Honors Legislators and NJ Health Commissioner at Event
With over 200 food industry executives, business leaders and legislators in attendance, the Food Council Committee for Good Government (FCCfGG) this week hosted its 43rd Annual Good Government Breakfast at Forsgate Country Club. You can view a highlight video of the event here, or at the bottom of this page!
The political action arm of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), FCCfGG honored Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-1) and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-16) as Legislators of the Year for their efforts in support of the New Jersey food industry. Additionally, New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett was presented with the Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award.
Recognizing leaders within the food industry, FCCfGG presented Tom Cormier of Ahold USA with the 2016 Good Government Award for his outstanding efforts advocating for our industry. The Committee also recognized future industry leaders who recently graduated from NJFC’s 2016 Leadership Development Class.
“This breakfast is a celebration of the good government process and our commitment to working with government officials and legislators to develop sound public policy,” said FCCfGG Chairman Phil Scaduto of Food Circus Foodtown who welcomed attendees with opening remarks.
Representing businesses that collectively employ more than 200,000 New Jerseyans, NJFC President and CEO Linda Doherty highlighted the importance of advocacy and government partnerships in order to help grow the industry.
“We’re one of the largest industries in New Jersey, and so it is critically important that we have these partnerships with local, state and federal government officials,” Doherty said.
Attendees also heard from Peter Larkin, President and CEO of the National Grocers Association (NGA) who talked about a number of important issues facing the food industry at the state and federal level, including minimum wage and labor policy issues.
“Whether it is local government, state government or federal government, a lot of these issues have a tremendous impact on our businesses,” Larkin said, who gave participants a briefing on the positions of this year’s presidential candidates in regards to the food industry.
“The New Jersey food industry has a strong commitment to advocacy and good government relations, as demonstrated by the outstanding attendance at this year’s event,” Doherty concluded. “This breakfast is always a great opportunity for food industry executives to talk with legislators on both sides of the aisle about the issues that matter most to their businesses. We look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with our elected officials in the months and years to come.”
About FCCfGG
Since its formation, the FCCfGG has been instrumental in promoting good relations between elected officials, candidates for office, and the food industry. NJFC members have the ability to learn about the ideas and opinions of their leaders and candidates on a number of issues which may impact their businesses, as well as communicate their views on important issues to the candidates for public office.
The New Jersey Food Council is the Garden State’s preeminent trade association representing 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 200,000 associates in NJ. For more information, visit www.njfoodcouncil.com.
2016 Good Government Breakfast Highlight Video