Tom Woodmansee–President

North Dakota Grocers Association 200 East Main Avenue, Suite 101 PO Box 758 Bismarck, North Dakota 58502-0758 Phone 701.223.4106 www.ndgrocers.com OCTOBER 2015 NEWSLETTER 2015 CONVENTION A SUCCESS! CONVENTION RECAP Thanks to the support of our retailers and The North Dakota Grocers Association held their 54th vendors, the fifth year of our date change, our Annual Convention, Trade Show and Golf Tournament Sep- golf event and Trade Show was excellent! Your tember 13-15 in Fargo. With over 50 vendors, our one-day Board of Directors thanks all that helped make Trade Show was well received by vendors and retailers alike. this year’s event a success! That being said, our A big “Thank You” to everyone who supported our 5th Annual 2016 Convention and Trade Show is scheduled Rich Bronson Scholarship Golf Tournament, as we did have for September 11-13 at the Ramada Plaza in all holes and hole prizes sponsored. Fargo. We do urge our members to let us know Activities got underway Sunday, with a social and hors if they have any suggestions to help improve our d’oeuvre party at the Ramada Plaza Suites. Monday morning annual event. Again our sincere thanks to all featured Howard Kellman and his message “Humorous Side who helped make our 54th Convention a success! of Sports” which was very well received by members present. Following Howard, Mike Lee of the North Dakota Health ASSOCIATION UPDATE Department presented a seminar on “HACCP” which was  valuable to all grocers in attendance. Following the seminars, We would like to remind all our coupon cus- NDGA held their General Membership Meeting with a review tomers to “Please” be sure to put a “Return of the convention format and suggested changes to be made. Address” on your package that you send us, The Monday evening banquet featured our annual awards so we can process it correctly! We have re- which are included in this newsletter. All in attendance were ceived several shipments lately with no re- treated to a nice dinner and a very entertaining performance by turn address. Tim Gabrielson. Cash prizes were awarded during the banquet.  Coborn’s, Inc has promoted two executives, We would like to send a “Special Thank You” to SuperValu Becky Estby is now SVP of Human Resources of Bismarck and Fargo for their generous sponsorship of this & Organizational Development and Lisa Ellis year’s entertainment. The convention came to a close on is now VP of Real Estate. Estby and team have Tuesday with the 5th Annual Rich Bronson Scholarship Golf developed an organizational structure, recruit- Tournament that was held at the beautiful Moorhead Coun- ing and retention strategy and compensation try Club. We had 80 strategy to support the company’s five new golfers with all having grocery stores in the Bakken region in North a good time on a beau- Dakota. tiful day. The team of Ellis joined Coborn’s after a long and success- Tom Woodmansee, ful career at the Target Corp. Ellis has used Mary Woodmansee, her 25-plus years of real estate expertise to Barb Zahrt and Tom uncover and pursue growth opportunities, Upham were the win- quickly assess options and ensure every con- ners of the event. sideration is in tip-top shape when it comes to A big thank you to new construction, remodeling, property man- Sally Roerick of SuperValu, Fargo for all her hard work in agement and acquisitions. organizing this event and to all of the SuperValu employees Congratulations to Becky and Lisa from NDGA. who volunteered to help out during the tournament! Also to  Arlen Franchuk – Dean Foods for getting product donations For your information, in the month of August for the tournament! 2015, $6,515,136 worth of Food Stamps was issued in North Dakota. That number in- cludes 24,728 households and a total of 52,980 What is NDGA and why its continued success people. (August 2014, those numbers were; is important to all in the Food Distribution $6,257,758; 24,794 households and 53,194 people.) Industry. Not only does NDGA function as a  A special cruise to Alaska event is being Coupon Redemption Center, it also deals offered to all North Dakotans to celebrate the with issues on the State and Federal level. successful expansion of the North Dakota Legislative and Regulatory Issues: Heritage Center. Tours will be in June 2016 • Food Safety and departure dates are available through • Lottery Sales June, 2016. For more information, please con- • EBT (Food Stamps) tact our association office. (What is NDGA – continued on Page 2) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 2015 "SPIRIT OF AMERICA" AWARD WINNER – AGRICULTURE RANDY JAEGER The “Spirit of America” award was Supplemental Nutrition Assistance initiated by NGA in 1982 to honor dis- Program (SNAP) tinguished individuals for their active The United States Department of involvement and participation in com- Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutri- munity service and public affairs. tion Service (FNS) wants to extend our The award has been presented to continued appreciation to States for their more than 500 persons, including former work to serve those eligible for Supple- presidents, George Bush and Gerald mental Nutrition Assistance Program Ford, former Vice-President Dan Quayle (SNAP) benefits. We appreciate the im- and numerous United States Senators mediate attention States gave to FNS’ and Representatives. communication of September 18, 2015, Randy Jaeger has been involved in to hold October 2015 issuance files until the grocery business over the past 39 further notice. This communication is in years at both the Retail and Wholesale follow up and provides additional direc- level. As Vice President of Retail Opera- Randy Jaeger along with tion relating to October 2015 issuance tions Randy is responsible for the train- his wife Jeanne files. ing and execution of Company goals and standards set by Johanneson’s The Administration strongly believes Inc., as well as expanding the retail reach of the Company into new that a lapse in appropriations should not markets and formats. occur and there is enough time for Con- The Johanneson’s Company operates supermarkets, convenience gress to prevent it. FNS is directing States stores, liquor stores, and Real estate Development Companies in to send their issuance files to their Elec- Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. The Johanneson’s Group of tronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) vendors Companies primary business entities include, Johanneson’s Inc., without further delay. This is to ensure Johanneson’s of North Dakota, Pace Development, Icelandic Properties that October benefits can be issued on a as well as other related entities. timely basis. If Congress passes a fund- Randy began his carrier at 14 bagging groceries at a neighborhood ing bill, and does not cause a lapse in SuperValu then progressing through high school and college with Nash appropriations then October benefits will Finch Company. Randy worked his way through the retail ranks of Nash be issued in full to all recipients, as per Finch from retail carryout to Vice President of Wholesale operations for standard operating procedure. the Company. Stops included Night Manager, Assistant Manager, Store However, should Congress fail to act, Manager, Area Supervisor to Manager of Retail Marketing and Mer- USDA would have limited resources to chandising for the then 120 retail outlets Nash Finch owned. finance October SNAP benefits and would Randy became the Director of Corporate Retail Marketing and Mer- be required by law to ensure that USDA does not incur obligations for which fund- chandising responsible for store execution of Company goals. Randy ing is not available. This would require moved to the Wholesale side of grocery when he became Distribution USDA to take steps, including the de- Center Manager for Nash Finch Company, then being promoted to Vice authorization of retailers in the first sev- President of all Nash Finch Wholesale Operations Nationwide. eral days of the month to prevent SNAP At every position Randy excelled at execution and focus of goals and benefits from being redeemed during an profitability for the Company. While on the Wholesale side of the appropriations lapse. business Randy knew he wanted to work with the Independent Retail- I want to personally thank you for ers on operations and execution with-in their stores. For the past 5 your efforts on behalf of low-income years Randy was President/Full partner with Food Industry Safe- Americans by administering this critical guards who works with Retailers on policy and procedures helping nutrition assistance program. My staff them become more profitable. and I will continue to keep you apprised In Randy’s new roll he will use the years of knowledge and experience of the situation. to oversee the Retail Operations of Johanneson’s Inc. and work with the stores so that customers shopping, experience the best within each Sincerely, market. Randy will work with the stores to produce the budgets needed Audrey Rowe, Administrator for sales and profits so Johanneson’s can continue to expand and Food and Nutrition Services reinvest in all their retail markets.

What is NDGA — Continued from Page 1 • EBT and WIC Regulations • WIC • Minimum Wage Issues • Unemployment Compensation The above listed is what NDGA and its mission is all about. • Sales Tax In order for it to continue as is; it is absolutely necessary to • Safety Issues have the financial involvement of all retailers and wholesalers. • Weights & Measures Getting this done has become very difficult as some do not • Workplace Regulations believe NDGA is necessary. Federal Issues: It has been and hopefully will continue to be well respected • Federal Inspections and Labeling Regulations by all agencies in our state. Finally, to date NDGA has • OSHA continued to hold a statewide Convention and Trade Show • Food Safety Inspections and Regulations which does not happen in the majority of the other states. • Regulatory Reform It goes without saying, that NDGA is good for the industry • Entitlement Issues and certainly worth working hard to keep it around. 2015 “SALESPERSON OF THE NORTH DAKOTA “GROCER OF THE YEAR” – SCOTT BOLL YEAR” – KRISTI MAGNUSON NELSON Scott Boll grew up Kristi Magnuson Nelson, President in Fergus Falls, MN of Hugo’s Family Marketplace, was pre- and graduated from sented the "North Dakota Grocer of the Moorhead High Year" award. School in 1976. Upon Hugo’s Family Marketplace was his graduation from founded in 1939 by Hugo and Dorothy high school, he at- Magnuson in Grand Forks, ND. Kristi’s tended Moorhead grandfather, Hugo, and father, Curt are State University and past recipients of this award. received his Business Kristi grew up working in the family Degree in 1980. grocery business in Grand Forks. At age 13, she began Throughout his young bagging groceries at the South Washington Hugo’s Piggly life, he worked in the Scott Boll along with Wiggly. She graduated from the University of North Da- Grocery Industry be- his wife DeeAnne kota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice ginning with Piggly Wiggly. He enjoyed this line of and worked at Tri-County Community Corrections in retail and pursued further career advancement by Crookston, MN for a number of years. In 1998, she began enrolling in the Nash Finch Management Training working alongside her father and grandfather in the op- Program. erations area of the business as the Director of Marketing Upon completion of this program, he was pro- and Advertising. In 2007, after her father passed away, moted to the Assistant Manager role in the Valley she took over the lead position in running and growing the North Piggly Wiggly store. In 1982, he began a family business. Hugo’s currently operates a total of ten career with Tucker Sales a subsidiary of Kemps. grocery stores located in Grand Forks (4), East Grand While working with Tucker, he built a strong stand- Forks, Crookston, Thief River Falls, Jamestown, Grafton ing with Kemps and they pursued him to come to and Park Rapids and 5 liquor stores located in Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Jamestown and Grafton. work for them in sales. Scott agreed and began the “Receiving this award is a great honor to myself, my career that he still currently holds in sales. In 2012 family and our team”, said Kristi Magnuson Nelson. “We Kemps purchased Cass-Clay and he has assisted in are extremely thankful for the support and dedication of building the brand to an even bigger scale. He our team members and the communities that we have currently holds the demanding position of Sales served over the past 76 years.” Manager with them and still continues to lead by Kristi has been very active in the Grand Forks/East example in his everyday work. Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce serving on the board In 1987 he met and married the love of his life of directors and a variety of committees, including the DeeAnne. They have built a beautiful life together Leadership, Youth Leadership and Finance Committees. celebrating two children and currently 6 grand- Currently, she holds the position of Chair of the Board of children. They enjoy spending time with their Directors. Kristi also serves on the Board of Directors for family at the lake and playing host; to many family the local Prairie Harvest Foundation, North Dakota Gro- get-togethers. cers Association and Minnesota Grocers Association. Kristi Scott has maintained a very high level of work has previously served on the Board of Directors of the local responsibility while still holding strong to his ethic United Way. She is also a past recipient of the National of being a great husband, father and grandfather. Grocers Associations "Spirit of America" award. NORTH DAKOTA MILK fat dry milk/skim milk powder and cheese. So, for next year, milk prices may average about $1 MARKETING BOARD higher than the 2015 averages. (Kimberly Kessler Milk Marketing Board Rep.) PROHIBITIONS ON MILK SALES NEXT YEAR’S MILK PRICES Section 4.1-26-30, North Dakota Century Code states, “ So, what can we expect for milk prices during the A retailer may not sell or offer to sell milk products of a remainder of 2015 and for 2016? Milk prices have particular brand at a price that is different from that been well below the record milk prices a year ago but charged by the retailer for the same quantity, type, quality, have held up much better than earlier expected for or grade of a different brand, unless the price differential two major reasons. Despite record milk prices last equals the difference in the price paid by the retailer for the year, milk production has been growing at less than referenced products.” 2 percent pace due to a slow growth in milk cow This means that a retailer may not sell or offer to sell a numbers and the gain in milk per cow well below one gallon container of brand A whole milk for trend at less than 1 percent. $1 less than a one gallon container of brand B or brand C The second positive factor has been strong cheese whole milk, unless their cost on that brand A is $1 less than and butter sales, thanks to an improved economy brand B or brand C, as an example. and strong restaurant sales as people are once again The Milk Marketing Board is receiving complaints re- eating more meals away from home. garding retailers not following this law. The Milk Market- As of now, looking ahead into 2016, it appears ing Board will seek such remedies as authorized by law that milk prices will slowly improve as we move under NDCC Section 4.1-26-33 & 34 to insure compliance through the year. Domestic sales of cheese and with the law by all retailers. butter are expected to continue a solid growth. Dairy On behalf of the North Dakota Milk Marketing Board exports are expected to improve, especially for non- members, we appreciate this opportunity to update you. NDGA ANNUAL CAKE DECORATING NDGA ANNUAL CAKE DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED CONTEST WINNERS Our 12th Annual Cake Decorating Contest was once Gourmet Cupcakes again an excellent event. We want to thank all who 1st Place–Wendy Heimann–Dan’s Supermarket , Bismarck participated in the event and the sponsors who helped 2nd Place – Tonia Poaletti – Cash Wise Foods, West Fargo make it possible! Those sponsors were: Baker Boy, CSM 3rd Place – Brittany Babel – Dan’s Supermarket, Bismarck Bakery Solutions, Dawn Foods, Fettings/Top Taste, Inc., Novice Novelty Gregory’s Foods, Hockenberg Newburgh, Magic Choco- 1st Place – Cylie Newman – MarketPlace Foods, Minot late, Mid-America Marketing, SpartanNash – Fargo/ 2nd Place–Jeanie Tieken–Central Market, Detroit Lakes, MN Minot and SuperValu – Bismarck/Fargo. 3rd Place – Stephanie Wege – MarketPlace Foods, Minot A special thank you to: Sonya Heydt and JoAnn Novice Traditional Wedding Schwarz of SpartanNash, Arlene Billberg of Hugo’s, 1st Place – Tonia Poaletti – Cash Wise Foods, West Fargo Grand Forks and Gail Kollman of SuperValu, Fargo for 2nd Place–Kayla Schirmer – Central Market, Detroit Lakes, MN all their hard work in organizing the contest. 3rd Place – Tonia Poaletti – Cash Wise Foods, West Fargo We would also like to thank the Contest Judges: Novice Rolled Fondant Wedding Delores Urban, Glen Roiger – BakeMark, Carol Jacobs 1st Place – Ashley Were – MarketPlace Foods, Minot – Baker Boy, John Lewis – CSM Bakery Solutions, 2nd Place – Stephanie Wege – MarketPlace Foods, Minot Clayton Artibee – Coborn’s, Pete Schoepke – Dawn 3rd Place – Darlene Enne – Hugo’s, Jamestown Foods, Denis Wesenberg – Gregory’s Foods, Dave Gemar Advanced Novelty – Hockenberg Newburgh, Amber Rudder – Magic Choco- st late, Margie Laub – Mid-America Marketing, JoAnn 1 Place – Deanna Seright – MarketPlace Foods, Minot 2nd Place – LeAnn Strittmatter – Leevers Foods, Valley City Alm and Paul Chapman – rd SpartanNash, Ann Walker and 3 Place – Cindy Rodacker – Hugo’s, Jamestown Advanced Wedding Fondant Jackie Wallen – SuperValu, Inc. st A Sculpted Cake Challenge was 1 Place – Michelle Escobar – Hugo’s, Thief River Falls, MN held during the Trade Show with Advanced Traditional Wedding Katie Knowles of MarketPlace 1st Place – Melanie Holtheson–Hugo’s, Thief River Falls, MN Foods, Minot receiving the top prize 2nd Place – Mary Wagner – Hugo’s, Park Rapids, MN of $1,000; second place for $500 went Advanced Novelty to Amanda Hanson – Coborn's 1st Place – Katie Knowles – MarketPlace Foods, Minot Superstore, Sartell, MN and third Skilled Advanced Wedding Fondant place for $300 going to Roxanne 1st Place – Katie Knowles – MarketPlace Foods, Minot Carr – Central Market, Detroit People’s Choice Award Lakes, MN. Latoya Carpenter – Dan’s Supermarkets, Bismarck