With a Special Tribute to the Late Bill Sumas of Village ShopRite
It is a special time – the 50th annual event to celebrate state lawmakers and business leaders who are making a substantial difference in the food industry. The Food Council Committee for Good Government (FCCfGG) has set the golden anniversary of its “Good Government” Breakfast for Tuesday, October 1.
As is the tradition, state lawmakers and food industry leaders will be discussing key issues and honoring industry professionals and policy makers who support good government principles. The special anniversary event will take place at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, Middlesex County.
Attendees will hear about key legislative issues impacting New Jersey Food Council (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.
The event is expected to include bi-partisan comments about policies and priorities as all eyes look to the November general election, with the U.S. Presidency on the top of the ticket, a race for a U.S. Senate seat in New Jersey and all House seats on the ballot.
The program is sponsored by FCCfGG, a non-profit political action committee that promotes the election of state lawmakers who support the priorities of food retailers. Attendees will hear from the Republican U.S. Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw.
“The NJFC is fortunate to have developed vital, long-term working relationships with many members of the state Legislature over the years,” said Linda Doherty, FCCfGG Treasurer, who is also the president & CEO of NJFC.
“These key partnerships have been a direct benefit to the thousands of supermarket employees and millions of New Jersey consumers who rely on a strong food industry in this state,” Doherty said. “For this golden anniversary, we will celebrate these relationships, express our appreciation and discuss critical agenda items for the coming year.”
Attendees will salute five honorees in the food retailing business and government. They include:
Patriot Award: In Memory of Bill Sumas, Village Supermarkets
This award is an honor rarely bestowed, having been received only by three others, and is a testament to the lasting impact that the late Bill Sumas had on the food industry. Sumas passed this summer after a four-year battle with cancer. The Monmouth Beach resident will be remembered for his exemplary advocacy and his engagement with government officials to foster productive partnerships between the industry and government.
“As a leader of the NJ food industry, Bill was generous and passionate about advocating for critical policy initiatives and to mentor emerging leaders,” Doherty said. “Bill has been recognized by many of his industry friends and colleagues for his commitment to serving as a role model for the future generation. He is also fondly remembered for his support of local anti-hunger initiatives and other worthy community programs.”
Good Government Award: Andrew Kent, Executive Vice President of Glass Gardens ShopRite and Chair of the NJFC
Andrew Kent, executive vice president of Glass Gardens ShopRites, represents the next generation of ownership at Glass Gardens. Kent has served as the Chair of the New Jersey Food Council Board of Directors since 2022. He graduated from the inaugural class of the NJFC Leadership Development Program in 2014 and now generously gives his time mentoring future food industry leaders.
“Andrew embraced his role as chairman and redefined the vision and engagement of the association through strategic planning and execution,” Doherty said. “His determination and involvement involved with NJFC and many other food retail organizations, both on the state and national levels, is inspiring. His commitment to effective engagement with policymakers is significant and appreciated.”
Outstanding Legislator Award: William Spearman, New Jersey General Assembly, District 5
NJFC has a longstanding working relationship with Assemblyman William Spearman. The Democratic lawmaker regularly engages and collaborates with NJFC for insights on relevant bills and proposals and offers assistance and support.
NJFC is working with Spearman on its Organized Retail Crime bill package, proactive packaging legislation, and legislation to fix the new online lottery rule. His support of these issues and other priority issues is greatly appreciated. Food security is very important to Assemblyman Spearman; he serves on Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin’s Food Security Taskforce along with Doherty.
Assemblyman Spearman has represented the 5th legislative district since 2018. He is Chair of the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee, Vice-Chair of the Children, Families and Food Security Committee, and serves on the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.
Outstanding Legislator Award: Holly Schepisi, New Jersey State Senate, District 39
NJFC has a longstanding productive relationship with State Sen. Holly Schepisi. She is a key part of Republican leadership, serving as Conference Leader.
The senator, of River Vale, is widely known for promoting pro-growth policies and advocates for decreasing regulatory burdens on New Jersey employers.
Doherty added, “Schepisi is a sponsor of NJFC’s Organized Retail Crime legislation package, designed to tackle organized retail theft and assault of retail workers through enhanced penalties, enforcement, and resources to combat these types of crimes.”
The senator has represented the 39th legislative district since 2012, first in the General Assembly and in the Senate since 2021. She serves on the Senate Community and Urban Affairs and Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committees, as well as the Joint Committee on Housing Affordability and Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity.
Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award: Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Robert Asaro-Angelo, nominated as Labor & Workforce Development commissioner in January 2018, oversees the state’s services to New Jersey workers. He was named Board Chair of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) for the 2021 association year.
“We appreciate our partnership with the Commissioner and his team and the Department’s commitment to labor and workforce development issues that significantly impact NJFC members, such as implementation of the online working papers program for minors,” Doherty said. “This new system provides flexibility and additional employment support to keep food retailers appropriately staffed so that retailers can continue to serve their customers and communities.
“We are also pleased to acknowledge our longstanding work with the department on customized training grants that support the food retail industry’s food safety training initiatives,” she added.
The FCCfGG was formed in 1973 with the support of the New Jersey Food Council to aid those responsible elected state officials and candidates who share a common objective for good government. Learn more at FCCFGG.com