By Jim Dudlicek, Director, Communications and External Affairs
How is NGA working for you?
NGA hosted a recent webinar that served as a membership primer for new members or existing ones looking to reacquaint themselves will all the features and services the association has to offer.
Member Services Manager Sarah Long and other department staff explained what maximizing an NGA membership means for you and your business, from advocacy efforts, member services and key resources to industry relations, networking events and share groups. The presentation explored what networking events and conferences are best suited for you and your team; how to collaborate and connect with independent retailers and wholesalers; joining the fight to level the playing field for independents; and recruiting, retaining and training top talent.
Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:
NGA does it all. The full-service trade association offers advocacy and legislative support, government relations, communications support, conferences and networking, member services, industry insights and research, education opportunities, and produce incentive technical assistance. Membership categories are offered for retailers, wholesalers and associates (suppliers looking to engage with retailers and wholesalers).
NGA gives you a voice. The association’s advocacy and government relations activities are driven by skilled lobbyists who promote the needs of the supermarket industry and help shape policy outcomes at all legislative levels. They also help members navigate current legislation and engage grocers through the Government Relations Committee, grassroots campaigns and weekly Capital Checkout newsletter.
NGA speaks to you through frequent member communications like the Express Lane daily newsletter, member alerts on key emerging issues, and frequent webinars on topics that help grocery operators drive growth and stay on trend.
NGA backs up with facts, commissioning regular research projects like the Economic Impact Study that demonstrates the importance of independent grocers to the local, regional and national economies; and an annual financial survey that tracks the financial performance of independent operators.
NGA gives members tools for success, like its annual buyers guide, a toolkit for offering online SNAP and, coming soon, NGA Independent Insights Powered by BRdata, a cloud-based data analytics platform. There’s also the Executive Leadership Development Program and a career services center, both offered through the NGA Foundation (NGAF); and support on nutrition incentives offered by the NGAF Technical Assistance Center.
NGA gathers to network and learn at The NGA Show, its annual conference featuring hundreds of exhibitors and dozens of educational workshops, as well as the retailer-supplier MATCH! Program, Best Bagger Competition and Creative Choice Awards. Additionally, there’s an invitation-only Executive Conference for c-suite leaders, Grocers Day in Washington and Engage: Store Operations Summit. Plus, there’s opportunities for members to participate in share groups, committees and task forces, as well as the NGA Board of Directors.
NGA inspires its members. Here’s some of the feedback received from actual NGA members: “Promotes collaboration in the industry and protects our interests in Washington.” “Keeping us updated in a changing environment, rules, regulations and best practices.” “NGA brings people together in a positive environment to connect, share, collaborate and move forward.”
For more information on the benefits of NGA membership, visit nationalgrocers.org or contact Sarah Long at slong@nationalgrocers.org.
