Out With the Old - irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com · Out With the Old Also Kinda-Home ... (Hat Tip: David Bowie) ... † Restoring and strengthening the Homestead Credit to its original

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Wisconsin Grocers Association33 East Main Street, Suite 701 • Madison, WI 53703

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What to Know About Investing in New Cases

Out With the Old

Also Kinda-HomeCooked Meals

Americans are expected to replace more of their home-cooked

meals with convenient foodsprepared close to home.

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wisconsingrocers.com | Summer 2017

The 2017-2018 Legislative Session at a Glance Page 8

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2 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

2017 Spring Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 3



Please help us conserve resources. If you are receiving multiple copies or wish to be removed from this mailing list, pleasecall the WGA office at 888/342-5942.

Wisconsin Grocer is published four times a year by:Wisconsin Grocers Association, 33 East Main Street, Suite 701, Madison, WI 53703 • www.wisconsingrocers.com.

Toll free 888/342-5942; fax 608/244-9030. Materials in this publication may not be reprinted in any form without permissionof the Wisconsin Grocers Association.

EDITORIAL INFORMATION: Publication dates; March, May, August, December. Please submit all press releases and stories toBrandon Scholz, Publisher, at the Wisconsin Grocers Association; toll free 888/342-5942; fax 608/244-9030. WisconsinGrocer magazine is designed by Lorraine Ortner-Blake, [email protected].

ADVERTISING INFORMATION: Please submit all advertising material and questions to Cheryl Lytle, Wisconsin Grocers Association,33 E Main Street, Suite 701, Madison, WI 53703, call 608/244-7150; fax 608/244-9030; email [email protected].

The Wisconsin Grocer Magazine is printed at Thysse Printing, Oregon, Wisconsin.

WGA OfficersChairman Marlin Greenfield, Skogen’s Festival Foods

Vice-Chairman Jeff MaurerFresh Madison Market, Madison, WI

Secretary/Treasurer William Dowling, Roundy’s Supermarkets,Inc., Milwaukee, WI

Immediate Past Chairman Dave RymanCertco, Madison, WI

Board of DirectorsDave AlthoffGreat Lakes Coca-Cola, Milwaukee, WI

Greg Cross SpartanNash, St. Cloud, MN

Bob FlemingFox Run Sentry, Waukesha, WI

Michelle HarringtonAlbrecht’s Delafield Market, Delafield, WI

Greg HansenHansen’s IGA, Bangor, WI

Steve LoehrKwik Trip, La Crosse, WI

Paul LucasMillerCoors, Milwaukee, WI

Jeff McClureSuperValu, Green Bay,WI

Robert Rothove Affiliated Foods Midwest, Kenosha, WIToby SpanglerDiageo, Madison, WIDave Spiegelhoff, Gooseberries, Burlington, WI

Don SymondsLipari Foods, Warren, MI

Jeff TateWatertown Piggly Wiggly, Watertown, WI

Dan WilliamsonKemps

WGA StaffPresident/CEOBrandon Scholz

Executive Vice President Michelle KussowEvents DirectorCheryl LytleOperations DirectorSarah Decorah Member Service RepresentativeMark StellpflugExecutive Director, WGA Education and Scholarship FoundationDave Kotwitz

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2017 Calendar Highlights

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Golf Outing

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Wednesday, May 17, 2017Valley Cooperative Association

Greenville (Appleton)

Wednesday, September 20, 2017Food Marketing Services, Pewaukee

Food Safety G r o c e r y S p e c i f i c

Certification Classes

THE PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 7Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 8The 2017-2018 Legislative Session at a Glance

OUT WITH THE OLD, 11IN WITH THE NEW

If there’s one thing your know about runninga grocery store, it’s that your equipment cantake a real beating. That’s especially truewhen it comes to your frozen andrefrigerated cases.

KINDA-HOME COOKED MEALS 14Shoppers want it all—healthy and quick.

MEMBER SERVICE UPDATE 16Anecdotes “From the Road”

WGA FOUNDATION 18Wisconsin Grocers Foundation Leadership Institute

MEMBER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS 28, 30, 21

PROFESSIONAL CARDS 26, 27

ADVERTISERS

Associated Wholesale Grocers . . . 2Anheuser-Busch . . . . . . . . . 20*, 25Badger Inventory. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters 25Certco Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 31Climate Pros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 25Crystal Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25DBS Group . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 20*, 25H Brooks & Company . . . . . . 15, 25Hussmann Corporation . . . . . . . . 10Kemps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 21*, 26Kysor/Warren. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Lipari Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 26

MillerCoors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21*, 26Pan O Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Prairie Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 22*ProLogic Retail Services . . . . . . 23*Russ Davis Wholesale. . . 3, 23*, 26Shullsburg Creamery . . 24, 25*, 26Sparboe Companies . . . . . . . . . . 29SpartanNash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 26Society Insurance . . . . . . . . . 26, 32Supervalu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 27Wisconsin Lottery . . . . . . . . . 19, 26Zone Mechanical North, Inc. 13, 26

*Business Partner Profile



And to do that, we have toconstantly work to show thatyour membership is valuedriven so that when you sendyour dues to the WGA, youknow you are getting yourmoney’s worth.

Much of the WGA’s workdeals with the legislature andregulatory agencies. Weconstantly work to promoteissues which help you andderail those that don’t. Thatmeans improving our standingand relationships withlegislators, staff and those whowork in government. It

requires thatwe stay ontop of whatis happeningin theCapitol andkeep closetabs oncurrent issuesand get firstwind ofemergingthreats to thegroceryindustry.

More thananything,

communications have changedso dramatically and offer somany different vehicles to useto reach out to WGA membersthat it’s impossible not to build change into whatwe do. The President’s Letter

has changed anumber oftimes to befresh andinformative;our website hasmore than afresh coat ofpaint – we’vemadesignificantchanges underthe hood, weemploy email technology tobring more information to youthan ever before; and even theWGA’s award-winningmagazine (print challenged bythe digital world) continues tobe a first class publication! Oh,and please make sure you likeus on Facebook!

While the golf ball hasn’tchanged, we continue tofinetune the annual groceryindustry golf outing (can yousay $500 Helicopter Drop) and will grow to using 27 holesthis year! Our signature event,the annual Innovation Expo is constantly finetuned toimprove the event in everyaspect. We’re off to Green Baythis year and we’ll see you there to show off our 2017tinkerings.

The biggest change we’ve madefor you in the WGA has beenthe revival and changes to theeducational component of theWGA through the Foundation.

Brandon Scholz WGA President and CEO

THE PRESIDENT’SPERSPECTIVE

Next month willmark my 20 yearanniversary withthe WisconsinGrocersAssociation. What strikes me the mostabout this 20 year run is whathas changed in the groceryindustry and what we havedone to make changes in theWGA to deal with the fluentnature of our members andwhat they deal with on a daily basis.

In his book,Boomerang! DaveSkogen writes,“Personally, I lovechange, almost toa fault. Theresimply is noimprovementwithout change.We can’t becomewhat we want toby remaining thesame.”

My sense hasalways been thatchange doesn’t have to flashy.We make changes all the time;most all of them are subtlewhile some command a bitmore attention. The WGA’sMission Statement says, “Weexist to serve our members.”

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Hat Tip: David Bowie)

What strikes methe most aboutthis 20 year runis what haschanged in thegrocery industryand what wehave done tomake changes inthe WGA.

Educationalwebinars andseminars, foodsafetycertification andthe newlyintroducedLeadershipInstitutetrainingprogram for up-and-comersin your store,

bring more value to WGAmembers than we have everoffered before!

The grocery biz changes on adaily basis, whether it is withproducts, merchandising,competition, consumerattitudes, demographicchanges and more that wesimply can’t ignore, whathappens not only in stores,but outside forces that makechange inevitable. As DaveSkogen notes, “Change isgoing to happen no matterwhat, so instead of resisting,why not be involved in theinevitable.”

As you value the feedbackyou get from yourcustomers, the WGA reallywants to know what youthink of how we are doingand if we are earning yourinvestment in the WGA.

Give it to us straight—goodor bad—because we need toknow!

“Personally, I lovechange, almostto a fault. Theresimply is noimprovementwithout change.We can’t becomewhat we want to by remainingthe same.”

~ Dave Skogen

WG spring 2017_WGA 4/3/2017 2:02 PM Page 7


ByMichelleKussowWGA ExecutiveVice President

Government Affairs

The 2017-2018 LegislativeSession at a Glance

The 2017-2018 Wisconsin Legislative Session beganJanuary 3rd with the largest republican majorities since the1950s. Both houses are nearly veto-proof with Republicanscontrolling the Assembly 64-35 and 20-13 in the Senate. Contrary to federal legislative activity, the State Legislature has hada slower start. There have only been a handful of session days withjust three bills passing both houses in the first three months. Billintroductions, and subsequent committee hearings, have been ontrack with more than 300 bills introduced to date. However, as withevery session, the first six months of the Legislative Session isfocused on the state budget.

STATE BUDGET

Governor Walker introduced the 2017-2019 State Budget mid-February, providing a substantial boost in education fundingand $592 million in tax and fee cuts. The Governor's budget wasmet with uncertainty by most, with a few groups applauding the$649 million dedicated to K-12 and income tax cuts. Included inthe nearly 1000 page bill were numerous policy and spendingprovisions including:

• Eliminating the prevailing wage on state projects. (Last session,prevailing wage was eliminated on public, local projects and thisextends to state projects as well).

• Prohibiting local governments from requiring project laboragreements (standards such as wages, benefits and safetyguidelines) on public projects.

• $35 million to reduce UW System tuition for in-state undergradsin the second year of the budget.

• An additional $87 million into the school levy credit.

• $73 million into the general school aid formula which will drivedown how much public schools can collect in property taxes.

• A $20 million expansion in the earned income tax credit.

• A proposal requiring the state to move to a self-insurance modelfor state employees.

• A DNR reorganization plan, which also gives the agency theauthority to increase admission and campsite fees in state parks.

• A general wage adjustment of 2 percent in September 2018 and 2percent in May 2019 for state employees.

• $20 million for the budget stabilization fund (the state's rainyday fund), pushing the balance past $300 million.

• Freezing tech college tuition.

• Eliminating the Parole Commission and rolling its functions intothe Department of Corrections.

• Increasing the vouchers for charter, choice and special needsprogram participation by $217 matching what public schools get.

• Repealing requirement that teachers regularly renew their licensesand implement a permanent license issued through local districtsinstead of DPI.

• Repealing exemption for energy efficiency projects in schoolrevenue limits.

• Requiring UW System to establish pathways to three-year degreesin 10 percent of programs by Jan. 1 and 60 percent by June 30,2020.

• Eliminating domestic partner benefits for all insurance programsadministered by the Department of Employee Trust Funds.

• Eliminating the Local Government Property Insurance Fundwhich makes property insurance available for local governmentsto cover their buildings, schools, libraries and motor vehicles.

• Restoring and strengthening the Homestead Credit to its originalintent by providing support to seniors and disabledWisconsinites. For those age 62 or older who are disabled, theHomestead Credit's parameters would be indexed to inflation intax year 2018.

• Establishing a process by which the Director of State Courts candevelop a plan for judges and justices, and provide initial GPRincrease for wage increase.

• Providing additional funding for district attorneys.

Of interest to grocers are the following provisions:

• A $204 million income tax reduction that would benefit thosenow in the lowest two brackets. The plan would reduce thecurrent brackets of 4.6 percent and 6.15 percent to 3.9 percentand 5.74 percent, respectively. He also would expand the secondbracket, which now covers those making up to $29,960 to$37,450.

• Increasing the lottery general program operations appropriationby $3 million dollars in each year to be spent on current andadditional informational activities to maintain and increaseoverall ticket sales. This will ensure continued property tax relieffor Wisconsin homeowners through the lottery and gaming credit.

• Additional spending to keep four major highway projectdevelopments on track, including 18/151 in Madison and stateHighway 15 in Outagamie County.

• Moving excess revenues from the state's petroleum inspection fee(PECFA) to the transportation fund each year.

• Allowing for $500 million in bonding to fund transportationspending.

• Eliminating the state's portion of the property tax, whichcurrently goes to support forestry programs. This would insteadbe covered through a state appropriation, saving homeownersabout $27 a year.


• Limiting net business loss carry-forwards for those who did notreport losses in a timely fashion.

• Providing a sunset after seven years on all new income, sales, andexcise tax credits, deductions, or exemptions taking effect afterDecember 31, 2016.

• A two-day sales tax holiday in August effective for two years foritems related to school supplies including clothing, computers andcertain supplies to aid Wisconsin families with necessary purchasesfor the next school year. The fiscal effect of this change is expectedto reduce tax revenue by $11 million annually.

• Exempting from sales tax prepared food that is made off-site andfrozen by the retailer, and then sold frozen by the retailer. The fiscaleffect of this change is expected to decrease tax revenue by $1million annually.

• The “REINS Act” that seeks to require any agency rule that costsmore than costs businesses more than $10 million in compliance orother costs to first be approved by the Legislature. Additionally, theGovernor's budget defines "guidance" documents, which will helpmake sure agencies only regulate by rule and that the administrativeprocedures process is followed. The Governor's budget also proposesan expedited process for repealing unauthorized rules, and wouldsunset regulatory authority where agencies who have notpromulgated a rule in 10 years or longer.

• Adding 46 new auditors to the Department of Revenue on top ofthe 102 auditors added in the last budget. According to theGovernor, the auditors will generate $64 million.

• Delaying the effective date for the bad debt sales tax deduction, enactedin 2014. Would apply to retailers with private label credit cards.

• The Governor recommends imposing the current sales tax refundpenalty upon a seller who overcollects sales and use taxes afterreceiving two written notices when under an audit by thedepartment.

The WGA will be focusing on removing two of the Governor’sprovisions—hiring 46 new auditors and the penalties for overcollectingsales tax. In addition, the WGA is disappointed that the Governor didnot include repeal of the personal property tax in some fashion. At aminimum, exempting new equipment could have been included withlittle to no cost to the state, but with a significant impact onbusinesses. The WGA will be working with the Joint FinanceCommittee to include personal property tax repeal and remove ormodify the auditor and sales tax provisions.

BILLS INTRODUCED

In addition to budget activity, here’s a quick look at some of theseparate bills of interest to WGA members that have been introduced:

School Start: A bill to repeal the mandatory school start date ofSeptember 1 has been introduced in the Wisconsin legislature by Rep.Jim Ott (R-Mequon) and Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills). TheWGA opposes Assembly Bill 103 and Senate Bill 96 and was part of acoalition that worked to pass the bill requiring post September 1starting date that went into effect nearly 20 years ago. WGA membersin high tourism areas believe that the September 1st starting dateallows them to maintain high school employees through the summerand to attract tourism through August.

Work Permits: The WGA supports Assembly Bill 25 and Senate Bill 11 introduced by Rep. Loudenbeck (R-Clinton) and SenatorKapenga (R-Delafield) to repeal the work permit requirement for 16 and 17 year olds. The bill was introduced to improve access toemployment and other daily living supports for unaccompanied andhomeless youth. From the employer perspective, the work permitrequirement is an unnecessary and costly regulation and animpediment for kids looking to get jobs.

LOOKING FORWARD

Finally, here’s a look forward at the remainder of the legislativesession and bills that we expect to be introduced:

Class B License: Legislation to remove the carry-out restrictions onClass B Liquor Licenses will be introduced. Current law allows Class BLicensees (intended for consumption on-premise) to also sell up to 4liters of intoxicating liquor for consumption off-premise. The WGAwill oppose this bill because it blurs the lines between Class A andClass B licenses. Class A licensee’s are only allowed to provide on-premise consumption by way of sampling in extremely limitedquantities and believe that similar limitations need to be preserved onClass B’s to maintain the distinction between licenses and fairnessamong alcohol sellers.

FMLA: Rep. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) and Senator Alberta Darling(R-River Hills) are circulating legislation that would exempt employersrequired to provide federal leave from also having to follow state leavelaw. The WGA supports these bills as they leave FMLA requirementsin place, but remove the uncertainty and confusion HR departmentsface when determining which law applies.

FoodShare: We are expecting legislation to once again be introducedthat would limit items purchased with FoodShare benefits based ontheir nutritional value. The bill has been introduced in the past twolegislative sessions and requires Wisconsin Department of HealthServices (DHS) to request a waiver from the USDA requiringFoodShare recipients use at least 67% of their monthly benefits topurchase foods that have been authorized for the federal specialsupplemental nutrition program for women, infants and child (WICfoods), beef, pork, chicken, fish, or fresh produce, including whitepotatoes. In previous sessions, it was unlikely that the ObamaAdministration would have approved a waiver, but it is probably likelythat the Trump Administration would. The WGA opposes the billunless it includes the following provisions aimed at limitingimplementation and logistical issues: Authorize grocers to swipe arecipient’s benefit card before scanning any items; Require the state toreimburse retailers and warehouse suppliers for implementation costs;and Require DHS to submit a cost determination report to the JointCommittee on Finance prior to implementation.

The WGA closely monitors all legislative and regulatory activity andwill provide updated information on these issues and new issues as ithappens. Please make sure you are signed up to receive the WGA’sGovernment Affairs Report by visiting the WGA Website atwww.wisconsingrocers.com to receive the most up-to-date informationon legislative activity. As always, please let Michelle Kussow orBrandon Scholz know if you have any questions or would like toprovide feedback on any issue.



If there’s one thing you knowabout running a grocery store,it’s that your equipment cantake a real beating. And, that’s especially true when it comes toyour frozen and refrigerated cases.

Between those metal grocery carts that whiz all over and repeatedly ding them and the fact that these units need to be up and running all day every day, there’s no denying that the cases in your store can quickly go from looking brand new to beat up.

It’s for that very reason that a good numberof WGA members (52% to be exact) areconsidering investing in new cases in thenext two to three years. So, what do youneed to know before swapping out yourown units? We talked tosome experts to get thelowdown on thisnecessary equipment.

New Cases: What arethe Benefits?As long as your existingcases seem to be gettingthe job done, it can betough to imagine why

you’d want to invest a hefty sum of cash inentirely new units. However, there arenumerous upsides that you’ll want toconsider.

The biggest thing you should be aware of iscompliance and energy efficiency. “Becauseof the Department of Energy regulationssince 2012, all food retailers should beconsidering replacing any refrigerated orfrozen display case that was manufacturedprior to 2012 just for the energy efficiencyupgrades alone,” explains Cheryl Beach,Manager of Marketing Communications atHussmann Corporation.

Indeed, abiding by these DOE regulationsthat greatly reduce the energy allowance forall remote and self-contained displaycases—the last of which go into effect onMarch 27, 2017—has been a main point of

focus for manufacturers.

“New cases have beenmanufactured to be moreenergy efficient,” adds FrankPetrosino, CEO of ZoneMechanical, “And, as grocersknow, electricity is a hugeexpense!”

Energy efficiency, compliance,and the related cost savingsaside, there’s another big reason

that grocers would want to invest in newcases: Increased sales and bettermerchantability.

“There’s never enough room in a grocerystore, and grocersare always tryingto figure out waysto have morefacings foradditionalproducts,” sharesRichard Adkins,Vice President ofSales for ClimatePros. In additionto the innovationsin the actualstructure of thecase, the move toLED lightinginstead of the oldfluorescent can have a large impact on howproducts are presented. “Today’s foodmanufacturers are working with thespectrums from the LED lights for theirpackaging to make it pop more,” Adkinsadds.

Finally, the overall appearance of your storeindeed does have an effect on yourshoppers. “We know that store cleanlinessstill matters, as it is estimated up to 39% of

What to Know About Investing in New Cases

Out With the Old

Written Exclusively for the WGA by Kat Boogaard

“New cases have beenmanufactured to be more

energy efficient,” addsFrank Petrosino, CEO of

Zone Mechanical, “And, asgrocers know, electricity

is a huge expense!”

“There’s neverenough room in agrocery store, andgrocers are alwaystrying to figure outways to have more

facings foradditional

products...”


shoppers will change stores base on theoverall store cleanliness,” explains Beach,“This would include the condition ofrefrigerated display cases.”

Knowing When it’s Time for New CasesSo, when should you consider actuallyinvesting in a new case? There are a fewtelltale signs you’ll want to look for.

First, if you see moisture or fogginessbetween the panes of thermal glass, it’stime for you to make a change. You’ll alsowant to keep your eyes peeled for leakingat the seams and joints where the glassmeets the door frame, as well as for anycorrosion or rust.

“Most food products are acidic in nature,”explains Michael Lehtinen, MarketingDirector for Heatcraft WorldwideRefrigeration, “So, when you get to apoint where you’re seeing damage to maincomponents of the refrigeration systemlike coils or piping, that’s when you haveto think about a replacement.”

Finally, the cosmetic appearance of thecase is something you’ll want to payattention to, including dented or damagedexterior panels, scratches on displayshelves, and ineffective lighting. “Whenweekly cleaning cannot alleviate these

issues, it isprobably timeto replace yourdisplay cases,”Beach shares.

Instead ofinvesting inentirely newcases, someretailers chooseto complete amid-life faceliftfor their units.“You can buyall of thecosmetic pieces

and we can service you to get thoseinstalled and make that case look almost asgood as new,” adds Lehtinen.

Considerations to MakeBefore Investing in a CaseWhen you’ve made thedecision to upgrade the displaycases in your store, you’re leftwith another big question:What should you considerbefore picking a case? Withunits that come in all sorts ofdifferent shapes, sizes, andstyles, what do you need tothink about in order to choosea case that’s the best fit for you?

Aside from thinking about the type ofproduct you’d like to merchandize, Lehtinensuggests asking yourself four key questions:

• What is your long-term refrigerantstrategy?

• Should you consider the latest intechnology?

• How long do you expect your unit tolast?

• Is cost the primary consideration?

“These are important to know, because theyare an integral part of how you will maintain,repair, and remodel your store in the future,”adds Lehtinen.

Another thing you might want to considerbefore making a case investment decision iswhether or not you want to stay on top ofindustry trends. “The industry usually tellswhen it’s time to purchase a new case,” sharesJerry Hardy, Project Manager at Case Salesand Installation, “Most retailers want to staycurrent with the trends we’re seeing in theindustry.”

Yes, when it comes to display cases, there arenumerous different themes that seem to becropping up. One is the transition fromtraditional frozen food bunkers to standup,glass door units. “That frees up floor spaceand allows for more product to be displayed,”says Adkins.

“Combo cases” are another growing trend forretailers. “Some customers prefer cases thatallow them to select their own items, and theyalso provide the option to get waited on,”explains Hardy, “They take up less floor spaceand get the higher margin items in from theof the customer better.”

Give a Little TLC: How to Care for YourCasesAs far as how long a displaycase will last, that can vary.“It’s a scatter plot when youlook at it,” shares Lehtinenof his own data analysis,“10-18 years is where thedistribution falls, but it alldepends on the person andthe retailer.”

However, as with anything,proper care and maintenance of a case canwork wonders—and, it’s really not ascomplicated as you might think. It all comesdown to thorough and frequent cleaning.

“We recommend that all display cases bethoroughly cleaned, all debris removed, andthe interiors washed down as part of aregular store sanitation schedule,” says Beach.

But, all of the experts warn that youshouldn’t consider a quick wiping down as acomprehensive cleaning. Instead, you need tobe prepared to be a little more detail-oriented and clean the actual componentsevery now and then.

“If the store doesn’t have a good maintenanceprogram, those drains plug and back up, andthen the motors go underwater,” saysAdkins.

“You need to get under the hood and cleanin there,” adds Lehtinen, “That’s the key tosuccess.”

Wrapping UpPerhaps you’d rather not stomach the cost ofinvesting in new cases. However, that pricetag shouldn’t be your only consideration.New refrigerated and frozen cases offernumerous benefits, including decreasing yourenergy costs, improving the appearance ofyour store, and even increasing sales.

If you’re feeling torn about whether or notit’s time to bite the bullet and make theinvestment, consider doing a simple costanalysis. “Grocers need to look at how muchmoney is being spent on maintaining oldercases,” adds Petrosino.

More often than not, there’s a definitebenefit to investing in the newer models.

“...when you get to apoint where you’re

seeing damage to maincomponents of the

refrigeration systemlike coils or piping,

that’s when you haveto think about areplacement.”

However, as with anything,proper care and

maintenance of a case canwork wonders—and, it’s

really not as complicatedas you might think. It allcomes down to thoroughand frequent cleaning.

Zone Mechanical North9645 S 54th Avenue, Suite NFranklin, WI 53132-9179



Americans are expected toreplace more of their

home-cooked meals withconvenient meals prepared

away from home.

Over the next decade,Americans are expected toreplace even more of their

homemade meals withconvenient alternatives.Here are some solutions

to consider.

Shoppers want it all—healthy andquick. Increasing competition fromcompanies like Blue Apron andHello Fresh—two examples ofsubscription services that delivermeal kits, with accompanyingrecipes for these health-mindedmeals, to customers’ front doors—have coaxed grocery delis to beefup their options.

Lisa Grudzielanek, MS,RDN, CD, CDE, is a dietitianand health and wellnessdirector at Metcalfe’s Market,which has two stores in

Madison and one in Wauwatosa. Thetypical customer, says Lisa, “is looking for something to prepare within 20 to 30 minutes.”

“Especially millennials,” addsDeana Preble, a Hy-Veedietitian who works in one ofMadison’s three stores.“They’re looking for that quick

grab-and-go option.”

Some Hy-Vee stores—including the Whitney

Way store in Madison—now hostfree classes in make-ahead meals.They are called Simple Fix to Go.

The classes’ popularity inspired Preble tooffer meal kits that feed four people;directions are included. The only itemmissing is the protein. “On any givenday, there are three options ranging from $13.99 to $16.99,” says Preble.“That’s a take on the Blue Apron. That’show we at Hy-Vee have responded to (the competition).” Recent examplesinclude fire-roasted shrimp tacos withtortillas; and a stroganoff recipe with eggnoodles, cornstarch and Greek yogurtthat cooks in a crockpot. “We’re going tochange them up seasonally,” says Preble.“For summer, it will be lighter fare.”

Some grocers, including Metcalfe’sMarkets, curate non-perishablefixings for an entire meal andbundle them togetherprominently, in one location of thestore, often near the front.

Using this approach, a vignette of a localspaghetti dinner might feature a bottle ofDiSalvo’s pasta sauce from Madison, freshbasil, a bag of shredded Sartori parmesanfrom Plymouth, just-baked baguette fromBreadsmith of Wauwatosa, and fresh RP’spasta, from Madison.

“If you can cross-merchandise a ready-meal solution at the front of the store, it’s going to garner more attention,” saysGrudzielanek. She encourages grocers to“look at things through the lens of thecustomer” because often store employeeshave a “silo” approach, where one’sknowledge, awareness and efforts arelimited to increasing sales in onedepartment.

By teaming up with an in-house chef tooffer chef-inspired dishes and “restaurant-quality food,” Metcalfe’s is able to offer“trending flavors, seasonal aspects andlocal items” in its deli, says Grudzielanek.Metcalfe’s Markets chefs’ expertisefacilitates consistently developing newofferings in the deli. Sometimes it’s assimple as pairing a protein with a coupleof salads. Another example is a roastedvegetable and cheddar mashed potatodish, which shoppers can easily pair withan optional meat choice.

“What can you offer in the deli caseinstead of potato salad? Can youuse quinoa or ancient grains?”proposes Grudzielanek.

“There’s a need for low-sodium, raw andgluten-free (options). Calling out some ofthese healthful aspects drives sales.”

Kinda-Home

CookedMeals

Written Exclusively for the WGA by Kristine Hansen


For the curated meals, she will often pull iningredients of higher quality than standard items, for a showier example that is also more enticing, and still carries a lower price point than dining at a restaurant.

“Could you upgrade to a locally-made,higher-quality cheese? That adds dollars to your basket while increasing ingredientquality—and ultimately the customer’sexperience,” says Grudzielanek.Two examples are an award-winning artisan cheese from Wisconsin or a pretzel roll instead of a white-bread burger bun.

To further position its store as a health-mindedgrocer, dieticians at all Hy-Vee stores point out items they find delicious and healthy.

“If there’s an item I really like and support, I’ll hang a shelf talker (with her photo),” says Preble. One of her recent picks was a ten-grain bread from the bakery.Hy-Vee addresses the issue of ready-to-eat foods with a variety of choices. They have Italian, Asian, andKitchen departments that offer hot, fresh preparedmeals, along with an extensive salad bar. All threeMadison Hy-Vee stores also have more meal optionsavailable refrigerated and ready to take home. TheMarket Grille is their in-store, sit-down restaurantwith menu options cooked to order and with a barfor those who want to have a dining experience.

In the delis of grocers, not just in Wisconsin but also nationwide, there’s a trend to chop vegetablesand prep other meal ingredients ahead of time, socustomers have access to an elevated, fresher andhealthier approach to ready-made frozen meals. “Many customers are willing to pay one or twodollars more if the onions are all cut,” saysGrudzielanek. Next, she hopes to offer recipe cardswith these curated or ready-made meals, “to offer ourcustomers delicious meal kits with local ingredientsand products.”

“At Metcalfe’s, we are uniquely positioned to take on the dinner challenge and changethe landscape of fresh prepared foods,” says Grudzielanek.


I’ve been traveling “onthe road” for theWisconsin GrocersAssociation for a fewyears now, andgenerally my travelsare relativelypredictable androutine.

The same could likely besaid for the average dayin your grocery store, butas I’m sure you can attestthere are events thatbring a simple smile toyour face occasionally. So

for anyone who is looking for an article dealingwith heavy commentary from me this timearound; you will have to wait for a future issue.

My goal with the penning of this article issimply to bring a smile to your face as I sharea few anecdotes from my travels.

As anyone who travels a lot can attest, theadvent of the GPS is certainly a wonderfulthing! In fact I subscribe to OnStar which is avery reliable GPS system. When an OnStartraveler needs driving directions you speak to alive operator; and sometimes that operator is fromlocales as distant as the UK. Recently an operatorfrom the UK couldn’t believe there was such athing as a store called “Piggly Wiggly”, and eventhough she maintained her professionalism I’msure she had a story to tell her coworkers overcoffee later that day. Then of course, there arethose names unique to Wisconsin that both liveoperators, and the automated navigation voicesimply can’t pronounce, such as Shawano,Weyauwega, Calumet, Mukwonago,Ashwaubenon, and many more. And lastly, whilemy GPS beats an old fashioned map all day long,there are those days that the GPS simply thinksthere is a road that I should be turning onto butall I’m looking at is a corn field. So, if a blackEquinox plows through the front wall of yourstore someday take comfort in the fact it is simplyyour friend from the WGA coming to pay you avisit.

When it comes to lunch I always try to avoidfast food chain restaurants. I generally try tofind a local diner, or similar establishment.

Particularly when I’m in a small town the visit tothe local diner can be quite an adventure. Thesevisits can run the gamut, including being toldthat the stool I just sat down on is “Ted’s Stool”and nobody but Ted sits there. Or I can tell whenthe clientele at a particular restaurant is ratherconstant, because occasionally every head turns tolook at me when I walk in the door, and alsocontinue to stare at the stranger for manyminutes after my arrival. With all of that said,and due to the fact I am a small town boy myself,I’ll take the local diner over the cookie-cutter fastfood joint any day, particularly on those days thatI strike up a conversation with a local, and learn abit about the town or the life of the person withwhom I’m talking.

Once I was traveling on Highway 23 in thesouth central part of the state, and stopped ata controlled intersection. I soon noticed no onein either direction was moving. Upon furtherexamination I soon noticed there was a tomturkey who had taken control of the intersection,and cars were slowly and carefully inching aroundthe turkey as he protected “his turf.” Afterworking my way around said turkey, andspending 40 minutes visiting the local WGAmember store I returned to the same intersection,and the turkey was still wondering in the middleof the intersection.

On another day I was visiting a store whichwas located right on Main Street in thedowntown of the community. When I enteredthe store I asked if I could talk to the owner orstore director. I was told, “he’s in the tavern acrossthe street.” Undeterred I walked across the street,and enjoyed lunch with the store owner. (Forthose of you wondering, no, it was not “liquidlunch.”)

Shortly after I started my job with the WGA Iran into a vendor I had worked with manytimes in the grocery store I owned andmanaged. He inquired about my transition toretirement, etc. I told him I had recently startedto work for the WGA, to which he immediatelyand in all sincerity asked, “what’s that theWisconsin Golfers Association?” I went on toexplain that no it wasn’t the golfers associationbut rather the grocers association. So yes, it’s trueall you store owners out there, the assumption isthat you do in fact spend most of your time onthe golf course!

On another occasion, I traveled a considerabledistance to visit a store, and when I arrived Iasked if I could talk to the owner or storedirector. The owner was not in that day(probably golfing) but the store manager wasavailable. As the store manager approached Icould tell he had his “game face” on. He sternlyapproached me, and simply said “look aroundand get back to me with any concerns” and heturned his back and walked away. I was takenaback a bit, but then it dawned on me that themanager didn’t realize I was from the WGA butrather assumed I was an inspector or regulatorfrom a government agency.

As you might expect, I occasionally do a bit ofprospecting when I’m on the road. And Iusually work from a master list of business namesand addresses to identify the prospective store. Asis true of many lists of this type, they can containsome erroneous information. Well, one day Iplugged an address into my GPS and was beingtaken deep into a residential area of a city. Ithought it an odd location for a grocery store butfollowed the directions none-the-less. Ultimatelymy GPS directed me to a home in the middle ofa residential block. After a web search Idetermined that the address was the home of astore owner that had used his home address as hiscorporate address when he incorporated hisbusiness. So, if in the days ahead you see a carparked outside your front door, with a confusedlooking driver, not to worry, it’s just me.

My last encounter to share with you tookplace in Madison. My wife Dianne and I hadattended a WGA function at the Governor’sMansion, and we were dressed in our “Sundaybest” including, in my case, a long black trenchcoat. After the event we decided to have dinner ata local restaurant without reservations. But whenwe walked in we were warmly greeted, and shownto the best table in the house! We enjoyed a greatmeal with great service, and when we left theowner of the restaurant thanked us profusely, heldthe front door open for us, and spent some timemaking small talk. It wasn’t until after our visitthat I found out this particular spot is a routinestop for government dignitaries, and had long agoties to Chicago gangsters. I don’t know which endof that spectrum the restauranteur assumed I was,but I did truly enjoy the fine service.

Anecdotes “From the Road”

Mark StellpflugWGA Member Service Representative

MEMBER SERVICE UPDATE

...to bring a smile to your face with a few stories from my travels



The WGA’s Educationand ScholarshipFoundation is proudto announce thedebut of theWisconsin GrocersFoundationLeadership Institute.

Sounds like a mouthfuldoesn’t it? Actually it is.

What is it?The WGA FoundationLeadership Institute

will consist of one full day of education overfour months starting in June 2017. Each daywill consist of four subjects taught by a facultyof respected grocery industry leaders from

around the state and all levels of experience.

Each of these knowledgeable faculty membersare volunteering to spend time passing along tofuture leaders in the industry what they havelearned to be important lessons about how tosucceed in the most competitive grocery marketin the United States. None of them will bedivulging specific company secrets or proprietaryinformation but they all have decades of triedand true firsthand experience about the industrythat they are willing to pass along to theindividuals with the potential to be the leadersthey are.

Classes will be held at locations around the state compliments of affiliated WGA partnersand vendors. Included in the day’s lessons will be a chance to tour each facility and learn more about the businesses that supply the

grocery industry.

Why is it important to attend?If you are an individual with the desire and thepotential to become a leader in your organization, you have the opportunity to get a comprehensive anddiverse introduction to thecomplicated business ofgrocery. Learn from some ofthe most successful leaders inyour industry on a variety oftopics, some that you mightnot know are important toselling groceries.

Be exposed to differentmanagement styles andtheories, learn how to addresschallenges and changes in afast paced competitive businessand most importantly, learnabout yourself.

There will two types ofstudents accepted to thisseries.

An individual can benominated and sponsored bytheir company or a participantcan apply individually on theirown. The cost for all fourclasses including materials,meals and an Innovation Expo event registration is $99.

What will be covered?Each class will consist of four subjects eachtaught by different industry faculty members.

The first class starting in June will beManagement and Leadership covering topicsfrom how organizational cultures are structuredand what role leadership plays in them, how domanagers affect a working climate, how to bestmanage change and adapt to the market andhow to problem solve your way into makinggood decisions.

The second class in July will focus on HumanRelations and Communication and willhighlight the absolute need for goodcommunication skills and how not having thoseskills effects a team and workplace around thatteam. Also covered will be how to develop betterworkplace relationships and the importance oftime management.

The third class in August will discuss the manyareas that you might not associate with runninga grocery store, Human Resources and Safety.Participants will learn about State and Federallaws that govern the industry, often times indirect opposition to one another, and theincreasing need to manage a diverse workplacein order to gain productivity and avoid conflict.Ethical behavior and its responsibilities will behighlighted as well as all of the areas in a storeenvironment that require increased safetyoversight.

The fourth class is aptly named Grocery 101.These are areas of the business ranging fromstore cleanliness and appearance, communityinvolvement, marketing and merchandizingbasics, the role of technology, the life cycle of aproduct to everything financial that affects thebottom line and profits.

This day will finish with round table discussionby a cross section of successful industry leaders.Hear about how they came into the business andask questions about your future role in it.

The final day of participation will be at the Innovation Expo in October, this year held in Green Bay. Graduates will be invited to attend all of the events and seminars,including the Chairman’s Banquet andgraduation at that event.

Start the conversation and evaluation ofpossible participants to this innovativeprogram. We all worry about the fate of thegrocery industry in Wisconsin. We all wonderwho will step up and lead in the future and keep us cutting edge. The WGA Education and Scholarship Foundation are providing a way to address those needs.

Wisconsin Grocers Foundation Leadership InstituteWisconsin Grocers Association

Education and Scholarship

FOUNDATION

David KotwitzExecutive Director WGA Education andScholarship Foundation

Wednesday, May 17, 2017Valley Cooperative Association, Greenville (Appleton)

Wednesday, September 20, 2017Food Marketing Services, Pewaukee

Food Safety G r o c e r y S p e c i f i c

Certification Classes

FOUNDATION

Your Programs Your Foundation

Just the factsApplications/Nominations

due by May 1 2017

$99 includes materials, meals andevent registrations. Applicants agree toparticipate in all aspects of theLeadership Institute. (Applicants must

be an employee or representative of a current member ingood standing with the WGA)

Class dates and locations:

June 21 Madison

July 19 Milwaukee

August 23 Appleton area

September 15 Madison

October 17, 18 KI Center Green Bay

Dates and locations are tentative and subject to change. Allparticipants will be notified no later than May 5, 2017.


DBS ROUPDesign-Build Solutions


DBS Group is a commercialdesign-build generalcontractor founded by agroup of La Crosse areadesign and constructionprofessionals with a corephilosophy of providingcustomers withexceptional customerservice, while creatingvalue and providing a quality workproduct through our design-buildproject delivery.

We pride ourselves on being a true partner toour customers, and we are relentless in our

efforts to contribute totheir current and futuresuccess. Our teamconsists of seasonedveterans in the designand constructionindustry, and we arecommitted to being avalued partner to ourcustomers, business

partners, vendors and community.

Core Services provided by DBS Group are:

• Store Planning Services.• Architectural & Engineering Services.

• Pre-Construction Services.• Construction Services.

The grocery market is a niche market forDBS Group. We understand that grocerystores are more than just a place to pick upmilk and eggs, rather they are the central hubof communities and neighborhoods.Combined, our team members have decadesof experience in the planning, design andconstruction of new ground-up grocery stores,as well as expansions and renovations ofexisting grocery stores. We proudly serveretailers, wholesalers and developers ongrocery projects across the upper Midwest.

DBS Group

Thank you WGA Business PartnersWGA would like to thank WGA Business Partners for strategically

engaging in WGA events, advertising, and sponsorships to promote

their products and services to WGA Members.

WGABUSINESSPARTNER

Anheuser-Busch, the leading U.S brewer, has a rich brewing history thatstarted in 1852. We pride ourselves on using only the finest ingredients to brew and package high-quality beers like Budweiser, BuschLight, and Lime-A-Rita. This pride is seen in our sales and logistics teams, who work closely with our family of 14independent wholesalers in Wisconsin to provide exceptional service to retailers. And this pride is embodied by ourmarketing and innovations teams, who connect with consumers through a variety of beerdrinking occasions.

We invite you to learn more about our company, our corporate social responsibility programs, our beers and ourheritage by visiting our website. On behalf of all the passionate people who are Anheuser-Busch, thank you to allwho support and enjoy our beer.

W G A B U S I N E S S P A R T N E R P R O F I L E

Anheuser-Busch

Heidi Hudziak, Grocery Key Account Manager

in Wisconsin

[email protected] us @ Anheuser-Busch.com

Like us @ Facebook.com/AnheuserBuschFollow us @ Twitter.com/AnheuserBusch

2700 National DriveSuite 101, Onalaska, WI 54650

Chris Walters, President

[email protected]


Wa tc h fo r a d d i t i o n a l B u s i n e s s Pa r t n e r p ro f i l e s i n f u t u re i s s u e s o f t h e Wi s co n s i n G ro ce r m a g a z i n e o r v i e w t h e m o n l i n e a t h t t p s : // w w w. w i s co n s i n g ro ce r s. co m / b u s p a r t n e r.

Through its diverse collection of storiedbreweries, MillerCoors brings Americanbeer drinkers an unmatched selection ofthe highest quality beers steeped incenturies of brewing heritage.

Miller Brewing Company and Coors BrewingCompany offer domestic favorites such as CoorsLight, Miller Lite, Miller High Life and CoorsBanquet. Tenth and Blake Beer Company, our craftand import division, offers beers such asLeinenkugel’s Summer Shandy from sixth-generation Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

and Blue Moon Belgian Whitefrom modern craft pioneer BlueMoon Brewing Company,which celebrates its 20thAnniversary this year.

Tenth and Blake also operatesCrispin Cider Company, anartisanal maker of pear andapple ciders using fresh-pressedAmerican juice, and importsworld-renowned beers such asItaly’s Peroni Nastro Azzurro,the Czech Republic’s PilsnerUrquell and the Netherlands’ Grolsch. MillerCoors

also offers pioneering newbrands such as the Redd’sApple and Redd’s WickedApple franchises and Smith &Forge Hard Cider. MillerCoorsseeks to create America’s bestbeer company through anuncompromising promise ofquality, a keen focus on innovationand a deep commitment tosustainability. MillerCoors is ajoint venture of SABMiller plc

and Molson Coors Brewing Company.


Kemps has been Nourishing Familiesfor over 100 years. Founded byWilliam Kemps, the values thatguided his business remain at thecore of a company with more than1,000 employees and dairy productsstretching across the United States. Thanks to colorful marketing, “it’s the cows”that get credit for the company’s success

today. But throughout thecorporate family, credit isinstead given to a belief inputting values first andmaintaining a company thatencourages and cares for itsemployees.

Now a farmer family ownedleading dairy marketer in the Upper Midwest,Kemps takes great pride in providing greattasting dairy product to consumers within its

selling geographies. Kempsmanufacturers milk, frozendesserts, yogurt and othercultured dairy products.

We invite you to learn moreabout our company’spurpose, mission and valuesby visiting our website. On

behalf of the Kemps family of employees,thank you to all who support Kemps andlocal dairy farmers everywhere.

Kemps

1270 Energy LaneSt. Paul, MN 55108

www.Kemps.com

David Hervey, Chain AccountExecutive, Wisconsin Supermarkets

3939 West Highland Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53208

[email protected] MillerCoors.com

facebook.com/MillerCoorsTritter: @MillerCoors

MillerCoors




We are Prairie Farms, and weare proud to be comprised ofmore than 600 farm familiesthroughout the Midwest. Since1938, we have been producinghigh quality products andproviding fresh, safe andnutritious milk to you and yourfamily.

We are Families

Many of us are proud to have multi-generation dairy farms. This means our farmswere established and maintained by ourparents, grandparents, even greatgrandparents. Often times, you can visit our

farms to find no less thantwo or three generationspitching in, whether it’sactively milking cows,running equipment such astractors and feed-mixers,caring for the new calvesborn on the farm or keepingthe crew fed withhomemade meals.

We are Communities

We are the farmers in your neighborhood,supplying the fresh milk to grocery stores thatwe, too, shop at. Our communities areimportant to us, with many of us serving onlocal school, church or municipality boardsand committees. And because this is our

home too, we caredeeply about the landand water resources,and are dedicated topreserving our naturalresources to our bestextent.

We Thank You

We know you havemany options in the grocery store and you areseeking the best, affordable options for yourfamily. We, the dairy farmers of Prairie Farms,would like to thank you for choosing us, andwant to ensure you we are committed toproducing some of the healthiest and safestmilk in the world.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Prairie Farms

3510 Central Ave.Dubuque, IA 52001-9477

(800) 397-9477

www.PrairieFarms.com


ProLogic understands loyalty. Our company is the descendent of S&H GreenStamps, America’s original loyalty program datingback to 1896. More than a century later, wecontinue to pioneer new ways to help retailersbuild lasting relationships with their customers.

Our unique loyalty platform analyzes shopperpurchase data and identifies a retailer’s topshoppers and other key segments. We then helpretailers create personalized targeted offers forshoppers and deliver these benefits, includingdiscounts, printed messages, coupons, loyaltypoints and fuel rewards, immediately at the pointof sale. Our marketing services team will also help

you to achieve the most fromyour marketing program byproviding you with guidance tohelp execute your programeffectively.

Some of the benefits that weprovide include:

• Customer engagementprograms to reach shoppersthrough POS, online, mobileand social media channels

• More POS system integrations than any otherloyalty providers, including NCR/Retalix, IBM,LOC Software and more

• Customized rewardprograms like pointprograms, sweepstakes,continuities and load-to-card offers

• Shopper analytics andpromotion reportingaccessed through ourweb-based reportingportal

• Comprehensiveservices including planning, development,launch, testing, marketing assistance andtechnical support


ProLogic Retail Services

1625 South Congress Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33445

Stephen Avola,[email protected]

(978) 969-1412

www.PrologicRetail.com

Russ Davis Wholesale, a fruitand vegetable wholesaler outof Minnesota, started out atRuss Davis’ trucking companyback in 1955.Russ would take orders from customers whilemaking deliveries during his route. Fastforward 60 years, and RDW has turned into a100% employee-owned business thatcontinues Russ’ legacy by selling anddistributing fresh fruits and vegetables.

Today, RDW has five distributioncenters located in Wisconsin, Minnesotaand North Dakota. The warehouse inWadena, MN, is the original distributioncenter and houses the corporate accountingoffices. Jamestown, ND, was added in 1996and services the majority of North and SouthDakota. RDW then acquired North CountryProduce in 2002 and relocated from St. Paulto a larger distribution center in Inver GroveHeights. 2006 found RDW adding a fourthdistribution center in Merrill, WI, in order tobetter service partners in eastern Wisconsinand the U.P of Michigan. LaCrosse Producewas acquired by RDW a year later with a newfacility built conveniently off of I-90 near theMinnesota and Wisconsin border.

In 2010, RDW was excited toannounce the launch of Crazy Fresh

Produce which is locatedin Eagan, MN. Mostrecently, RDW moved itsTwin Cities operation toHammond, WI, making thistheir third distributioncenter in Wisconsin.

Russ Davis Wholesalealso has a division inWood Lake, MN, whichconsists of two entities:Black Jack Express, atrucking firm, and Palms toPlains, a freight brokeringcompany. In 2005, RDWacquired a diesel repairoperation in Wadena, MN,to service a fleet that hasgrown to well over 100tractors, numerous docktrucks and a largeassortment of vans and automobiles.

Crazy Fresh, with their lines of fruits,veggies, dips, salsas, salads and many more, islooking to turn the produce aisle into the newsnack food aisle by proving convenient foodscan be fresh, wholesome and full of flavor.Crazy Fresh is made to order, in singleunits… now that’s Crazy Fresh!

Crazy Fresh Kids Club was launched inSeptember of 2016. The Kids Club offers aninteractive website geared towards children 10

and under to promotea healthy eatinglifestyle. Our goal is toturn the produce aisleinto the new snackfood aisle by providingenjoyable ways to eathealthy whileencouraging kids tohave fun with theirfood and learn howimportant goodnutrition is. Webelieve that childrenshould be excitedabout having fruitsand vegetables in theireveryday diets, whichis why we created awebsite full of excitinggames, deliciously funrecipes, printablecoloring sheets,

creative contests and more! Kids who sign upwill receive a FREE Crazy Fresh Kids t-shirtand a cool gift for their birthdays!

Russ Davis Wholesale and CrazyFresh Produce are proud to partnerwith retail and food servicecustomers to deliver fresh produceand specialty products that keepcustomers coming back for more!

Russ Davis Wholesale

1200 Commerce Street, Merrill, WI 54452

2967 Airport Road, LaCrosse, WI 54606

1940 Ridgeway Street, Hammond, WI 54015

PH: (800) 214-4981

www.russdaviswholesale.comwww.crazyfreshproduce.com

www.crazyfreshkids.com


Exceptional. Flavorful. Remarkable.If you love cheese, you want to tasteit. And, you want that samesatisfying taste experience timeafter time. That's consistency. We keep that in mind with every Cheddar, Swissand Colby Jack that bears the Shullsburg name.One Taste, and You'll Get It.

Shullsburg Cheese is made with the same enduring

passion for cheesemaking andcheese-eating thatstarted thecompany wayback when.Hand-selectedqualityingredients.Time-testedrecipes. Cheese

makers with a talent for knowing whatmakes great tasting cheese. Those arethe foundations of Shullsburg Cheese.Those are the reasons why you won'tfind another cheese out there thatmatches our quality, and moreimportantly, our taste. We prideourselves in cheese that cheese-loverslove, because we're cheese-loversourselves.


Shullsburg Creamery II, LLC.208 W. Water Street, P.O.Box 398

Shullsburg, Wisconsin 53586

Phone: 800-533-9594Fax: 608-965-3778

www.ShullsburgCreamery.com

Shullsburg Creamery


Contact us for more information:888-463-8159 • [email protected] • [email protected]

Refrigeration and HVAC Specialist

• Supermarket Specialists• Equipment• Sales• Service WGA

ALLIEDMEMBER

Heidi BruningKEY ACCOUNT MANAGER

CELL [email protected]

Watertown, Wisconsin(800) 233-5443 • www.berresbrothers.com

[email protected] • www.badgerinventory.comMadison Office 608-839-5441 Brookfield Office 262.786.3446

PO Box 8456 Madison, WI 53708-8456

2700 National Drive, Suite 101Onalaska, WI 54650

Chris Walters, President

[email protected] |www.DBSG.com


CRYSTAL FARMSDistributor of fine refrigerated products tosupermarkets in over 40 states, including:

• Crystal Farms Cheese • Better ‘n Eggs• Simply Potatoes • All Whites• David’s Deli Bagels

Contact [email protected](920) 648-3466

1-800-533-9594 www.shullsburgcreamery.com

PAN-O-GOLD Baking Co.1000 Wilburn Road • Sun Prairie WI 53590 • (608)834-1816

[email protected]

David HerveyChain Account Manager – Wisconsin3939 W. Highland Blvd., Building 35, Milwaukee, WI 53201

414.931.4952 C: 414.732.4815 F: 414.342.1437

[email protected] Camelot Drive, PO Box 1029, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1029

888-5-SOCIETY (888-576-2438) societyinsurance.com

We also offer GRO-SURE, an outstandingproperty/casualty program available specifically forfood retailers. So whether you own a neighborhoodconvenience store or are part of a supermarket chain,it’s worth checking out what Society has to offer!WGA

ENDORSEDVENDOR

Your association-endorsed insurance provider for workers compensation.

Green Bay Distribution Center451 Joannes Ave., Green Bay WI 54304

Pleasant Prairie Office8401 West 102nd St., Ste. 300

Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158

Visit us online atWiLottery.com

The Right Partner Makes All the Difference

Thomas Branta, Market Development Manager 262-308-7548Brad Miller, Vice-President Market Development 630-743-9226

Jeff McClure, Director of Sales & Operations 920-436-1509

Mike MulesLipari Foods Inc.

26661 Bunert RoadWarren, MI 48089

[email protected]

www.LipariFoods.com

Bakers of Country Hearth and Village Hearth Breads and Buns

PROFESSIONAL CARDS

3510 Central Ave.Dubuque, IA 52001-9477

(800) 397-9477

www.PrairieFarms.com

St. Cloud Division Office360 Hoffman Court • St. Cloud, Minnesota 56303320•251•3961

Brick HopkinsBRANCH MANAGER, LA CROSSE PRODUCE DIVISION

[email protected]

800-214-4981 DIRECT (715) 379-5455 2967 Airport Road, La Crosse, WI 54603

www.russdaviswholesale.comMerrill, WI • Wadena, MN • Jamestown, ND

• St. Paul, MN • LaCrosse, WI

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

1270 Energy LaneSt. Paul, MN 55108

www.Kemps.com


Zone Mechanical North9645 S 54th Avenue, Suite NFranklin, WI 53132-9179(262) 347-4180

Master Service Technicians oncall 24 hours/7days a week

We Focus On Your Success

ZoneMechanical.com



M E M B E R E V E N T S A N D H A P P E N I N G S See more events and happenings each week in the President’s Letter, the weekly WGA e-newsletter. Sign up at wisconsingrocers.com.

We’ve Got Winners!! Progressive Grocer presented its 5th annualOutstanding Independent Awards to select

independent grocery operations that excel in a variety of categories:overall single-store operator, overall multi-store operator, overall newconcept design, overall fresh excellence, bakery, center store,deli/prepared foods, meat/seafood, produce and technology. One ofthe awards went to Festival Foods in De Pere in the Technologycategory. During an assessment of everything digital associated withFestival Foods, the company realized that its biggest opportunity wasits website: It was the hub of the supermarket’s digital presence andlinked to all other digital properties. That led to a complete revamp,says Nick Arlt, brand strategy director. Since the updated websitelaunched in October 2015, the results have been beyond expectations:Overall traffic has increased by more than 24%, and mobile trafficspecifically is up more than 56%.

More Winners! Pierce County Economic Development Corporation(EDC) recently honored local businesses for theircommitment to the community. Ptacek’s IGA in

Prescott earned Large Business of the Year honors. For more than 105years, Ptacek’s IGA has served the grocery needs of residents inPrescott and Pierce County. "What started as a one-aisle grocery storein historic downtown Prescott, Ptacek’s has grown to a one stop shopfor all your grocery needs," said EDC’s Paul Schwebach said. "In 2015they built a new grocery store located at the corner of Highway 10and Highway 29 in Prescott to accommodate the demands of theircustomers. They added a Caribou Coffee, a gas station with rewardsfor grocery shopping, expanded deli seating, expanded organics infresh and frozen, expanded fresh fish and homegrown meats, thelargest liquor department in Pierce County, and even a park thatfeatures a splash pad and zip line." Schwebach then quoted MikePtacek as saying: "Times may change, but no one will ever say ‘thatservice was too good’ or ‘that quality is too high.’"

Five Stars!! Each year, IGA Retailers undergo a series of assessmentsto ensure that customers are encountering exceptionalshopping experiences each and every time they enter an

IGA store. In-store appraisals combine with training and customerfeedback evaluations to create a thorough assessment process, and inthe end, only the very best IGA Retailers are awarded the covetedFiveStar Retailer status. This year’s Five Star awards go to Hansen’s IGA(Cashton, Bangor, Elroy, West Salem, Neillsville, Westby, Sparta,Stanley and Mondovi); Kyle’s IGA (Colfax); Ptacek’s IGA (Prescott);Save More Marketplace IGA (Minocqua) and Stodola IGA(Luxemburg). Congrats!

Cool, New Facility Certco, Inc. has completed a150,000 square foot additionto its Femrite Facility inMadison. A large cooler wasadded to their existing freezerbuilt in 2009. AmyNiemetscheck, CFO, stated that having all Certco’s refrigerated goodsin one location will streamline and improve all aspects of handling ourRetail Owners’ needs and reduce our costs in storage, handling anddelivery.

I N M E M O R I A M

Julie Bush MetcalfeJulie Bush Metcalfe, age 51, devoted and beloved mom toNicole Susan and Ella Michael Zimbrick, and loving wife andfriend to Tim Metcalfe and his daughters Amanda Metcalfe andAlexandra (Mario) Millonzi, passed away on Monday, Nov. 28,2016. Julie was a lifelong Madison resident. She graduated fromMadison West High School in 1983 and UW Madison in 1987.Julie was always the life of the party. Her grace, spirit andpersonality drew people together and she was quick with a jokeor a comeback that made people laugh. Julie was a loyal andfaithful mother, wife, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and friend.She rejoiced in her family and did everything she could to bringthem together. In July of 2010, she married her love, Tim. Theyshared a passion for family and philanthropy, especially theAmerican Family Children’s Hospital. Jules was most proud ofher two daughters, Nikky and Ella. They were the light of herlife. She rejoiced in every aspect of being their mother and theirfriend. She was so proud of who they grew up to be.

Charles “Charlie” Francis GalleCharles “Charlie” Francis Galle, age 68, peacefully passed awaysurrounded by his family on Mon. Dec. 12, 2016 at MayoHospital in Rochester, Mn. Charlie founded, owned andoperated W.C. Foods in Prairie du Sac (Sentry Foods) for 33years until his retirement in Oct. 2015. He was a man oftradition and proud of his Italian Heritage and his family.Charlie could often be found using his excellent cooking skillswhile perfecting his Italian Beef at family gatherings. He was amember of the Sauk City Fire Department for over 20 years,West Brook Country Club in Plain, Mendota Grid Iron Club,die-hard fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, and member of St.Aloysius Catholic Church.

Margaret Louise (Wandsnider) MetcalfeMargaret Louise (Wandsnider) Metcalfe passed away onWednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. She was born on Dec. 1, 1935, inMenomonee Falls. She grew up in Brookfield and attendedWaukesha High School, Racine Kenosha Teachers College, UW-Whitewater and UW Extension. Margaret taught elementaryschool in Brookfield. She was united in marriage to VernonThomas Metcalfe on Aug. 3, 1958. Together they raised fourwonderful children.

Through the years, Margaret was involved in Brownies, GirlScouts, Cub Scouts, WHA Auction fund raisers and served onthe Monona Library Foundation Board. Margaret worked withher husband, Tom, for many years in the family grocerybusiness. She was the co-founder of the World’s Largest BratFest and worked for Olbrich Botanical Gardens for 20 years,retiring in 2011. Her favorite thing to do was spend time withher four children, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

She lead an active and exciting life which usually involvedtraveling, reading, biking, skiing, boating, golfing, walking,doing puzzles, playing the piano and spending time with herBible study friends and the coffee group.

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M E M B E R E V E N T S A N D H A P P E N I N G S

A N N I V E R S A R I E S

Dave RymanVice President of Sales and Marketing,celebrating 15 years at Certco, Inc.

Mark Lauten,Celebrating 5 years at FMS Solutions.

Josh TregoningCelebrating 10 years at WasteManagement, Inc.

Ron SchwennDirector of Dairy and Processed MeatDepartments, celebrating 13 years atRoundy’s Supermarkets.

Tony KotikWarehouse Operations at AWG,celebrating 20 years.

Don Symonds is “living the dream”and celebrating 21 years with LipariFoods.

Heidi KraemerCelebrating 22 years at BadgerInventory Service.

M I L E S TO N E S & AC H I E V E M E N T S

Society Insurance Promotions Congratulations to Rebecca Loehr and Kevin Wondra of Society Insurance,a WGA Endorsed Service Provider. Rebecca has been promoted to SeniorMarketing Specialist; the position was open when Kevin was recently

promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing. WGA appreciates their relationship withboth Kevin and Rebecca and Society Insurance!

Retirement Kerry Van Kleeck, Market Development Manager and Retail Counselor forCERTCO for the past 22 years, will be retiring at the end of this month.Kerry and his wife, Sandy, plan to travel and enjoy retirement. Enjoy yourretirement Kerry!

A Note From Fran With the sale of Zinke’s on Dec. 4th, I will be moving on to the nextchapter on Vickie’s and my life. After many years of working for the Zinkefamily, I will be retiring. I have to thank my beautiful wife and our sons for

all their support and guidance for all these years. I also have to thank the Zinke family:Gordon and Brownie; Ken and Jeannie & Dan and Charla for all of the support they havegiven our family. To all of the people that I have worked with, past and present, I thankyou for all you have done for me. Wisconsin Dells is an amazing city and to be a part of iton a daily basis has been great. I would like to thank all the customers, many of you Iknow on a first name basis, for making my job so wonderful. Thank you everyone for allthe memories. ~ Fran Kranz

M E M B E R E V E N T S A N D H A P P E N I N G S See more events and happenings each week in the President’s Letter, the weekly WGA e-newsletter. Sign up at wisconsingrocers.com.


Civic Award for Metcalfe’s Tosa Metcalfe’s Markets inWauwatosa was the

winner of the Civic Appreciation Award givenby the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce.The award recognizes Metcalfe Markets fordemonstrating the ability to impact the qualityof life in the Wauwatosa area through creatinga presence in Wauwatosa and in surroundingcommunities by providing major communitysupport through sponsorships, gifts in kind,and/or financial benefits which demonstrates acommitment to the area, providing orinfluence with the growth of jobs inWauwatosa and the region, and or recognizingfor products, services and impact, positionsWauwatosa as a place to live, work and play,and fosters the appreciation of the arts and/orrecreation.

Harley Winner Announced The Wisconsin Potato andVegetable Growers Association(WPVGA) presented a 2015 FatBob Harley Davidson to Trig’s—Rhinelander, as the winner of the

2016 Wisconsin potatoes display contest. Thefirst place award to Trig’s is the result of anextravagantWisconsin Potatopromotion thatextendedthroughout thewhole storeduring the monthof October. WPVGA Director of PromotionsDana Rady says the all-encompassing efforteasily made Trig’s in Rhinelander a numberone choice. Besides designing a display in theproduce department, they used various pointof purchase materials from their Wisconsinpotato supplier and invited the Spudmobile,Wisconsin’s educational traveling billboard, tomake an appearance.

New Store Opening Festival Foods opened itsnewest Green Bay locationin November, 2016, at 2430

University Avenue. It is the 25th FestivalFoods in Wisconsin and the fifth in the GreenBay area and operates 24 hours a day and willemploy more than 225 associates. The storewill be among the most energy efficient of allFestival Foods locations and will use Solstice®N40, one of the latest reduced-global-warmingrefrigerants, to cool its many refrigerated cases.LED lighting throughout the store and morenatural light than many other Festival Foodslocations will bring additional energy savings.

Congrats!! The Milwaukee Business Journalrecently selected the owners ofSendik’s Food Markets as its 2016

Executives of the Year for their key role incontinuing the economic development boomin southeastern Wisconsin. Sendik’s ownersand siblings Ted Balistreri, Nick Balistreri,Patrick Balistreri and Margaret Harris havetaken a family-owned business that originallystarted as a fruit and vegetable stand andturned it into a major competitor inMilwaukee’s grocery store market. In 2016,the locally owned supermarket chain hasgrown its footprint with the additions of newlocations in Brookfield and West Milwaukee,bringing its store count to 14. And thecompany also announced in August that itwould be expanding its presence to Waukeshaas well. They have plans to open at least fivemore in Sendik’s locations, including theWaukesha store, in the next 12 to 15 months.Communities that will be landing a Sendik’sto call their own over the next year includeGreendale, Hales Corners, Brookfield,Muskego and Waukesha. And the retailer ispresently exploring options to open a grocerystore in downtown Milwaukee.

We Have A Winner!!! Progressive Grocer reports thatthe Food Marketing Institute

(FMI) has revealed its 2016 CommunityOutreach Awards winners last fall. In thePeople’s Pick-Social Media Category, Hy-VeeInc. was the winner with its Hy-Vee KidsFitprogram, which includes an interactive health-and-wellness website for children, teens andfamilies that offers access to a free, onlinepersonal trainer. The program, which reachesan average 1,000 to 2,000 kids per week, hasalso been brought more than 50 schools,reaching nearly 21,000 students last school year.

Just in Time As promised in thesummer of 2015, whenconstruction began on

the new Pat’s IGA in Hurley, the new IGAstore opened its doors the Friday beforeChristmas last year. The store, managed byRich Freiderichs, fills a void in the communitythat has lasted for the past three years, sincethe closing of the Super One Food store inMarch of 2014. Ben and Joe Campioni,owners of the Pat’s IGA chain, held a ribboncutting back in June, 2016, to openconstruction on the Super One site, which wasformally a Copps. The 30,000-sf storeincludes about 5,000-sf dedicated to Ace

Hardware. The city of Hurley overcame amajor hurdle in bringing a grocery store to thecity as it was one of six communities to receivea Community Development Investment Grantfrom the Wisconsin Economic DevelopmentCorporation. This is the seventh store in thechain owned by the Campioni family, withother stores in Houghton, Hancock, L’Anse,Calumet, Ontonagon, all in Michigan andFlorence, Wis.

Catering at Crossroads Crossroads Market in Green Lakerecently announced theexpansion of their catering

service, deli, bakery and specialty meats withJerry Trochinski, former owner of J&T’sSentry in Berlin leading the effort. Trochinksistarted in the grocery business in Berlin in1972 with A&P, and joined Greening’s, wherehe built his vast experience and unbeatablereputation for catering, sausage and smokedmeats. He eventually bought the business in2004, renaming it J&T’s Sentry Foods whereit served the community until the end of2016. Trochinski has won eleven WisconsinAssociation of Meat Processors awards for hissausage and party trays.

Executive of the Year In BusinessMagazinehas recognizedTim Metcalfe,Metcalfe’s Market,as the 2017Family Executiveof the Year. Thearticle highlightsTim as the “ManBehind the

Market.” Metcalfe’s Market is a fourth-generation family owned business that’s beenaround for a century, both of which areaccomplishments in their own right. CompanyPresident, Tim Metcalfe has been there for 25of those years, 16 in his current role leadingthe retail grocer’s three locations—two inMadison and one in Wauwatosa.

Metcalfe is a firm believer that being a smallretailer operating in the shadows of largernational chain store sis a good thing. ‘Ourthinking tends to be longer term and not inthe short term,’ notes Metcalfe. ‘It doesn’tmean that we don’t take risks, because part ofour job is to grow. What makes us different asa small, independent grocer - but still arelatively large operation with many movingparts - is we are very nimble.’"

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Out With the Old - irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com · Out With the Old Also Kinda-Home ... (Hat Tip: David Bowie) ... † Restoring and strengthening the Homestead Credit to its original