Business and Government Leaders Honored at Food Industry’s 46th Annual “Good Government” Breakfast
Business and Government Leaders Honored at Food Industry’s 46th Annual “Good Government” Breakfast
There was no shortage of pressing topics at the Food Council Committee for Good Government’s 46th Annual “Good Government” Breakfast October 2, 2019 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, as nearly 200 state lawmakers and food industry leaders discussed key business issues and honored industry professionals and policy makers making a huge difference for New Jersey consumers.
Attendees – including more than 40 state legislators – learned about the statewide roll-out of the “Choose to ReUse NJ” campaign, developed by the New Jersey Food Council and the New Jersey Clean Communities Council. The focus is to educate consumers about the need to bring their own reusable bags to the store, rather than plastic and paper bags that are often littered.
In addition, in light of the fact that all 80 seats in the state Assembly will be on the ballots on Tuesday, November 5, the breakfast featured comments from both Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick (R-21) and Deputy Assembly Speaker Dan Benson (D-14), both of whom stressed the need for better civic discourse and bipartisanship. Both also underscored the economic importance of the food industry in New Jersey.
The annual event was sponsored by the Food Council Committee for Good Government, a non-profit political action committee that aids and promotes the election of state lawmakers who support the priorities of food retailers.
“Today, our food distribution industry is feeling an enormous amount of pressure from Trenton but remember, Food Council members are the anchor of our communities,” said Phil Scaduto, Vice President of Foodtown/Food Circus and Chairman of the Food Council Committee for Good Government.
“New Jersey residents depend on our members for health and wellness, their generous charitable giving and support of our foodbanks and civic groups, and our community assistance during emergencies,” Scaduto added. “That is why we possess a unique relationship with the public sector in order to promote business prosperity, support the health and wellness of New Jersey consumers, and advance a strong political agenda in New Jersey.”
Scaduto also completed his term as the Food Council Committee for Good Governmentchair. In 2020, Richard Saker, of Saker ShopRites, will replace him.
Attendees salutedfour honorees in business and government who are making an impact in the state’s food industry.
This year’s honorees included:
- Jeanne Eichinger, Sustainability & Government Relations Team Lead, Wawa,received the “Good Government Award,” the highest honor received by food industry members who actively participate in advocacy efforts for policies that help New Jersey’s food industry thrive.
Accepting the award on her behalf was Whitley Harbold, government relations and sustainability coordinator at Wawa, who lauded Eichinger for serving as an effective business advocate over the past 10 years, building strong relationships with state lawmakers on behalf of the food industry. That includes lobbying for statewide legislation in regards to reducing single-use bags.
- Paul Rodriguez, Acting Director, NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, received the Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award for his ongoing efforts to bring updated and predictable practices to the state Office of Weights and Measures.
Rodriguez has had the opportunity to tour supermarkets with NJ Food Council President & CEO Linda Doherty and association members to learn more about the industry and to build a stronger bridge with food retailers.
“The New Jersey Food Council is a valuable partner, and this award reflects the strength of the partnership in protecting consumers and the integrity of the New Jersey marketplace,” Rodriguez said.
“In fulfilling our core mission, it is important that you understand what we expect of you, and that we understand the pressures you face and how your businesses function,” he added.
- State Senator Vin Gopal (D-11)received the “Outstanding Legislator Award” for his support of a legislative agenda that promotes growth of New Jersey’s food industry. The senator, a long-time small business owner, advocates for policies that promote a vibrant business climate and economic growth.
In accepting the award, Gopal recognized the Scaduto and Saker families, which own supermarkets in Monmouth County, thanking them for creating jobs in his legislative district.
- Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R-12)received the “Outstanding Legislator Award” for his accessibility and active engagement and support of New Jersey’s food industry. Dancer, a former mayor of Plumsted, who was elected to the Assembly in 2002, was lauded for his accessibility to the food industry and his eagerness to mentor the next generation in the business.
“I want to thank the New Jersey Food Council for doing an outstanding job informing and educating legislators, as we all work together,” Dancer said. “We work together in a bi-partisan fashion to provide public policy that not only preserves, but enhances, this great food industry.”
Dancer noted the food industry now has a $20 billion economic impact in New Jersey, paying more than $8 billion in wages for 200,000 full- and part-time workers.
The assemblyman noted: “You provide the jobs, you generate the taxes and you feed all the people.”
The FCCfGG was formed in 1973 with the support of the New Jersey Food Council to aid those responsible elected state officials and candidates who share a common objective for good government.