A business-to-business event loaded with multiple networking ... - Bitly

A business-to-business event loaded with multiple networking opportunities, information sessions, quality goods and services at every price point for businesses of all sizes!

Advance registration increases your chance of winning multiple prizes on Friday, April 28th! See full itinerary on next page

8:30 - 5:00 PM ServSafe® Certification Class & Exam Registration through Vermont Chamber of Commerce 6:00 PM Laughs at Vermont Comedy Club *Use code VRGA17 online for 10% off tickets all weekend 7:00 - 10:00 PM Switchback Brewery, Queen City Brewery, Zero Gravity Brewery, Citizen Cider & Foam Brewers 9:00 PM Late Night at Nectar’s

Maximizing your Customer Base and Revenue in an Online World Digital business strategies to attract customers to your website and your store. Social Media Strategies for Success Quick tips for success at all experience levels.

Featuring 50+ exhibitors from local and national companies to answer your questions and provide quality solutions. Enjoy multiple raffle prize giveaways throughout the day and a GRAND PRIZE, product demonstrations, networking and so much more! Information Sessions & Tradeshow are for members!

@ the Tradeshow

The Future of Healthcare in Vermont Understanding the drivers of health costs & how it impacts you. How to Tackle Waste Regulation to be Compliant What the Universal Recycling & Composting Law means for your business. Invest in Your Hiring Strategy Learn how to recruit, hire and retain engaged and dedicated talent. Improving the Customer Experience Creating unique experiences to increase customer growth and loyalty.

1st American to win an Olympic Gold Medal for XC Skiing 3x Olympic Cross-country skier 10 World Cup Competitions From Bennington, VT

Members only event. Limited to 24 tickets. Presented by Farrell Distributing Cicerone Certified Beer Servers. This also includes your ticket to Vermonte Carlo afterwards.

Organized Retail Crime: Facts and Realities What is the driving force of Organized Retail Crime & what tools and stories can help you prevent it from happening in your business.

Network the night away with unlimited samples of local beer, cider, wine and a cash bar, plus a buffet dinner with carving stations and $250 of casino chips for 8 casino games & fantastic raffle prizes from our wonderful partners!

Smarter Energy Investing Creative ways to save you money now while being an investment in your future.

Proceeds from raffle ticket sales & casino games helps fund the VRGA Scholarship Program.

THE SALES SLIP A Member Service of Vermont Retail & Grocers Association (802) 839—1928 | [email protected] | vtrga.org | @vtrga FEBRUARY 2017 Another Successful Legislative Day in the Books VRGA’s annual Legislative Day, held on February 7th, brought together nearly 90 members to hear from the state’s new slate of legislative leaders. The day brought about the opportunity to discuss issues facing businesses, including increasing the minimum wage, mandated paid family leave, and increases to the Employer Health Care Assessment, as well as a budget short fall and nearly $60 million in new revenue to address water clean up. Thank you to our sponsors for making this day possible and to our members that were able to join us for the day.

Accepting 2017 Person of the Year Nominations Do you know someone that has made a significant contribution to the retail and/or grocery industry in Vermont? Submit your nominations! The award will be presented at the VRGA Convention & Expo on April 28th at the Hilton Burlington. Person of the Year Criteria Candidates must:  Model excellences in everything they do.

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Have made significant contributions to the retail and grocery community in Vermont by contributing time, money or energy to the entire industry. Demonstrated leadership, vision, or mentorship or made personal sacrifices for the betterment of the entire industry. Promote the mission of the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association: To advocate for policies that strengthen our state’s economy and support economic growth, are committed to the success of Vermont’s grocers and retailers and the thousands of Vermonters they employ.

To make a nomination, go to: bit.ly/2017PersonOfTheYear Deadline: Wednesday, March. 15, 2016

Amazon Begins Collecting Sales Tax in Vermont The nation's largest online retailer, Amazon, announced mid-January that beginning Feb. 1, it would begin to collect the state sales tax from its Vermont consumers. Under current law, an online retailer doesn't have to collect a state sales tax from its customers unless the company has a physical presence in the state, like a store or warehouse. So Amazon's announcement came as a pleasant surprise - for lawmakers. Calais Rep. Janet Ancel is the chairwoman of the House Ways and Means Committee. For several years, she has been a strong advocate of efforts to require online retailers to collect the Vermont sales tax. "The challenge that we've had the last five to 10 years really is that more and more people are buying online, and those online retailers aren't necessarily going to collect the sales tax that's due on behalf of the state,” said Ancel. “So Amazon is a big online retailer."

Ancel thinks many other online retailers will follow Amazon's lead. That's because of a new state law that will go into effect this summer. It will require all online companies that don't collect the 6 percent state sales tax to send each of their Vermont customers an annual invoice of all of their purchases. Ancel believes that many companies will choose to collect the sales tax rather than comply with this administrative requirement. It's been projected that Vermont would receive at least $17 million in new tax revenue on a yearly basis if all online retailers collected the state sales tax. Congressman Peter Welch is a cosponsor of the federal "Main Street Tax Fairness" bill. It would require all online retailers to collect all applicable state, regional and local sales taxes. He says this issue is crying out for a national approach. "There are a lot of Vermont businesses that have a brick-and-mortar component and also have an online component where that really supplements their bottom line,”

said Welch. “So the advantage of having a national solution is that you can get simplification and make it easy for retailers."

participants. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/emergingleaders, email [email protected] (link sends e-mail) or call 802-828-4422 ext. 203.

"It's just a matter of fairness ... We pay our taxes and they should pay theirs." — Claire Benedict, Bear Pond Books coowner

Albertsons calls off Price Chopper pursuit, sources say Albertsons has dropped its pursuit of Golub Corp., parent of New York’s Price Chopper chain, sources told Super Market News recently.

State officials say it's important to remember that any items that are exempt from the Vermont sales tax will also be exempt from online retailers. These include food, clothing and a number of health products. Note: While online retailers were not required to collect the sales tax, consumers were required to report the tax on their annual tax returns. SBA, Vermont Technical College in Search for Emerging Leaders Vermont Technical College and the Small Business Administration are seeking 20 entrepreneurs throughout the state to participate in a free business course starting in April. Applications to participate are due March 1st. There are no restrictions on the types of businesses that can participate. Emerging Leaders, a seven-month program, is a free executive-level training program for entrepreneurs to learn how to establish a three-year strategic growth plan for their businesses. The strategic plans emphasize organizational structure, resource network and assistance needed to build a sustainable business of size and scale. Emerging Leaders is for established business owners and is not for start-ups or people who are thinking about starting a business. To be considered, firms must be for-profit enterprises, been in business for at least three years, have one employee other than self, and have annual revenues between $400,000 and $10 million. Business owners interested in the program need to fill out the online application at www.interise.org/SBAemergingleaders by March 1. Interise, a non-profit organization specializing in entrepreneurial education, oversees the Emerging Leaders nationwide. The SBA reviews the applications and selects the class

Albertsons was identified as being in “advanced talks” on a potential $1 billion deal to buy Golub late last year, Reuters reported. Neither Albertsons nor Price Chopper have acknowledged such talks took place, with representatives for both companies telling SN they did not comment on industry speculation as policy. SN first reported that Golub’s financial advisors had recommended the company sell itself in August. Price Chopper engaged the advisors last year as it sought additional capital investment for the purpose of funding the ongoing transformation of its stores from the Price Chopper banner to the Market 32 concept it introduced in 2014. Price Chopper has said that initiative would cost about $300 million over five years to convert roughly half of its 135 stores. Sources told SN recently it was likely that Price Chopper would continue to seek avenues for new investment but that a strategic acquisition was unlikely with Albertsons off the table. “There’s not that many buyers out there right now,” one source with knowledge of the talks, who asked not to be identified. Burt P. Flickinger III, managing director of Strategic Resource Group, said he would anticipate Price Chopper’s owners to seek an alternative means of financing such as property sale-leasebacks or a family investment in partnership with private equity, as rival Demoulas Supermarkets executed in 2014. Attracting and Retaining Retail Talent The National Retail Federation’s Foundation recently announced that it has brought together dozens of retailers and nonprofits to launch RISE Up (Retail Industry Skills & Education), a new training and credentialing initiative designed by the retail industry to help people — regardless

of education, background, economic means or age — acquire the skills they need to secure jobs in retail and advance into promising careers. From in-store to digital and mobile commerce, RISE Up is designed to build competencies and pathways for the workforce of the future. “Good jobs change lives, and retail doesn’t just provide first jobs, but opportunities for lifelong careers,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “RISE Up helps the people who need it the most, and helps retailers address recurring talent challenges — including reducing the time needed to hire and train new associates and decreasing turnover.” RISE Up begins with Retail Industry Fundamentals, a 15-module formal training program for entry-level retail associates in distribution centers, call centers or stores. It will give people a wide array of knowledge in areas like retail tools and MONTHLY TIP BY:

Customer injuries can be costly and damage a retail establishment’s reputation. They can be more frequent than employee claims in some types of stores. Customers are at risk for 3 primary reasons: 1. They expect the store to be safe 2. Children & the elderly are predisposed to injury 3. They do not receive safety training You are required to maintain safe premises for your customers. This includes the duty to warn customers of dangerous conditions that you know about, to use ordinary care in active operations and to make inspections to discover dangerous conditions and make them safe. Most customer accidents are preventable, it is important to take steps to make your establishment safer and less exposed to risk. Injuries that could become a liability include:  Slip & falls on wet floors, torn carpets, poor lighting, or escalators

technologies, customer service, retail math, inventory and interview skills. The training can be delivered in the classroom or online - to people of all backgrounds, ages and education levels. Upon successful completion of an exam, these learners will not only walk away with a credential for their resumes, but also the skills and confidence to take the first step toward a successful career. RISE Up is available through nonprofit and public education partners and can also be used directly by retail companies to train and advance existing employees. VRGA will be working with the National Retail Federation to learn more about bringing the RISE UP learning tools to Vermont.

 Head/body injuries from falling objects, displays, out-of-reach items  Shopping cart injuries from the cart tipping  Overcrowding injuries, e.g., trampling  Parking lot injuries due to cracked, poorly designed lots or failure to remove ice or snow Minimize the risk of claims:  Identify high-risk areas (e.g. where liquids are frequently spilled or tracked). Set up an employee inspection schedule to ensure it does not become dangerous.  Install cameras to monitor for dangerous conditions & provide proof in case of claim.  During poor weather conditions, take care of dangers on sidewalks, stairs & parking lots promptly.  Ensure proper lighting in all areas, check on a regular basis that all bulbs are functioning. Document inspections.  Ensure that displays are stable, with heavy items near the bottom of shelves.  Properly maintain & inspect shopping carts, discard those that show risk of tipping.  Design parking lots to avoid injury. Repave, repair and check for hazards regularly. Document inspections.

Retail Groups Meet With Lawmakers on Swipe Fee Reform The retail community recently joined together to meet with federal legislators to discuss keeping hard-fought swipe fee reforms in place. More than 60 representatives from the National Association of Convenience Stores, the Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), National Retail Federation (NRF), Merchant Advisory Group, Food Marketing Institute, and the National Restaurant Association visited Capitol Hill to tell lawmakers "how pro-competitive debit reforms have positively impacted their businesses and ask Congress to stand with Main Street retailers by opposing any efforts to weaken or repeal the law," according to RILA. The 2010 Durbin Amendment — part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act — put in place debit card swipe fee regulations which, in part, capped those fees at 21 cents per transaction plus five basis points, or .05 percent of the transaction. Those reforms have come under fire from federal legislators looking to repeal the regulations.

"By repealing debit swipe fee reform, Congress is standing with card companies and big banks on the backs of Main Street retailers. These reforms have saved retailers and our consumers billions. Repealing these reforms would harm merchants and our customers," said Austen Jensen, vice president of financial services for RILA. "The electorate has spoken and they do not want to bailout big banks for providing another bonus check for Wall Street." President Donald Trump has also put Dodd-Frank on his administration's radar. Trump has ordered a review of the law to be conducted by his Department of Treasury secretary; Debit swipe fees are retailers' second highest operational cost only to labor. Contact Vermont’s congressional delegation staffers to let them know you appreciate their support and continued efforts to keep the debit swipe fee reform in place. Congressman Peter Welch: [email protected] Senator Patrick Leahy: [email protected] Senator Bernie Sanders: [email protected]

The VRGA Legislative Fund is used to ensure decision makers in Montpelier hear your voice consistently throughout the legislative session

The option to support our legislative efforts is included on your annual membership renewal invoice. However, you are welcome to make a donation anytime throughout the year by calling 802-839-1928 or sending a check with the memo simply stating: Legislative Fund Contribution.

A special thank you goes out to the 31 MEMBERS who contributed to VRGA’s legislative efforts in 2016

Associated Grocers of NE - Cambridge Village Market - Cartier's Meats - Clark's Quality Foods - Coburns' General Store - Coca-Cola Bottling Co of NNE - Craftsbury General Store - Crossroads Discount Beverage & Deli - Crossroads Travel Center Davis Family Deli Provisions - Derby Village Store - Dorset Union Store - Hannaford General Office - Harborside Harvest Market - Jiffy Mart - Jimmy Kwik Store - Kamuda's Supermarket - Lipton Energy - Marty's 1st Stop - Mehuron's Market - North Bennington Variety - Pearl Street Beverage - Pump & Pantry - River Road Beverage - Rivers Edge Quik Stop - Small City Market - Stowe Mercantile - The Morgan Country Store - The Village Butcher - Village Peddler - Wayside Country Store - Will's Store.

MEMBER The Doc's Draft Hard Cider story began in 1989, when two doctors purchased an orchard in Warwick NY and began to learn how to cultivate fruit. Local apple growers and extension agents taught them the basics and contributed to their early success. Doc's first product, in fact our entire business, started as a result of an abundant apple crop that led us to experiment with Hard Cider. We were soon hooked and we applied for and received our farm winery license and cider producer license in 1993. Our doors opened to the public in the fall of 1994. In the early days, we had three wines and one cider, all of which were a bit unrefined to be completely honest. Our inexperience was as evident as our enthusiasm, and we persevered to create higher quality wines and cider. Every vintage improved as we honed our skills and continued to learn the art and science of wine and cider making. Eventually, hard work paid off, leading us to the development of our critically acclaimed Doc’s Draft Hard Apple Cider. The success of our Doc’s Draft Hard Cider is due to our insistence in using the finest fruit available. When not from our own orchard, we purchase only fresh market fruit from local growers with whom we have a personal relationship.

In 2002, along with high school friend of mine Jason Grizzanti (son of founder Doc Grizzanti), we set out to build the Doc’s Cider brand. After purchasing our first 6 head used Cimec bottling line and 3 head keg filler, we increased production enough to expand beyond the farm winery tasting room and local farm markets. Every week, we would load up the farm truck and sell the cider door to door in NYC. Soon the cider started to get known for its fresh, natural taste and we quickly added distribution to nearby states. Today, Doc’s Hard Cider is available in 25 states, 3 countries and growing. Certainly one of the most fun and rewarding things about owning this business is the opportunity to mesh the creativity of making something fresh, new, and crafted with the challenges of business. One of the greatest challenges I have faced so far is taking a hard cider product that has proven successful in many markets and introducing that product to Vermont, perhaps one of the most elite and competitive craft beverage markets in the world. It has been extremely gratifying to see the enthusiastic welcome it is receiving from consumers and businesses alike. - Jeremy Kidde, Owner

Upcoming DLC Training Classes for Second Class Licensees To register for any of the DLC seminars, visit: https://secure.vermont.gov/DLC/eventreg or call 802-828-2339

NEWS

BRIEFS

Congratulations to City Market for breaking ground on their expansion to the South End of Burlington. General Manager John Tashiro shared at the event that the grand opening is anticipated to be in fall of 2017. Congratulations to Phoenix Books for opening their fifth location. Husband-andwife owners Michael DeSanto and Renee Reiner are purchasing Woodstock’s Yankee Bookshop, adding to their locations in Essex, Burlington, Rutland, and Chester. Commentary: Marc Sherman – Fair & Sustainable Prices Marc Sherman of Stowe Mercantile submitted an opinion editorial in midJanuary that highlighted the struggles of small businesses across the state. “We all need to pay fair and sustainable prices for the goods and services we want. One of the fundamental problems we have in Vermont and nationally is the consumer mentality of paying the absolute lowest price possible for any product or service. This way of thinking directly opposes the reality of businesses being able to remain open, to making improvements to their businesses and most importantly, providing better pay and benefits to their employees.” To read the full commentary, visit: http://bit.ly/FairPricesVT

Cornering the Corner Market Congratulations member, Mike Comeau for your cover photo and featured article in Business People Vermont Magazine and your recent grand opening of Jericho Market. In 2004, Mike bought the ailing Richmond Corner Market, planning to fix up and manage the upstairs apartments and lease out the store. When fate intervened, he became a grocers and now owns 5 such markets in the region. For Sale—Berlin, VT Warehouse, Home Berlin,VT Warehouse with a walk in cooler, attached to a large versatile home on a 2 acre lot within easy access to I89, Montpelier, and Northfield. Extra 24x24 garage with EZ access storage on 2nd floor. 4 bedrooms, 3 bath home with a 42x32 room that could be used for dance lessons, yoga or exercise classes, or just a large room with a bar for great entertaining. Attached mother-in-law 2 bedroom apartment for rent or for family. Asking: $299,000. Many extras:  Master bedroom with bath/hot tub, walk in closet  Closeted space for washer and dryer on main floor  Sun room with a decorative propane stove  Built in bar with sink and built in decorative propane stove in large room  Unlimited business opportunities  Unlimited family fun  Great school district Call Jayne or Phil 802-456-1534 802-3717106

NEW VRGA MEMBERS! Welcome to the following businesses that recently joined the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association Hergenrother Realty Group (Associate) Jay Mitiguy 802.861.6485 Colchester, VT Acana Northeast (Associate) Hugh Kane 800.922.2629 Pembroke, NH

NEW VSFA MEMBERS! Welcome to the following businesses that recently joined the Vermont Specialty Food Association River Garden Kitchens Sarah Channon 802.626.8292 Lyndonville, VT Baby Bundts of Vermont Michelle Tomlinson 802.498.4168 Morrisville, VT Wood’s VT Syrup Company Al Woods 802.565.0309 Randolph, VT Bulrush Family Farm Daniel Eckman 802.917.1541 Randolph Center, VT

Upcoming Events Food & Beverage Tasting Reception

Food Safety Training for Processors

VRGA Convention & Expo

February 21 Montpelier, VT

February 27 - March 1 Burlington, VT

April 27 & April 28 Burlington, VT

Connect with us:

148 State Street Montpelier, Vermont 05602 and at vtrga.org RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Since 1934

Our next legislative update call will be on February. 27th at 11:30 am. Keep an eye out for the email reminder!

Check your email inbox weekly for legislative updates & information on the bi-weekly call.

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