VGA = Vermont Grocers Association

The Vermont Grocers' Association is a statewide trade association representing all sectors of the Vermont food industry. Approximately 670 stores belong to the organization, including supermarkets, superettes, convenience and country stores along with over 200 suppliers to the industry.. read more »

• Tent Store No Longer

  The Shaw's supermarket in Ludlow, VT reopened January 27 following major damage last August from tropical storm Irene. Since that time the market has been operating a tent store to serve the community, where it is the only supermarket.

  A number of company officials, community leaders and representatives from the offices of Senator Leahy and Sanders were on hand for the preview of the store on January 26.

• New Fake ID’s Circulating in Vermont

  Several retailers have come across sophisticated fraudulent ID's that are produced by ID CHIEF, a China based company that is flooding the country with high quality fakes. More information on what to look for can be accessed here.

• VGA Ski Day Returns to Sugarbush

  Join industry friends at the Grocers Annual Ski Day Outing as we return to one of the east's premier ski resorts, Sugarbush in Warren, VT. $89 registration includes continental breakfast, ski pass, dinner, prizes and more. For more information or to sign up for the event call Donna or Daisy at 800-842-8503 or email donna@vtgrocers.org o info@vtgrocers.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available Donna at 1-800-842-8503 or 802-775-2222.

  Program flyer & registration
  Online registration

• Noted Political Reporter to Keynote Legislative Luncheon

  James Pindell authors WMUR's Political Scoop and provides on air political analysis for WMUR-TV (ABC affiliate, Manchester, NH). The Washington Post called him the "Insider's Insider" for his coverage of New Hampshire politics and he is the only reporter to cover both the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Primary as a beat for local outlets.

  The meeting allows members to meet key lawmakers and receive briefings on important issues before the legislature. Of special interest this year will be meetings with Governor Peter Shumlin, Lt. Governor Phil Scott, House Speaker Shap Smith and Green Mountain Health Care Board member, Al Gobeille, owner of the Shanty Restaurant in Burlington. Members are strongly urged to attend.

  Program and registration
  Online registration

• Agency of Agriculture Launches Online Service for Retail License Renewals

  The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets today announced the launch of a new online service that allows licensed Vermont businesses to renew, and pay online, for their annual retail products and weighing and measuring device licenses. The new web service is intended to make these processes more convenient for Vermont businesses, saving time and money for both business and state government. This enhancement will allow large Vermont businesses with multiple in-state retail locations to streamline the license renewal process for all of those locations. Additionally, smaller local businesses will benefit from the efficiencies that this new system will offer. Historically, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture has licensed more than 3700 retail locations annually in the retail and weights and measures categories, and this number is expected to increase over time.

• Vallee's Recognized for Environmental Record

  Marc Roy of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources recognized Amy Norris of RL Vallee at last week's Vermont Petroleum meeting for the company's outstanding compliance record with their Underground Storage Tanks.

• Vermont Food Industry Responsible for 15% of State’s Economy

  The Vermont Grocers' Association released a report conducted by John Dunham & Associates, located in New York. The report finds that the food industry creates over 21,000 good paying jobs in the state when all of the economic lineages to suppliers are taken into account. The food sector provides both large and small communities with a wide array of good and products ranging from fresh produce to boxed cereals to other basic household necessities.

  Full report

• VGA Scholarship Applications Now Available

  The Vermont Grocers' Association scholarship program will be awarding 13 scholarships to students entering college in 2012. The program is open to Vermont students that are employed at a VGA member business or a dependent of an employee. A fyer with details is now available.

• Important Links

  Becoming an authorized retailer for 3SquaresVT (formally food stamps)
  Daily news service from morningnewsbeat.com
  Department of Liquor Control Training Sessions
  Food & Drug Administration on Food Safety Alerts & Recalls
  Online Training Courses
  Vermont Alliance of Independent Country Stores
  Vermont Food Stores (Complimentary listing to VGA member retailers
  Vermontfood.net registration form
  Vermont Retailer WIC Information
  Vermont Specialty Food Association

   

  Easily pay your Membership Dues, Golf, or Convention Payments Online

  New to our web site, you can now easily pay your membership dues ONLINE with our secure automated system.

  VGA Membership DuesConvention PaymentGolf Tournament Payment

  

• Recent Regulatory Updates

  UST Training Requirements, Vermont Minimum Wage Change, Federal Trade Commission website on debit card reforms, Guide to nutritional labeling of ground meat and pultry products,  2010 Vermont Changes to Unemployment Fund for Employers, Liquor Control Rule Changes, Federal Health Care Reform, Buy Local info, Stage II and decommissioning guidelines, PCI Compliance Webinar Slides,  New ADA guidance from FMI & More