NJ food retail industry honors state officials, community leaders (photos)

New Jersey’s food retail industry recently honored government officials and community leaders for their ongoing efforts to support grocery businesses across the state during the Food Council Committee for Good Government ’s (FCCfGG) 50th annual Good Government breakfast Oct. 1 in Monroe Township.

Five individuals were highlighted for making an impact within the $136 billion industry:

Good Government Award: Andrew Kent, executive vice president, Glass Gardens ShopRites and NJFC chair

In addition to serving as executive vice president of Glass Gardens ShopRites, Kent has chaired the association’s board of directors since 2022. A graduate from the inaugural class of the NJFC Leadership Development Program in 2014, Kent now helps mentor future food industry leaders.

Outstanding Legislator Award (Assembly): Assemblyman William Spearman, D-5th District

Spearman joined the Assembly in 2018. He regularly engages and collaborates with NJFC on relevant legislation and proposals, as well as offers assistance and support. That includes measures like the organized retail crime bill, proactive packaging and online lottery rules.

Outstanding Legislator Award (Senate): Sen. Holly Schepisi, R-39th District

Schepisi became a state senator after nearly a decade in the state assembly. She has had a longstanding relationship with NJFC, recently sponsoring legislation designed to tackle organized retail theft and assault of retail workers through enhanced penalties, enforcement and resources to combat these types of offenses.

Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award: Robert Asaro-Angelo, commissioner, New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development

Since 2018, Asaro-Angelo has overseen the state’s services to workers and collaborated closely with NJFC to implement an online working papers program for minors. The initiative aims to offer flexibility and additional employment support to keep food retailers appropriately staffed.

Patriot Award: In memory of Bill Sumas, chairman, Village ShopRite Supermarkets

Sumas passed away in July following a four-year battle with cancer. He began his career in the industry 64 years ago when he joined Village, following in the footsteps of his father and company co-founder, Perry Sumas. Village was one of the first members to join Wakefern Food Corp., back in the 1950s, and is now one of the co-op’s largest companies.

Sumas was also a longtime board member of the New Jersey Food Council. Additionally, he was the longest-serving chairman of the food retailer association’s board, holding the position from 2000-2007. Only three other individuals have received this award. It was accepted on behalf of the family by his son, Will Sumas.

Legislators' top priorities

Formed in 1973 by the New Jersey Food Council as a nonprofit political action committee, the FCCfGG aids and promotes the election of state lawmakers who support the priorities of food retailers.

During the breakfast, attendees learned about top legislative priorities impacting NJFC members, such as organized retail crime prevention, packaging legislation and a recap of other major policy initiatives the trade organization has undertaken this past year.

“This breakfast is more than just a gathering; it’s a chance for us to amplify our voice, share our expertise, and set the course for a stronger, more secure future for one of New Jersey’s largest and most important industries food retail and distribution,” said Richard Saker, president and CEO of Saker ShopRites and FCCfGG chair.

“As we come to the end of 2024, we are standing at the intersection of critical challenges and opportunities for our industry,” he said. “We continue to face lasting issues such as inflation, supply chain disruptions and increasing labor costs, while also tackling new challenges head-on and advocating for policies that protect our businesses, our employees and our consumers. We know our partners in Trenton understand that we’re not just an industry we’re the backbone of New Jersey communities.”

Fighting organized retail crime

Heading into a new year, NJFC President and CEO Linda said a key focus is combatting organized retail crime. New Jersey is not alone in this issue, she noted, as other states like Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, California and New York have already recently upgraded their laws.



“In New Jersey, we are also seeking to increase criminal penalties for assault of a retail worker, upgrade to a new first-degree felony offense for leaders of major crime rings, lower the threshold for theft of stolen goods, institute real time crime measures, invest in law enforcement resources and give prosecutors more tools to prosecute these criminal enterprises,” said.

The event also recognized graduates from NJFC’s 2024 Leadership Development Program. That initiative launched a decade ago as a way to provide training for individuals who

• Have a passion for working in the food industry,



• Possess an interest in the dynamics and trends of government and



• Want to make a difference in the direction of the industry.

 

The class of 2024 Leadership Development Program members are:

• James Bischoff, Bimbo Bakeries USA



• Orela DeCurtis, Bimbo Bakeries USA



• James Gleason, Stop & Shop Supermarkets



• Katie Murphy, C&S Wholesale Grocers



• Juan Salinas, Perfect Life Nutrition



• Zachry Veltri, Wawa



• Michelle Vitale, Liberty Coca-Cola



• Daniel Wolk, Stop & Shop Supermarkets

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