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 »

• 2013 Vermont Food Industry Directory Now Available

  The 2013 edition of the Vermont Food Industry Directory is now available in the Members Only section of the website in a digital version. Members may login in with the email address on file with the association. Hard copies of the book will be mailed to all members shortly.

• VGA Meetings on Health Care and Regulatory Issues

  You are invited to a grocers and retailers forum with a representative from the Department of Vermont Health Access.
  
  You will learn about:
  • How Vermont Health Connect will work in Vermont
  • The new rules for individuals, families and small businesses under 50 regarding health insurance in 2014
  • The product choices on Vermont Health Connect
  • An overview of subsidies that may be available to individuals and families to help pay for insurance
  • Understand the immediate impacts of Vermont's Health Exchange "Vermont Health Connect", and the decisions you will need to make next year.

  More Information and registration

• Vermont Session Adjourns

  The Vermont Senate adjourned the 2013 session on Tuesday, May 14th at 9:15 pm and the House finished their work shortly thereafter at 10:20 pm. Governor Shumlin addressed both chambers as they completed their work. Both the Budget (spending) bill and the tax (revenue) bill was considered very contentious between the Legislative Branch and the Administrative Branch at times over the past eighteen weeks.
  
  Governor Shumlin's message remained consistent throughout the session, "I have repeatedly opposed increases to income, meals, and sales taxes ....". The legislature included tax increases, including tobacco hikes, in several bills which caused the Legislature to slip into an eighteenth week of work. Governor Peter Shumlin, Speaker of the House, Shap Smith and Senate President, John Campbell provided the direction to finish the work of the session.

• USDA Revises Country of Origin Labeling Rule for Muscle Cuts

  On May 23, 2013 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued final regulations that take effect immediately (but may allow for a six month education period) to require revisions to Country of Origin labeling (COOL) requirements only for muscle cuts of beef (including veal), pork, lamb, chicken and goat meat.

  Resources
  NEW! COOL Final Rule Q&A from USDA 5/31/13
  FINAL RULE
  USDA FAQ ON FINAL RULE 5/23/13

• Study on Impact of Independent Grocers Released

  The National Grocers Association (NGA) today released the results of a study on the impact of independent grocers on America's economy. This groundbreaking research provides a clear picture of the key role independent grocers play at the national, state, and congressional district level and can be accessed via a new website,  www.grocersimpactamerica.com.

• 3SquaresVT on EBT Can Be Used to Purchase Seeds & Plants to Grow Food

  Did you know that 3SquaresVT (food stamp) food benefits can be used to buy seeds and plants to grow fruits and vegetables? 3SquaresVT participants can purchase vegetable and fruit seeds and plants at stores that accept EBT cards, but many participants are unaware of this option. Grocery stores and markets can help inform them by placing this simple sign next to your seeds & plants display or putting a short notice in your circular and on your website.

• Taking Control of Energy Costs in your Store

  A recorded webinar that was recently hosted by Efficiency Vermont is now available. The webinar covers a number of items related to saving energy in your store. 

• 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

• Important Links

  Vermont Health Connect
  BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont Health Reform Resources
  OSHA form 300 and posting information
  Emergency Management Information
  Grocery Jobs
  Federal Country of Origin Labeling Webinar
  Becoming an authorized retailer for 3SquaresVT (formerly food stamps)
  Daily news service from morningnewsbeat.com
  Department of Liquor Control Training Sessions
  Food & Drug Administration on Food Safety Alerts & Recalls
  Green Grocer guide from Efficiency Vermont
  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
  Agriculture Agency Online License Renewals

   

  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

  Vermont Gas Tax Changes, New COOL Labeling Rules from USDA, New I-9 Form, BCBSVT webinar slides on new Vermont Health Care Exchange, NGA webinar slides on employer provisions of federal health care act, FAQ of Federal health care act, FCRA Notices for Background Screening, Summary of Vermont's new health care exchange for small businesses and individuals, Reporting of health care benefits on W-2, NGA webinar on federal health care changes for employers, FDA Tobacco Compliance Webinar, New ADA information from NACS, ADA webinar from FMI, Agriculture Agency Online License Renewals, UST Training Requirements, Vermont Minimum Wage Change, Federal Trade Commission website on debit card reforms, Guide to nutritional labeling of ground meat and poultry 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.