Getting Back to Business

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Getting Back to Business

RON FONG

PRESIDENT AND CEO CALIFORNIA GROCERS ASSOCIATION

As California returns to business as we knew it, let’s not forget the fantastic work of California’s grocery community during the pandemic.

When I packed up a few essential belongings from my office at the outset of the pandemic, my best guess was everything would return to normal within a few months – definitely by summer of 2020. But we here we are, more than one year removed from that day, having experienced the unthinkable and only now approaching the pandemic’s conclusion. At least that’s the hope, as there are numerous positive signals to consider.

California’s economy has reopened. The vaccination rate has progressed to a point where the Vaccine Community Advisory Committee, of which I was an appointee, has been disbanded. Masks are less frequently required for vaccinated Californians when heading out the door. Restaurants, bars, and events have restarted. People, generally, are able to gather again. Importantly, our grocery community is reconnecting. In early June the Independent Operators Symposium was held in Hawaii. It was just fantastic to see so many of your faces in person again, not to mention, the opportunity to get outside the house – heck outside the state. The Symposium is known to be a great chance to refresh oneself, and I’d guess everyone in attendance was in need of resetting. Feeling reinvigorated, I’m looking forward to hitting the links with you all soon and participating in other in-person CGA industry events in 2021.

Seeing everyone again in person was a great reminder that throughout it all, the grocery industry has remained steadfast. Much of corporate America is adjusting to a reopened economy and many industries are tackling some of the issues we faced during the pandemic for the first time. This reality differentiates the grocery community’s experience. From senior shopping hours and the overbuying frenzy to in-store social distancing protocols and mask procurement, in many ways the grocery industry went first. And the accomplishment of operating through these difficult times, innovating ways to keep Californians nourished and essential workers safe should not be forgotten as California gets back to business. So as we begin to reconnect, let’s find reason to celebrate the industry. I’d love to connect with you in person. I’m fond of saying CGA headquarters is your building, and I mean it. I hope you’ll visit us soon – whether at the office or a CGA event. ■

iStock