OLYMPIA — Aug. 28, 2024 — They support Little League teams, community food banks and local seniors shopping on fixed incomes, but Washington’s small, independent grocers are increasingly in need of help themselves to compete with big-box retailers and commercial grocery chains.
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The Excellence in Safety Award acknowledges Charlie's Produce for their outstanding efforts in implementing and maintaining safety protocols, training programs, and fostering a safe environment for all employees.
Jack’s Country Store, Washington state’s oldest retail business, has been recognized by the WFIA for its community service.
Vancouver retailer The Convenience Group has been recognized by the WFIA as its Convenience Retailer of the Year for 2023-24.
The WFIA has awarded the Organically Grown Company (OGC) with its Vendor of the Year award for 2023-24.
The Myers Group, owner and operator of grocery stores, hardware stores, gas stations, and restaurants in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, has been recognized by the WFIA as its Retailer of the Year for 2023-24.
WFIA Kicks Off September with ‘We Card’ Awareness Month. Five little words – “Can I see your ID?” – can make a customer feel youthful. It can also help stop sales of age-restricted products. That’s the impetus behind September’s “We Card” Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to bolster existing responsible retailing efforts to identify and deny underage purchase attempts of age-restricted products like tobacco and vaping products.
BUNZL Distributing of Seattle and Bellingham’s Kulshan Brewing Co. are the winners of the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) 2023 Excellence in SafetyAwards.
Wray’s Market Fresh IGA, a popular family-owned grocery in Yakima has been recognized by the Washington Food Industry Association(WFIA) for its community service.
Andra and John Mobley, owners of A&J Market in Skamania, have been named the 2022-23 Retailer of the Year by the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA).
Rosie, an Instacart Company, and Rosie Senior Vice President Lori Brown have been named Vendor of the Year by the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA). The award gives special recognition to an individual or individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and support to independent grocers in Washington state.
OLYMPIA — March 27, 2023— An increased focus on workplace safety and outreach to employers would have a greater impact on reducing injuries than the new rules and penalties outlined in ESSB 5217, according to the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA).
Beginning January 1, 2023, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5761, passed in 2022, amends RCW 49.58.110 to require employers to include certain information in job postings. This applies to employers with 15 or more employees. Employers only need to post wage/salary range when the job announcement includes requirements for the position. You are able to list job openings and titles without the wage/salary range as long as you are not listing the requirements as well.
Beginning March 2023, temporary boosts to SNAP’s benefits (known as emergency allotments) that were authorized by Congress to help low-income families deal with the food and economic hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic will end nationwide following the recent passage of the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. SNAP is the nation’s largest federal nutrition assistance program. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, SNAP emergency allotments brought all SNAP households to the maximum benefit allowed by household size or provided SNAP households with a supplement of $95/month (whichever was greater). Prior to the passage of the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, Federal law required states to have an emergency or disaster declaration in place during an existing federal public health emergency declaration in order to issue SNAP emergency allotments. Currently, 31 states (including DC and Guam) are providing SNAP emergency allotments. Eighteen states no longer have emergency or disaster declarations and, therefore, have already stopped issuing emergency allotments.
The minimum wage in Seattle will increase to $18.69 on Jan. 1, a jump of $1.42 from the current minimum wage in the city.
On Thursday, November 3, 2022, WFIA held a webinar to review the new SOC code reporting requirements with Denise Craig from the Employment Security Department.In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed a law requiring employers to report SOC codes in their quarterly reports for unemployment insurance.
If you do not carry National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance, now is the time to buy it. Wildfire season is slowing down, and once the fires are out, people and communities are at risk for another threat, flooding. Wildfires leave the ground charred and unable to absorb water. This creates a flash flooding potential for years to come, even in areas that rarely experienced flooding in the past. Sometimes these flash floods can pick up ash and large debris, turning into mudflows that are highly destructive.
Retailers focus on employee training to prevent sales of alcohol, vapepens and tobacco products to minors. The customer purchasing that pack ofcigarettes, vaping pen or six-pack of beer might look 21 — but with a mask on, it’s even more difficult for a retail employees to know for sure.
As a valued member in good standing, your company or organization is allowed to cast one ballot in the proposed single slate election of the 2022-2023 WFIA Board of Directors. If you are indicated as the voting contact for the purpose of membership in the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA), please complete the nomination form using the link below. You may also submit additional nominations you believe should be considered for the Board. Please return this ballot by 4pm on October 5, 2022. Questions? Call Tammie Hetrick at 360 870-0486.
With an aim to inspire families to eat at home together more often, the Washington Food Industry Association is celebrating National Family Meals Month™ in September, encouraging families to share one more meal together each per week at home, and highlighting simple, healthy meal solutions available in member stores.
The grocery industry in the Seattle area expressed thanks to the Seattle City Council today for its vote to add a sunset that will bring an end to emergency hazard pay adopted February 3, 2021. For the past 18 months, a handful of grocery stores in the City of Seattle have been required to pay an additional $4 per hour for all workers. Tammie Hetrick, President and CEO of the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA), representing the state’s independent grocers, convenience stores and suppliers, said the council’s decision recognizes the shift as the city moves forward from the pandemic. “It has been months since our communities returned to pre-pandemic activities,” Hetrick said. “Our industry has been unfairly singled out for this extra pay, and we are deeply appreciative for the Council’s recognition tonight that we have turned a corner and are no longer operating in a pandemic emergency.”
Noting that we have turned an important corner on the COVID-19 pandemic, and recognizing that COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are readily available to all who seek them, the Burien City Council has declared an end to emergency hazard pay adopted on Feb. 8, 2021. For the past 16 months, a handful of grocery stores in the City of Burien have been required to pay an additional $5 per hour for all workers.
Charlie’s Produce has been honored by the Washington FoodIndustry Association (WFIA) for outstanding workplace safety in 2022 in the large group category. The WFIA Excellence in Safety Awards (EISA) recognizes member companies that have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to workplace safety.
The Washington Food Industry Association has selected Drew’sGrocery as the recipient of its 2021-22 Community Service Award. After more than 84 years of service to the community, Drew’sGrocery in Toutle is now looking to the community for a little help of its own. On March 9, the beloved community grocery store suffered a catastrophic loss due to a fire. The devastation has closed the store while the owners Greg and Carol Drew, along with their daughter, Julie Cox, work to rebuild.
Shoppers in beautiful North Central Washington have come to rely on Martin’s Market IGA, the only grocery store available for miles. Owner Phil Blackburn’s experience working with bigger grocery chains has been helpful to him in creating a community treasure, serving the specialized needs of his customers from all over the region.
Bryce and Andrea Clemmer, co-founders of NW Farms, the largest vertical indoor hydroponic farm in production the West Coast, have been named Vendor of the Year by the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA). The award gives special recognition to an individual or individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and support to independent grocers in Washington state. Nestled away quietly in a 25,000 square-foot Lacey business park, the farm grows six different kinds of lettuce that can be grown in just 20 days – three times faster than lettuce grown outdoors.
The Washington FoodIndustry Association (WFIA) has selected Katie Doyle to serve as its new director of government affairs. Doyle most recently served as state government affairs manager for the Washington HospitalityAssociation, working on an array of policy issues, including alcohol and gambling policies for restaurants. Doyle also led grassroots engagement efforts for the Hospitality Association, managing and expanding its statewide grassroots network by working with members, elected officials, community-based organizations, community leaders, and members of the business community.
Tammie Hetrick, President and CEO of the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA), today called on Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and the City of Seattle to end the city’shazard pay ordinance now that the mask mandate has ended.
Washington’s independent grocers and convenience stores are appealing to lawmakers to put down legislation that would add billions to employers already struggling to emerge from the impacts of COVID and the pandemic.
A new collaboration between the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) and the Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) aims to better educate policymakers and consumers about the forces impacting the state’s food supply chain. Executives representing the state’s independent grocers and the trucking industry today announced their partnership, kicking the effort off with a video and a new Supply Chain Legislative Caucus.
Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) is seeking a full-time Government Affairs Director. In this role, you will serve as WFIA’s (WFIA) government affairs representative in Washington state and will be responsible for coordinating government affairs strategies and initiatives and for lobbying for Washington Food Industry Association’s business member’s interests.
Tammie Hetrick,President and CEO of the WashingtonFood Industry Association (WFIA) said Mayor Durkan’s decision to veto a repealof Seattle’s hazard pay ordinance contradicts scientific data about the safetyof grocery stores during the pandemic.
Seattle voters sent a clear message to elected officials this election cycle: Make public safety a priority in Seattle. Leaders from the Seattle Safety Alliance, a coalition of small and large Seattle employers focused on addressing basic public safety issues in the city, said Tuesday’s election results suggest a positive step forward for the leadership of the city.
Members of the Seattle Safety Alliance, a group representing large and small Seattle-area businesses, are asking candidates for mayor to make clear their plans for addressing public safety during this Thursday’s live mayoral debate. With election day just two weeks away, M. Lorena González and Bruce Harrell will debate live this Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. The theme of the debate is public health and safety.
Gov. Inslee’s plan to require COVID-19 vaccinations — but no test-out options —for all employees in businesses with 100+ workers could jeopardize access to fresh food and other essential goods according to grocery and convenience store industry representatives. Tammie Hetrick, president and CEO of the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) said the governor’s plan would seriously jeopardize the industry’s ability to supply stores and customers with reliable access to food and other products. WFIA represents independent grocers, distributors and convenience stores in Washington state.
Grocers, Convenience Stores Continue September focus on ‘We Card Awareness Month’. Governor’s proclamation emphasizes campaign aimed at preventing sales of age-restricted products to minors.
Citing the escalating crime rates, long response times and a lack of trained public safety personnel, a new coalition of Seattle businesses is calling on city and county officials to develop a clear plan to address public safety in Seattle. In a Sept. 7 letter to elected leaders in the City of Seattle and King County, the newly formed Seattle Safety Alliance appealed to local government for help in addressing basic public safety issues.
Gov. Jay Inslee and Washingtonstate’s independent grocers , convenience stores, and their suppliers are encouraging families to eat more meals together in September. A new proclamation issued by the governor has declared September “Family Meals Month” in Washington state.
Yesterday, Governor Inslee rescinded Proclamation 20-82, which delayed the plastic bag ban. The plastic bag ban was initially supposed to take effect on January 1, 2021 after passing in the 2020 Legislative Session. The proclamation will expire at 11:59 PM on September 30, 2021, which means the plastic bag ban will be effective as of 12:00 AM on October 1.
The WFIA, along with the Association of Washington Business, Washington Hospitality Association and Associated General Contractors, has formally requested Gov. Inslee reinstate the requirement for workers to fulfill job search requirements in order to receive unemployment benefits. WFIA and the other trade groups all serve as the business representatives on the Unemployment Advisory Committee.
Beginning January 2022, Washington workers will pay up to $0.58 per $100 of earnings. Employers will be required to deduct this from each workers wages for Long Term Care Benefits. To better understand this program and what an employer’s responsibility is. Join us to understand requirements and options on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 2:30.
For nearly 60 years, John Akin, Sr. and his family have provided shoppers in the Columbia Basin with access to fresh groceries and supplies, treating customers and employees like family. For these reasons — and so many more —Akins has been awarded this year’s Retailer of the Year Award by the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA).
The Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) has honored Jerry Reser and Reser’s Fine Foods, one of the Northwest’s most recognizable food brands, with its 2020-21 Vendor of the Year award. The surprise award presentation took place Wednesday at the Beaverton facility in Oregon. Reser serves as national sales manager for the company.
There’s a reason Stormans, Inc. is known as Olympia’s hometown grocer – and is the recipient of the Washington Food Industry Association’s (WFIA) 2020-21 Community Service Award.
The Employment Standards program at the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has developed a new format for the workplace rights poster. This is one of the posters businesses are required to display.
Canada’s border closure to nonessential travel has been extended until December 21st, unfortunately, this means that Point Roberts is still closed for nonessential travel as well. Point Roberts is the only pene-exclave in U.S. and Canada that does NOT have an agreement between the two states allowing travel. Click the link below to read more about how the Pt. Roberts Red Apple, the only grocery store in town and the dire circumstances that they currently find themselves in.
Tammie Hetrick, President and CEO of the Washington Food Industry Association(WFIA), representing the state’s independent grocers and convenience stores, issued the following statement on 11/15/2020 regarding Gov. Jay Inslee’s new COVID shopping rules: “Washington state’s independent grocery and convenience stores are working hard to safely meet the needs of customers during COVID-19. Since the early days of the outbreak, grocery stores have complied with COVID regulations — masking up, sanitizing, and providing clean, safe shopping experiences. Now, our members are asking for the public’s continued patience as local grocers adjust to operating under these new rules during the busiest shopping season of the year,” said Hetrick.
A new ceremonial proclamation from Gov. Jay Inslee highlights the important role retailers play in preventing sales of age-restricted products, including tobacco and e-cigarettes, to minors. The proclamation declares September as “We Card Awareness Month,” celebrating the 25th anniversary of the education and training program designed to help retailers identify and deny underage youth and adult-for-underage attempts to purchase alcohol, tobacco and vaping products.
During this year’s legislative session, the Washington Food Industry Association gifted cookbooks while meeting with legislative members at our annual Day at the Capitol event.
WFIA has created a new resource hub to share information about he COVID-19 Response in Washington state.
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 706
Olympia, WA 98507
Physical Address
410 11th Ave SE
Olympia, WA 98501
