Government RELATIONS DAY

Government
RelationS Day
2015
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
Together, shaping the future of the food industry.
SPEAKERS
NHGA 2015 Government Relations Day
Founded in 1992, the NHGA Government Relations
Education Fund (GREF) augments NHGA’s legislative
activities in a host of ways to preserve your business’
rights. GREF’s purposes are primarily educational and
for advocacy of critical issues affecting the food and
beverage industries. GREF monies come directly from
businesses throughout the industry including retailers,
wholesalers, vendors, brokers and manufacturers. In
addition, a small percentage is received from personal
contributions. GREF funds cannot be used to support
candidates for election.
How Does G.R.E.F. Work?
GREF has been established by the NHGA Board
of Directors to raise funds which will be used to:
 Educate members of the State’s Legislature
on issues which affect the food industry.
 Food Marketing Institute (FMI)
 Grocery Manufacturers Association GMA)
 Increase the political and legislative visibility
of the food industry in the State’s Capitol.
 National Association of Convenience Stores
 Influence key policy decisions through a
comprehensive political education program.
 National Grocers Association (NGA)
 Aggressively interact with all state agencies
on rules and enforcement procedures.
G.R.E.F. Action plan
Create opportunities for members to meet
and influence key decision makers through
personal agency visits or Public Hearings.
(NACS)
 National Petroleum Council (NPC)
 North American Wholesale Grocers Association
(NAWGA)
 Non-Prescription Drug Manufacturers Association
(NDMA)
 Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Provide members with accurate information
about critical economic issues affecting them
and the State.
 United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association
Maintain immediate access and knowledge to
State and Federal Laws, Regulations, pending
Legislation, elected officials and agencies
through the www.grocers.org website.
 Most New Hampshire and New England Based
110 Stark Street
Manchester, NH 03101
Tel: (603) 669-9333
Fax: (603) 623-1137
2
Networking On Your Behalf
 American Plastics Council
Trade Associations
 Coalition of New England Governors (CONEG)
 New England Convenience Store Association
(NECSA)
AdvocAte
communicAte
educAte
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
8:00 am
Registration and Breakfast Buffet
8:45 am
Welcome from the New Hampshire Senate
Presented by Sen. Chuck Morse, Senate President
9:00 am Opening Remarks
Presented by Tim Merrill, NHGA Chairman of the Board
9:05 am
Overview of the New Hampshire Legislative Process
Presented by Stuart Trachy, NHGA Government Affairs,
John M. Dumais, NHGA President & CEO
9:35 am
NHGA’s Ad Hoc Committee Activities
Presented by Bruce Bergeron, Jake’s Market
9:45
am
AGENDA
OVERVIEW
Report from the New Hampshire House Presented by Shawn Jasper, Speaker of the House
10:00 am
Status Report on Federal Legislative Issues Important to Grocers
Moderator: Judy Knapp, Hannaford Supermarkets
Ilene Beattie, Jiffy Mart Stores
John M. Dumais, NHGA President & CEO
Jay Rainville, Market Basket Super
10:20 am Networking Break
Presented by Amy Hall, NH Dairy Promotion, Director. HP Hood provided product to enjoy!
10:30 am
Panel Discussion: Collaborating with Farmers to Increase Sales
Sourcing and Selling Locally Grown and Produced Items
Presented by Lorraine Merrill, NH Dept. of Agriculture, Commissioner,
Gail McWilliam Jellie, Division of Agricultural Development, Director
Rebecca Malila, Division of NH Weights & Measures, Director
Tony White, Hanover-Lebanon Co-op stores, Director Of Operations
John Cohen, Assistant Store Manager at E.M Heath Supermarket
Larry Pletcher, farmer of locally grown organic produce, Vegetable Ranch, LLC
11:30 am Presentation of the National Grocers ‘Spirit of America’ Award Presented by John M. Dumais, NHGA President & CEO
11:45 am
NHGA Annual Meeting
Chaired by Tim Merrill, NHGA Chairwoman of the Board
12:00 pm
Luncheon
12:30 pm
Homeland Security: Preparing You and Your Customers for All Emergencies
Presented by Michael D. Todd, Public Information Officer, NH Department of Safety
1:30 pm
The Correct Way to Plan For Retirement
Presented Joel Kapelson, Robert Aries and Kenneth Baron
2:30 pm
The Annual Top Ten List of Violations Found by the NH Department of Labor
Presented by Charla Bizios Stevens, Esq., McLane Law Firm
3:45 pm
Adjourn
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
3
SPEAKERS
NHGA 2015 Government Relations Day
Join Us in Welcoming Our
2015 Annual Government Relations Day Speakers
(in order of appearance)
Tim Merrill, General Manager of AG Supermarkets, Inc. started his career in the grocery
industry in 1974 at Violette’s IGA in Milford, NH, During Tim’s 20 year tenure at Violette’s
he progressed from bag boy to deli/bakery manager, Ass’t Manager and Store Manager in
1994. Tim took a position as Ass’t Store Manager for Shaw’s. Five years later, he moved
to the wholesale side of the business as a Retail Counselor at AGNE. In July 2004, Tim
transitioned to the position of General Manager of AG Supermarkets, Inc. Tim, an outdoor
enthusiast and avid hunter and fisherman, is a life long resident of Milford. He and his wife Jacqueline
have 3 daughters, one son and a grandson.
Stuart Trachy is currently the Government Affairs Consultant for NHGA. In this capacity
he is well versed on state legislative and regulatory activities. At the State House he
remains a well respected and effective advocate for the food industry. His success in this
area is due to his ability to establish relationships that transcends partisan lines.
He began his career by attending Saint Anselm’s College majoring in politics; and later
attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Stuart was elected to the NH House
of Representatives from 1976 to 1982. Following this state service, he formed his only
lobbying firm and eventually acquired Kennedy Associates upon Philip Kennedy’s retirement. Beginning
in 1993, he served eight years as chairman of the Merrimack County Board of Commissioners. In
2011, he was chairman of the LRGHealthcare Board of Trustees chairman. Today, Stuart represents
numerous clients including the NH Coalition of Chain Drugs; NH State Chiropractic Society and the Wine
Institute to name a few. During the legislative session, Stuart provides a detailed weekly report showing
the current status of over 100 bills of interest to NHGA and its members. This report is e-mailed to any
interested member at no charge. In addition, Stuart hosts a Monday morning conference call, which is
open to all members, providing details and insight to all state government activities. Stuart is available
throughout the entire year to assist in meeting with any state agency on issues affecting member’s
businesses.
John Dumais the President and Chief Executive Officer for NH Grocers Association.
He administers the Association’s many programs and has been with the Association
since 1974. He is Treasurer of the Food INDUSTRY Education Foundation of NH and
Administrator for the state, licensed Grocers Insurance Agency. He remains Chair for
NH the Beautiful, and member of the NH Food Bank Advisory Board. In his personal
life he is the donor advisor of the Mary M. Dumais Memorial Fund that provides grants
to organizations assisting business women. John graduated from NH College with a BA
in Business (cum laude) and earned a minor in Management Information Systems. John resides in
Antrim, NH with his wife, Melinda.
4
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
NHGA Legislative Report 2015-2016
Bill
HB 114
HB 200
HB 219
HB 429
HB 550
HB 554
HB 585
SB 99
SB 169
SB 216
HB 197
HB 366
HB 391
SB 35
SB 93
SB 106
HB 122
HB 177
HB 187
HB 365
HB 411
Title
Relative to grocery sales by stores licensed to sell alcoholic beverages (eliminates
minimum grocery inventory language from the definition of “grocery or convenience
store”)
NEW TITLE: Allowing homestead food operations exempt from licensure to sell homestead
food products at retail food stores
Relative to uses of the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards (prohibits the use of EBT
cards in business that primarily engage in body piercing, branding, or tattooing; cigar
stores and smoke shops; and marijuana dispensaries. The bill also requires the
department of health and human services to establish an education program relative to the
use of EBT cards and requires the department to report on the effectiveness of electronic
blocking of EBT cards at prohibited locations)
Reviving the commission to review and consider alcoholic beverage manufacturing
processes and retail sales at manufacturing facilities (revives the commission to review
and consider alcoholic beverage manufacturing processes and retail sales at
manufacturing facilities, which was repealed November 1, 2014. This bill was requested
by the commission to review and consider alcoholic beverage manufacturing processes
and retail sales at manufacturing facilities established by RSA 175:9)
Relative to the administration of the tobacco tax (makes a variety of changes to the
tobacco tax laws, including changing and adding certain definitions and removing
references to metering machines. This bill clarifies activities which constitute unauthorized
sales of tobacco products. The bill also adds records of tobacco stamps sold and tobacco
products distributed to required taxpayer records)
Relative to sales of beer in refillable containers (authorizes the sale of beer in refillable
containers. This bill was requested by commission to study the sale of beer in refillable
containers established in RSA 176:19)
Relative to fines for violations of alcoholic beverage laws (I. Establishes a penalty
assessment for violation of alcoholic beverage laws. II. Eliminates payments to counties
and towns from fines for violations of alcoholic beverage laws)
Establishing a committee to study allowing the sampling of beer or wine at farmer's
markets
Relative to permissible uses of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards (expands restrictions
on the use of EBT cards. The bill also directs the department of health and human services
to report on the adoption and implementation of restrictions on the use of EBT cards)
NEW TITLE: Relative to sales of alcoholic beverages by manufacturers (authorizes sales of
samples of alcoholic beverages by manufacturers. Samples sold by beverage
manufacturers would be for on-premises consumption)
Relative to sales and samples provided by wine manufacturers (allows a wine
manufacturer licensee to charge for samples provided to visitors at its facility. This bill also
authorizes the wine manufacturer to conduct sampling and retail sales at locations other
than its manufacturing facility)
Relative to the alcohol percentage used to classify beverages
Applying the E911 surcharge to prepaid cellular telephones
Sponsor
Status
Murphy,
Retained in committee
Keith
Priority
A
Brown,
Passed the House 3/11/15 with
Rebecca amendment
McMahon, Senate hearing 4/7/15, 1:00, 101 LOB
Charles
A
Rice, Fred Senate hearing 3/31/15, 1:00, Room 100,
SH
A
Ober,
Russell
Senate Ways & Means Committee hearing A
4/7/15, 9:45, Room 103 SH
Williams,
Kermit
Senate hearing 3/31/15, 1:15, Room 100,
SH
A
Cushing,
Renny
Retained in committee. House Ways &
Means.
A
Feltes, Dan House Commerce Committee hearing
4/8/15, 1:30, 302 LOB
Forrester, Hearing 4/8/15, 11:00, 205 LOB
Jeanie
A
Boutin,
David
House hearing 4/7/15, 10:00, 302 LOB
A
Hansen,
Peter
Retained in committee
B
Retained in committee
Referred to Senate Energy committee.
B
B
House hearing 3/24/15, 10:00, 302 LOB
B
House Commerce Committee hearing
3/24/15, 10:45, 302 LOB
House hearing 3/31/15, 10:00, 204 LOB
B
Hunt, John
Introne,
Robert
Relative to the definition of wine- fortified (removes the word “grape” from the definition of Carson,
wine-fortified)
Sharon
NEW TITLE: Relative to the definition of beverage
Sanborn,
Andy
Restricting the sale or possession of synthetic drugs (prohibits the sale, use, or possession Kelly,
of synthetic drugs in this state. The bill also requires the governor’s commission on alcohol Molly
and drug abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery to make recommendations for public
awareness and education on the dangers of synthetic drugs)
Relative to advertising of liquor or beverages (modifies the prohibition on advertisements of Murphy,
alcoholic beverages referencing minors)
Keith
Before the Senate 4/9/15 with a
recommendation the bill pass with
amendment.
Relative to sales for consumption on premise of beverage manufacturers (authorizes sales Hunt, John Senate hearing 3/31/15, 1:45, Room 100
of samples of alcoholic beverages by manufacturers. Samples sold by beverage
SH
manufacturers would be for on-premises consumption)
Relative to information sharing for enforcement of the tobacco tax and relative to the
Major,
Passed the House 3/4/15. Referred to
biennial adjustment of the filing threshold for the business enterprise tax (permits the
Norman
Senate Ways & Means Committee
sharing of information between the department of revenue administration and the liquor
commission’s division of enforcement for purposes of enforcement of the tobacco tax. Also
sets formula for BET filing formula. Request of DRA)
Prohibiting an employer from using credit history in employment decisions (establishes the Cushing, Killed in the House 3/12/15
Employee Credit Privacy Protection Act which prohibits employers from using credit history Rene
in employment decisions)
Repealing laws relative to the payment of subminimum wages to persons with disabilities Ley,
Passed the House 3/11/15 with
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
A
A
B
C
C
C
C
C
5
NHGA Legislative Report 2015-2016
Bill
HB 450
HB 477
SB 189
SB 199
HB 1
HB 2
HB 128
HB 163
HB 361
HB 381
HB 386
HB 559
HB 594
HB 600
HB 601
HB 658
HB 668
HB 686
HB 687
SB 2
SB 3
SB 24
SB 113
SB 238
6
Title
(prohibits employers from employing individuals with disabilities at an hourly rate lower
than the federal minimum wage except for practical experience or training programs)
NEW TITLE: Relative to the definition of "employee" for the purposes of workers'
compensation and unemployment compensation
Relative to workers’ compensation benefits and establishing payment schedules (changes
the weekly compensation for temporary total disability, permanent total disability, and
temporary partial and permanent partial disability. This bill also requires the labor
commissioner to establish medical payment schedules)
Relative to liquor manufacturers (requires that all liquor manufacturer licensees ferment
and distill liquor from raw materials and expands their authority to sell their products)
Including prepaid communications services as taxable under the communications services
tax
Making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years
ending June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2017 (state budget for fiscal years 2016 and 2017)
Sponsor
Douglas
amendment
Status
Murphy,
Passed the House 3/12/15 with
Keith
amendment
Flanagan, Retained in committee.
Jack
Bradley,
House hearing 4/7/15, 10:45, 302 LOB
Jeb
D'Allesand Killed in the Senate 3/5/15. 17-6 vote.
ro, Lou
Kurk, Neal Passed the House 4/1/15 with
amendments. Budget now moves to the
Senate.
Relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures (so-called "trailer bill" to HB 1,
Kurk, Neal Passed the House 4/1/15 with
the budget bill, and is the vehicle for policy and statutory changes needed to implement
amendments. Budget "trailer bill" now
the budget)
moves to the Senate.
Authorizing individuals and certain businesses to purchase health insurance from out-of- McClarren, Retained in committee.
state companies
Donald
Raising the minimum wage
Robertson, Killed in the House 3/11/15
Timothy
Relative to the definition of "employee" (modifies the definition of “employee” to exclude Infantine, Passed the House 3/11/15 with
persons who work exclusively at home via the Internet for online business activities)
Will
amendment. Referred to Senate Commerce
Committee.
Allowing a liquor manufacturer to be issued an on-premise license
McConkey, Before the Senate 4/9/15 with a
Mark
recommendation the bill pass.
Relative to the rate of the business profits tax
Spillane, Retained in committee
James
Relative to vehicle registration by entities doing business in NH (requires nonresident
Hinch,
Senate Transportation Committee hearing
business entities to register certain vehicles in New Hampshire. This bill was requested by Richard
3/24/15, 1:15, 103 LOB.
the department of safety)
Establishing keno
Ober, Lynn Retained in committee
Relative to paid sick leave for employees (requires employers to provide paid sick leave for Gile, Mary Killed in the House 3/12/15. 219-122 vote
employees)
Stuart
Relative to cash dispensing machine requirements (removes the requirement that
Schleien, Retained in committee.
operators of cash dispensing machines notify the banking commission of the operation of Eric
cash dispensing machines)
Prohibiting collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join a labor union Baldasaro, Senate hearing 3/31/15, 2:00, 103
Al
Relative to expense deductions under the business profits tax
Sanborn, Retained in committee.
Laurie
Establishing a single payer health care system and making an appropriation therefor
McNamara Killed in the House 2/18/15
, Richard
Relative to redetermining eligibility for Medicaid (requires the department of health and
Hess,
Killed in the House 2/18/15
human services to verify income, residency, and identity for purposes of eligibility for
David
Medicaid. The bill requires the department to procure and contract with a vendor to
conduct data matches to verify eligibility for medical assistance. The bill grants rulemaking
authority to the commissioner of the department of health and human services for the
purposes of the bill)
Reducing the rate of the business profits tax (reduces the rate of the business enterprise Sanborn, Passed in the Senate 14-10 3/19/15.
tax over a 3-year period)
Andy
Tabled in the Senate.
Relative to payment for reasonable value of services (requires the insurance department to Daniels,
Rereferred to Senate Committee. 3/26/15.
set rates for payment for medical services necessary for the treatment of injured workers Gary
under workers’ compensation)
Relative to blanket accident and health insurance (clarifies the definition relating to blanket D'Allesand Killed in the Senate 2/12/15
accident and health insurance. This bill also adds certain policyholders which may be
ro, Lou
covered by blanket accident and health insurance)
Relative to video lottery and table gaming (gambling bill providing for two casinos)
D'Allesand House hearing 4/7/15, 10:00, 202-204 LOB
ro, Lou
Relative to the workers' compensation appeals board (adjusts size of the workers’
Fuller
House hearing 4/7/15, 1:00, 307 LOB
compensation appeals board and raises the per diem amount of compensation for its
Clark
members)
Priority
C
C
C
C
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
NHGA 2015 Government Relations Day SPEAKERS
Senator Charles “Chuck” Morse is a Republican from Salem serving his fifth term
representing District 22, which is comprised of the towns of Atkinson, Pelham, Plaistow
and Salem. He was elected the 128th President of the state Senate in September of
2013, a position he still serves in today. Since the founding of the Senate in 1784, he is
the fourth lawmaker from Salem to be given this distinction by his colleagues.
Due to the fact New Hampshire does not elect a lieutenant governor, the Senate
President serves as “acting governor” whenever the governor is out of state or otherwise
unable to perform the duties of the office.
Sen. Morse was re-elected to the Senate in 2010, 2012, and 2014 having previously served from
2002-2006. He previously chaired the Finance Committee, guiding them through three budgets,
was Vice Chairman of Transportation and has served on both the Capital Budget and the Public and
Municipal Affairs committees.
One of Senator Morse’s major accomplishments includes securing funding to complete the I-93
expansion project which will allow greater access to travelers in and out of the state.
Senator Morse currently serves on both the Finance and Ways & Means Committees.
Prior to his service with the Senate, Sen. Morse also spent two terms in the New Hampshire House
of Representatives representing Salem and Windham. In 2006, he was the Republican nominee for
Executive Council for the state’s Third District. He has also served his local community as both town
moderator and selectman.
Bruce Bergeron is General Manager of Jake’s Market & Deli convenience stores which
operates 8 stores in NH & VT. Following his graduation from The Whittemore School of
Business & Economics at UNH, Bruce held various management positions with Johnson
& Dix Fuel Distributors, including the gasoline division, wholesale fuel division, and fuel
oil and propane division. In 2008 joined Jake’s Market & Deli and helped grow the
business from 3 stores to the 8 it is today. Bruce is a past and present member of many
Boards, representing industry and non-profit organizations. Bruce resides in Lebanon NH.
Getting Involved
We strive to provide you with resources
for you to be informed and involved, but
you can make a difference too. For a
current list of elected officials and their
contact information go to the
New Hampshire official website –
https://www.nh.gov/government
Smart phone user scan this
code to save web address
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
7
SPEAKERS
NHGA 2015 Government Relations Day
Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives Shawn N. Jasper, currently
serving in his 11th term in the New Hampshire House, represents the towns of Hudson and
Pelham in Hillsborough County, District 37. In his role as speaker, he also chairs the House
Rules Committee as well as the Joint Legislative Committee on Facilities. In previous terms
as a member of the NH House of Representatives, Speaker Jasaper has served in several
leadership positions, including Deputy Majority Leader, Assistant Majority Leader, Majority
Whip, Minority Whip, and on various House standing committees, including Legislative
Ethics (Chair), Judiciary, Ways and Means, Legislative Administration and Election Law. He is a member
of the Hudson Historical Society, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, the Bektash Shriners, and the Free
& Accepted Masons. He has also served on the Hudson Board of Selectmen, the Hudson Municipal
Budget Committee, and as Town and School District Moderator. Speaker Jasper, a graduate of Alvirne
High School in Hudson and the University of New Hampshire (AD, 1989), is a self-employed property
owner. He and his wife Laurie reside in Hudson and have a daughter, Sarah.
Ilene Beattie is a 44-year veteran of the Food Industry and handles the dual responsibilities of Office Manager and Human Resource Director for Jiffy Mart. She is very active in
the community and involved with the Library Association, is on the Women of Windsor
Board, and Paradise Park Commission. She and her husband Butch reside in Windsor,
VT. They have two grown children, Sarah & Jamie and two grandchildren.
Judy Knapp is currently the Government Relations Representative for Delhaize America/
Hannaford and has worked for the company for over 29 years. She also serves on several
state Retail WIC Advisory Councils, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and on Government
Relation committees in NH, ME, VT, NY, PA, MA, NJ & OH.
Jay Rainville is the Supervisor of Operations for DeMoulas/Market Basket Supermarkets, Inc. He has held this position for 19 years and has been with the company for 30
years. He has also been active in the Food Industry for 35 years. Jay and his wife Gerry
reside in Hooksett.
Lorraine Merrill is the 6th and current New Hampshire Commissioner of Agriculture.
Merrill was appointed by Gov. John Lynch in 2007, and subsequently reappointed by
Governor Maggie Hassan to a second five-year term in 2013.
Rebecca Malila is the Director of the Division of Weights and Measures. She is a certified Lean Green
Belt and has implemented many improvement measures and efficiencies within the Division. She
holds a J.D. degree from the UNH School of Law, where she specialized in administrative law.
8
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
NHGA 2015 Government Relations Day SPEAKERS
Gail McWilliam Jellie is the Director of Agricultural Development for the NH Dept. of Ag-
riculture, Markets & Food, a position she has held since 1993. Prior to that she worked
for ten years as an Extension Educator in Agricultural Resources with UNH Cooperative
Extension in the Sullivan County office. She has also worked in retail store management
with Agway, Inc. In her current position she develops and oversees programs to bring the
consumer and producer together in the marketplace. This includes work with agricultural
and community organizations, development of printed, electronic and other information materials, trade
show and special event coordination, media efforts, etc. McWilliam Jellie holds a BS Degree in Animal
Science from the University of Vermont and a Master’s Degree in Education from Keene State College in
New Hampshire. She lives with her family in Charlestown, NH.
Tony White, Operations Director for the Hanover Consumer Co-operative Society, Hanover, NH. Hanover
Co-op operates 3 full-service food stores, a convenience store, a gasoline service station/car repair shop
and a commissary kitchen. Annual sales are 74 million and the organization as over 30,000 members.
During the last 17 years have held various positions at Hanover that include; Perishable Merchandiser,
Merchandising Director, Merchandising Operations Director and current position of Operations Director.
A 2013 Graduate of the Master of Management of Cooperatives and Credit Unions Program (MMCCU)
through Saint Mary’s University in Halifax Nova Scotia. Currently serves on the Vermont Grocers Board
of Directors. Serves as Secretary for the MMCCU Alumni Association Cooperative Board of Directors and
is a Board Member of the Cooperative Management Education Cooperative.
Larry Pletcher, Farmer of locally grown organic produce, Vegetable Ranch, LLC chose farming as his
second career, but was first certified organic in 1988. Vegetable Ranch LLC began full time in 2001.
Since then they have expanded from 2 1/2 acres to more than 14 acres of certified organic vegetables.
In recent years they have also added certified organic chicken and pork. Vegetable Ranch operates CSAs
in both summer and winter and participates in the Concord Farmers Market year round. They supply
produce to Concord Cooperative Market, A-Market in Manchester and Newport RI, Whole Foods, and to
a variety of restaurants and other outlets. In 2015 they will add Hannafords to our list of customers and
add a certified organic salad mix to our wholesale offerings.
John Cohen, Assistant Store Manager at E.M Heath Supermarket. Started his career in retail back in
1985 with a part-time after school at Stop and Shop in the produce department. After Graduation he
began full time for Stop and Shop in the produce department at one of their busiest locations working
the over night shifts. After 5 years he left Stop and Shop and went onto work for Omni Foods as the
assistant produce manager. After 11 months he was promoted to produce manager and sent to their
new store Jackson Star Market in Meredith, NH where he worked for 7 years. He was later hired at E.M.
Heath Supermarket where he has been for the last 16 years. The first thriteen years he served as produce manager and the last 3 years as the assistant store manager. John’s extensive experience has
given him the opportunity to work closely with local farmers to provide the freshest products and an
exciting shopping experience for the customers.
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
9
SPEAKERS
NHGA 2015 Government Relations Day
Michael D. Todd holds a JD from the University of New Hampshire School of Law and
is a PhD candidate at Penn State where he worked as a communications instructor
and conducted research for the Pennsylvania Center for the First Amendment. He
has worked as a news writer and editor at newspapers and magazines in Utah and
Illinois and served as a photojournalist in the Army Reserve. Michael holds a master’s
in communications and a bachelor’s in print journalism. Currently, Mike is the Public
Information Officer for the NH Department of Safety.
Joel A. Kapelson is a registered representative of and offers securities through MML
Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC. Knowledge is the key to a successful financial
future. Joel’s background, experience and commitment to providing you with the resources you need to make financial decisions, can help make your financial future as
successful as you need it to be.Priding himself in getting to know each client to understand their individual needs and what matters most to them. This helps to recommend products and strategies designed to meet their current needs, and more importantly, their
future needs.
Robert Aries is a graduate of Fitchburg State College with a Bachelor of science degree in Accounting.
He has been in the Financial Services Industry since 1987. Presently he lives in Nashua, NH with
his wife Susan and five children, six dogs and three cats.
Kenneth Baron of the Social Security Administration who has worked over 33 years for the agency. As
a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist he covers numerous public events in Northern New England
which include conducting seminars, workshops, conferences, health and benefit fairs as well as employer and financial advisor trainings. He’s a guest speaker on several radio talk shows, has had several of his presentations broadcast on local and community TV networks and appeared on NH Public
TV. Ken has newspaper articles and columns in several New Hampshire publications. He’s also been
a participant in strategic training at the school of mass communications at Loyola University in New
Orleans.
Charla Bizios Stevens, Esq. is chair of the Employment Law Practice Group at McLane,
Graf, Raulerson & Middleton. She is a member of the firm’s Litigation Department and
also practices in the education and health care law practice groups. She regularly advises
business clients on personnel policies, wage and hour issues, labor audits, discrimination
claims, internal investigations and the termination and discipline of employees. Charla also
conducts in-house management and sexual harassment training, as well as self-audits for
companies who want to evaluate their personnel practices. Her litigation background includes practice
in the state and federal courts of New Hampshire and Massachusetts and before numerous state and
federal administrative agencies. Charla has been recognized as a leading attorney by Chambers USA,
Best Lawyers and New England Super Lawyers.
10
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
NHGA 2015 Government Relations Day Morning Session
Panel Discussion:
Collaborating with Farmers
to Increase Sales
Sourcing and Selling
Locally Grown and Produced Items
Lorraine Merrill, NH Dept. of Agriculture, Commissioner,
Gail McWilliam Jellie, Division of Agricultural Development, Director
Rebecca Malila, Division of NH Weights & Measures, Director
Tony White, Hanover-Lebanon Co-op stores, Director Of Operations
John Cohen, Assistant Store Manager at E.M Heath Supermarket
Larry Pletcher, farmer of locally grown organic produce, Vegetable Ranch, LLC
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
11
NHGA 2015 Government Relations Day
Afternoon Session
Preparing You and Your Customers
for All Emergencies
Presented by
Michael D. Todd
Public Information Officer,
NH Department of Safety
DISASTERS CAN HAPPEN
ANYWHERE…ANYTIME
GET READY TO RESPOND:
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BUILD AN EMERGENCY KIT
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Visit ReadyNH.gov to get the tools you need! Be Safe!
12
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
NHGA 2015 Government Relations Day Afternoon Session
Social Security plays a role in every
individual’s retirement strategy,
but how well do you really
understand how the
program works and
your level of benefit
eligibility?
You will hear from Kenneth Baron of the Social Security
Administration who has worked over 33 years for the agency. As
a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist he covers numerous
public events in Northern New England which include conducting seminars, workshops, conferences,
health and benefit fairs as well as employer and financial advisor trainings. He’s a guest speaker on several
radio talk shows, has had several of his presentations broadcast on local and community TV networks
and appeared on NH Public TV. Ken has newspaper articles and columns in several New Hampshire
publications. He’s also been a participant in strategic training at the school of mass communications at
Loyola University in New Orleans. Ken will be able to answer your questions about Social Security, and
inform you on facts you should know, such as:
► How your retirement benefits and those of a spouse are calculated
► Your eligibility for Full Retirement Benefits
► The choices you have regarding when to start receiving benefits
► How benefits are affected when a spouse dies
► Whether income you earn may reduce your Social Security benefits
► How early can you qualify for Medicare and the different parts of the program
► Our electronic services and website resources
These are just a few of the many topics that are likely to be part of a wide-ranging conversation about
Social Security. This is an opportunity for you to hear directly from an expert and learn the answers to
questions you may have.
Living the retirement of your dreams is all about making smart choices. You are likely to make better decisions by being informed. This presentation will help you gain the knowledge you need to make sure you
receive the level of Social Security benefits you’ve earned.
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
13
NHGA 2015 Government Relations Day
The Annual Top Ten List
of Violations Found by the
NH Department of Labor
Money’s tight, employees are disgruntled, companies are cutting corners to save a
dime, and many are so overwhelmed by doing more with less that some administrative
tasks are falling through the cracks. It all adds up to more complaints being filed with
the NH Department of Labor-and more fines for employers.
The list of potential violations is long, but there are easy things
employers can do to keep out of trouble. Learn how with Charla
Bizios Stevens, Esq.
This program is presented by Charla Bizios Stevens, Esq. Charla regularly
advises business clients on personnel policies, wage and hour issues, labor
audits, discrimination claims, internal investigations and the termination
and discipline of employees. She also conducts in-house management
and sexual harassment training, as well as self-audits for companies
who want to evaluate their personnel practices. Her litigation background
includes practice in the state and federal courts of New Hampshire and
Massachusetts and before numerous state and federal administrative
agencies. Charla has been recognized as a leading attorney by Chambers
USA, Best Lawyers and New England Super Lawyers.
14
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.
u
o
Y
k
n
a
Th
to our
Medallist Sponsors
Platinum
To become a
Medallist Sponsors
make events like
this possible.
Medallist Sponsor
Contact Freeman Sands
at 603-669-9333 or
freeman@grocers.org
GOLD
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BRONZE
Door Control
Jiffy Mart
Law Warehouse
Northeast Delta Dental
RJ Reynolds
Your Elected Officials
NH Grocers Association
Board of Directors Rev. 04/15
OFFICERS
Tim Merrill
Board Chairperson
Associated Grocers of NE
11 Cooperative Way
Pembroke, NH 03275
(603) 223-5446
Laurie Goupil
Vice Chair
Gerry’s Variety
66 Lincoln Street
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 583-5164
Jay Rainville
Vice Chair
Market Basket
875 East Street
Tewksbury, MA 01876
(978) 851-8000
Glen Yergeau
Vice Chair
Rite Aid
71 Lowell Road
Hudson, NH 03051
(603) 578-1972
John M. Dumais
President & CEO
NH Grocers Association
110 Stark Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 669-9333
Cell: (603) 315-4164
Philip Tucker
Treasurer
Aldrich General Store
3039 Dartmouth College Hwy
North Haverhill, NH 03774
(603) 787-6241
Judy Knapp
Immediate Past Chair
Hannaford Supermarkets
PO Box 1000
Portland, ME 0414
(207) 885-3243
16
Kevin Daigle
Vice President
NH Grocers Association
110 Stark Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 669-9333
DIRECTORS
Ilene Beattie
Jiffy Mart
4276 Route 106
Perkinsville, VT 05151
(802) 263-5810
Bruce Bergeron
Jake’s Market
119 Mechanic St
Lebanon, NH 03766
(603) 667-8254
Moe Boucher
Pepsi Beverage Company
127 Pepsi Road
Manchester, NH 03109
(603) 625-5764
Ken Camille
Cumberland Farms
291 Central Ave.
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 749-6310
Joe Correia, Jr.
Route 13 Stateline
448 Route 13, South
Brookline, NH 03033
(603) 673-5475
Tom Demers
HP Hood, Inc.
330 North State Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 494-3319
Elie ElChalfoun
Mega-X
3 Allenstown Road
Allenstown, NH 03275
(603) 485-0202
Jeff Kelly
Bristol Shop N Save
505 Pleasant Street
Bristol, NH 03222
(603) 744-5416
Jake Lane
Price Chopper
16 Ashbrook Road
Keene, NH 03431
(603) 352-0957
Ed Murphy
Amoskeag Beverages
510 Hall Street
Bow, NH 03304
(603) 415-4152
Edward Penta
McKinnon’s Market
3 Holten Street
Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 774-0479
Dave Petell
E.M. Heath, Inc.
318 Whitter Hwy
P.O. Box 205
Center Harbor, NH 03226
(603) 253-7558
Dan Tewksbury
Coca Cola of NNE
1 Executive Park Drive
Bedford, NH 03110
(603) 627-6134
Jeff Gulko
Shaw’s Supermarket
750 West Center Street
W. Bridgewater, MA 02379
(508) 313-4454
Maggie Hassan
Governor
Office of the Governor
State House
107 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2121
Charles Morse
NH Senate President
State House
107 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2111
Shawn Jasper
NH Speaker of the House
State House
107 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3661
Jeanne Shaheen
U.S. Senator
520 Hart Senate Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2841
Kelly Ayotte
U.S. Senator
144 Russell Senate Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3324
Frank Guinta
U.S. Representative
1223 Longworth Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-5456
Ann McLane Kuster
U.S. Representative
2350 Rayburn Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-5206
Advocate. Communicate. Educate.