N.G.A. Endorses New Strat Plan

Report and Commentary by Ron Margulis

The National Grocers Association held their annual convention and trade show in Las Vegas this week, attracting nearly 20% more attendees this year than last. At the opening session of the convention earlier this week, the organization announced a new strategic plan to guide the group and its members over the next several years.

"If you want to summarize the strategic plan in one sentence: N.G.A. is the only national association devoted exclusively to the growth and the prosperity of the independent, community-based grocery system," said Michael Needler, president and CEO of Fresh Encounter, and outgoing chairman of N.G.A.

The plan has five components that establish the organization's strategic position and focus:

1. N.G.A.'s membership scope, which includes privately owned and family controlled retail grocery companies and their partners.
   
   
2. The N.G.A. statement of philosophy, which reads. "To promote diversity in the marketplace so as to increase consumer choice in terms of price, variety, service and value achieved through a healthy independent sector."
   
   
3. The N.G.A. mission statement, which reads, "Ensure independent retailer and wholesalers have the opportunity to serve consumers in the marketplace through its policies, advocacy, programs and service".
   
   
4. Nine strategic objectives, including retailer services, wholesaler services, manufacturer/supplier service, customer relations, government relations, research and education, communications, fair competition and industry relations.
   
   
5. 10-point working agenda: Effectively Compete Against Wal-Mart and other Power Buyers; Repeal the Estate Tax; Create a Level Playing Field; Reinvent the Supermarket as a Lifestyle Destination Center; Win Back Center Store Sales; Recruit the Next Generation of Quality Managers and Entrepreneurs; Retails/Wholesalers Must Operate More as a Virtual Chain; Take Full Advantage of all Available Technology; Create New Synergies That Achieve More Competitive Economies of Scale and Access to Competitive Growth Capital.

"N.G.A. is excited about what the future holds for our membership, and we look forward to successfully implementing this strategic vision for the benefit of independent, community-focused retailers and wholesalers, for the benefit of American consumers, and the benefit of the American free-enterprise system," Tom Zaucha, N.G.A.'s president and CEO, said.

Moderator's Comment: Will the new strategic plan help N.G.A. and its members face the increasing levels of competition from within and outside the traditional grocery industry?

Plans are words and only actions can lead to results. All trade groups are working overtime to prove their worth to their members, and N.G.A. is no exception. Now they have to deliver on their stated goals. - Ron Margulis, Moderator - Ron Margulis - Moderator

• National Grocers Association, http://www.nationalgrocers.org