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News & Announcements

September 11, 2023

WFIA Kicks Off September with ‘We Card’ Awareness Month

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.

April 26, 2023

WFIA Announces Winners of 2023 Workplace Safety Awards

BUNZL Distributing of Seattle and Bellingham’s Kulshan Brewing Co. are the winners of the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) 2023 Excellence in SafetyAwards.

April 17, 2023

‍WFIA Honors Wray’s Market Fresh IGA with 2022-23 Community Service Award

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.

April 14, 2023

WFIA NamesA&J Market 2022-23 Retailer of the Year

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).

April 11, 2023

Rosie, anInstacart Company, and SVP Lori Brown Honored as 2022-23 WFIA Vendor of the Year

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.

March 28, 2023

WFIA Urges Safety Education, not Penalties, for Ergonomics - SB 5217 repeals voter-approved initiative regulating workplace injuries

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).

February 23, 2023

Fact Sheet in Regards to Job Posting Requirements

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.

February 17, 2023

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Changes Coming

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.

January 3, 2023

Seattle’s minimum wage increasing by $1.42 in 2023

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.

November 4, 2022

ESD New SOC Code Reporting

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.

October 28, 2022

Purchase Flood Insurance to Protect What You’ve Built

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.

September 12, 2022

“Can I See Your ID?”: Grocers, Convenience Stores Emphasize ID Checks as Part of We Card Awareness Month

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.

September 6, 2022

2022 WFIA Board of Directors Nominations

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.‍

September 6, 2022

WFIA Encourages Families to Eat at Home Together During “Family Meals Month”

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.

August 15, 2022

Seattle Area Grocers Welcome City Council Vote to Sunset ‘Hazard Pay’

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.”

June 7, 2022

City of Burien Adopts Reasonable End to ‘Hazard Pay’

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.

May 9, 2022

Charlie's Produces is Awarded the 2021-2022 Large Business Excellence in Safety Award

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.

May 9, 2022

Drew's Grocery Honored as the 2021-22 WFIA Community Service Award

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.

May 9, 2022

Phil Blackburn and Martin's Market IGA is Honored as 2021-22 WFIA Retailer of the Year

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.

April 27, 2022

NW Farms Honored as 2021-22 WFIA Vendor of the Year

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.

April 14, 2022

WFIA Welcomes Katie Doyle to Lead Government Affairs

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.

March 14, 2022

Time to End Seattle Hazard Pay Along with Mask Mandate

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.

March 1, 2022

Ergonomics Bill Would Impose Unnecessary, Costly Regulations

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.

February 10, 2022

Independent Grocers, Trucking Associations Team Up to Focus on Washington’s Food Supply Chain

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.

December 23, 2021

WFIA Job Posting for Government Affairs Director Position

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.

December 23, 2021

Grocery Stores Safe for All to Work, Shop In

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.

December 2, 2021

Active Shooter Preparedness: A Matter of Survival

November 5, 2021

Press Release: Public Safety Candidates Come Out on Top in Seattle

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.

October 26, 2021

Seattle Safety Alliance to Mayoral Candidates: Take the Pledge to Address Public Safety in Seattle

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.

October 25, 2021

Grocers: Test Option Needed to Avoid Food Shortages

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.

September 27, 2021

We Card Awareness Month Proclamation 2021

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.

September 7, 2021

Seattle Safety Alliance: It’s Time to Address Crime in Seattle

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.

August 31, 2021

Family Meal Month Proclamation

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.

July 8, 2021

Plastic Bag Ban Outreach Toolkit

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.

June 7, 2021

WFIA Joins Businesses in Request to Reinstate Job Search Requirement

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.

May 5, 2021

Washington State Long Term Care Program

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. 

April 8, 2021

John Akins, Sr. & Akins Fresh Market Honored as the 2020-2021 Retailer of the Year

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).

April 8, 2021

Jerry Reser & Reser's Fine Foods Honored as the 2020-2021 Vendor of the Year

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.

April 5, 2021

Stormans, Inc. Honored with the 2020-2021 Community Service Award

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.

December 10, 2020

ALERT! New Workplace Rights Poster

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.‍

November 23, 2020

Point Roberts Still Isolated 10 Months After Canada-U.S. Border Closure

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.

November 16, 2020

Independent Grocers’ & Convenience Stores' Statement on New COVID Restrictions

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.

September 15, 2020

We Card Awareness Month Proclamation

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.

April 27, 2020

WFIA 2020 Legislative Member Cookbook

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.

April 9, 2020

WFIA COVID-19 Response

WFIA has created a new resource hub to share information about he COVID-19 Response in Washington state.