a birthday bash in June for Ralph Nehring, who turned 80.

Back in 1960, Ralph convinced his parents to buy a small corner store, and the newly named Nehring’s Market became just one of many such stores in Genesee County. Today, it’s the only one still in business.

“There used to be 20 small stores similar to ours, including three in a one-mile radius,” Ralph told the Michigan Food News in 2016. “But they are all gone now. Only ours remains.”

In 1970, Ralph and his wife, Linda, bought the store from his parents. About 17 years ago, their daughter, Katie, bought into the business; and then five years ago, she became the sole owner. Celebrating 58 years in business, Nehring’s is a staple in the Burton community. Ralph still comes into the store regularly. “Our customers ask for him all the time,” Katie said. “People love to come in, chat with him, and see what’s new.” Happy birthday, Ralph!

Country Market to Close in Dexter

A letter from Association Member Country Markets/Polly’s Country Markets to the Michigan Workforce Development Agency says that, effective November 4, 2018, the Kennedy Group will permanently close the Country Market store in Dexter. The Kennedy family will continue to operate stores at the remaining seven locations in Chelsea, Jackson, Brooklyn, and Adrian.

September 2018  Michigan Food News 13

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MDARD News

Changes in the Food and Dairy Division

By Tim Slawinski, Director, Food and Dairy Division, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development There are several famous quotes on the topic of change. Many of these quotes ring true for the food industry. We see changes in the technologies used to make our food, changes with how food is prepared at home, changes in consumer diets and eating patterns, changes in how people shop for food, and changes in how food makes its way to the consumers’ homes.

Changes have also taken place in management at MDARD’s Food and Dairy Division:  On June 4, I took over as the new Division Director for Food and Dairy from my former position as manager of the Food Safety Modernization Unit.  On July 19, Jim Padden, former North Region Food Program Supervisor, became the manager of the Food Safety and Inspection Program in the Food and Dairy Division.  To backfill the positions left by Jim and me, Karla Horne accepted the role of North Region Food Program Supervisor, and Amber Matulis is now the new manager of the Food Safety Modernization Unit.

While some of the names and faces at the management level have changed, the mission to protect public health by ensuring a safe and wholesome food and dairy supply remains the same.

I am honored to take on the Division Director position to lead this great team on our mission to protect public health, while working to maintain a secure and viable food and dairy industry. The high level of experience, hard work, and dedication of staff within the division provides a great benefit to the citizens of Michigan.

Food safety is the division’s top priority:  The division’s major responsibilities are to inspect the roughly 26,500 licensed food establishments within the state. This includes processors, warehouses, retail food establishments, milk trucks/haulers, and dairy farms.  The division also responds to complaints, recalls, disasters, food security events, and other food emergencies.  The authority for foodservice establishments (restaurants, schools, hospitals) is delegated to the 45 local health departments across Michigan. MDARD staff oversees the delegated food service programs through consultation, training, and program evaluations. All these efforts help to ensure the safety of food produced and sold in Michigan.

The Food Section Manager role taken on by Jim Padden was a backfill due to the retirement of the previous manager. This position is a vital role within the division that oversees the field staff in the food program conducting statewide inspections and investigations at Michigan’s food establishments. The work of Jim’s team can range from routine inspections to investigating complaints of foodborne illness to responding to disasters, among other things.

For example, when there is an event like a flood, power outage, boiled water advisory, or fire, inspectors visit food businesses impacted by the event to ensure the safety of the food sold to consumers.

This is an important job, as events like these can make food unsafe. People getting

sick from food during an existing disaster only compounds the problem.

Therefore, it’s important for division staff to visit businesses during these situations. Jim’s 23 years with the division will come in handy while leading his team to carry out the mission of the division.

The North Region Supervisor role assumed by Karla Horne is a backfill for Jim’s position. Within the Food Program, the state is broken down into five regions: North, East, West, Southeast, and South.

The North Region covers the upper portion of the Lower Peninsula as well as the Upper Peninsula. This is a large territory with some logistical challenges of getting to and from some locations. Karla’s background and 10 years with the division make her a great fit to lead this regional team.

The Food Safety Modernization Unit Manager position taken on by Amber Matulis is a unique position that is responsible for implementing change within the division. The role oversees the produce safety program, which was initiated within the division in 2016. This program currently provides education and outreach to produce growers to aid in the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Voluntary on-farm food safety assessments called On Farm Readiness Reviews are currently being conducted as part of this program. These reviews help farmers gauge their readiness for implementation of the new food safety rules.

Looking Ahead In 2019, the division will start conducting routine on-farm inspections at the estimated 1,300 Michigan produce farms covered by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. For more information about the produce safety program, please visit www.michigan.gov/producesafety.

The Food Safety Modernization Act also brings changes to the Food and Dairy programs. For Grade A Milk processors that are regulated by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), the recently released 2017 PMO includes changes that align the regulation with the FSMA. Michigan is in the process of adopting the 2017 PMO into state law.

For many other food manufacturing firms, the FSMA Preventive Controls Rules have already taken effect. For businesses with less than $1 million in annual sales, the rules take effect in late 2018. However, businesses of this size may qualify for an exemption. For more information on the FSMA rules and possible exemptions for small businesses, please visit www.michigan.gov/FSMA.

September 2018  Michigan Food News 15

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A Look Inside Two New Meijer Formats Meijer Opens Unique Bridge Street Market

At the end of August, Association Member Meijer opened Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids. The neighborhood grocery store is a first of its kind in the region.

“Bridge Street Market is unique, and while it’s smaller than a traditional Meijer, we’ve worked diligently to ensure we have the best products on our shelves to meet the community’s needs,” says Store Manager Ken Bair. The market’s first day of business featured a ribbon-cutting event and demonstrated a commitment to the community by awarding $5,000 donations to five community organizations.

The 37,000-square-foot store offers a unique shopping experience, featuring a full assortment of fresh and prepared foods including bakery items, fresh meat, and deli offerings; an estimated 2,000 local, artisan groceries; plus Meijer and national brand products. It hosts a Mayan Buzz Café coffee shop; an expansive beer, wine and liquor counter; and basic cleaning plus health and beauty care products.

Bridge Street Market also features open air elements with 22-foot ceilings and a pedestrianfriendly design with three garage-style doors that open onto the sidewalk. There’s also dedicated parking on the main level of a connected parking deck. The store anchors a development spanning a city block of mixed-use development, residing alongside apartments named The Hendrik, and an office and retail building.

“This is new territory for us, but we believe this is not only a smart business move that addresses the need for new ways to serve our changing customers, but it also positively impacts our community,” says Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes. Meijer says Bridge Street Market will serve as a model for future neighborhood-friendly development in the area.

Meijer Unveils All-New Convenience Store and Gas Station Design Meijer opened a newly designed convenience store and gas station on August 28. The new 5,500-square-foot c-store is adjacent to the retailer’s Grand Rapids-based headquarters. It’s the first Meijer gas station to include a separate full-service Starbucks. The store also includes an expanded assortment of fresh produce and protein-based snacks, wraps, fruit, and organic items, as well as grab-and-go meals prepared locally by Association Member Superior Foods Company.

Above: With 18 fuel pumps, the gas station offers a 50% increase over the previous format. Expanded fuel options include Diesel and an E85 selection. Tesla and other electric car-charging stations are set to open later this year. Below: A self-serve coffee station and large fountain bar offer cold-brew coffee, frozen coffee, and F’real Shakes. Also available is a large seating area with free Wi-Fi and phone-charging stations.

The store features an expanded assortment of freshly prepared foods including sushi made daily; hot selections such as hand-crafted pizzas and chicken tenders; and locally prepared donuts delivered daily. Meijer also added a “beer cave” that features popular craft and national brews and an expansive cold and on-shelf wine assortment.

September 2018  Michigan Food News 17

Lottery News

First $20 Fast Cash Instant-Win Draw Game Expected to Generate Excitement

By Brian O. Neill, Michigan Lottery Commissioner

When the Fast Cash suite of games launched in July 2017, the Michigan Lottery expected them to generate excitement for players and boost sales for retailers. The Fast Cash games proved to be immensely popular with players and their performance has far exceeded our expectations.

In fact, the launch of Fast Cash in Michigan was the most successful launch among the many states that currently offer these types of games. Since the games launched, sales have totaled nearly $91 million and players have won more than $70 million. To capitalize on the Fast Cash popularity, the Lottery will offer the first ever $20 Fast Cash game. The new Fast Cash game – 100X The Cash – will be available on

Sept. 30. The new game is part of the popular “X The Cash” family and is expected to expand interest and boost sales. Each $20 ticket offers players 36 chances to win prizes from $20 to 100% of the progressive jackpot. Even better, players who win the progressive jackpot automatically win an additional $250,000. Non-jackpot prizes also may be multiplied up to 100 times. For retailers: Fast Cash games also have been successful for retailers. More than 99% of Fast Cash prizes may be claimed at Lottery retailers, creating new opportunities for redemption commissions as well as sales commissions. Since Fast Cash launched, retailers have earned nearly $6.9 million in sales and redemption commissions.

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18 Michigan Food News  September 2018

Consumer shopping missions are shaping the retail landscape. A recent Nielsen study finds that shoppers are replacing stock-up grocery shopping trips with smaller, more frequent needs-based trips. In fact, 10% of shoppers say they buy just for the meal they plan on that specific day. This trend highlights a need to adapt to consumers’ desire for immediate, need-based replenishment options.

According to Nielsen, bigger stores won’t necessarily be better in the long term: they can be farther away and their footprints can make the aisles less convenient for quick trips.

Comparatively, stores that provide efficient in/out passage and click-and-collect offerings will continue to grow in popularity.

Across all regions, smaller stores are posting higher growth than larger ones. In fact, smaller stores now account for 25% of fast-moving consumer goods sales and 70% of shopping trips — evidence that small stores are well placed to tap into shoppers’ convenience needs.

Overall, consumers are seeking a more efficient, enjoyable shopping experience, Nielsen says, suggesting that, to succeed, stores be infused with positive sensory encounters, relevant services, and technological capabilities that provide ease, utility, and simplicity. Based on research findings, eliminating mundane shopping actions with programmatic functions, automated lists, and subscriptions that use artificial intelligence, augmented or virtual reality, and other technologies, are the way forward.

Sept 1-30

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