CIGBA/DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 6 Issue 3 |
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THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS, PARTNERS AND COLLEAGUES FOR KEEPING OUR COUNTRY GOING! CHEERS TO THE SUMMER!
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We would like to welcome our new CIGBA Board of Directors, representing our Membership coast to coast.
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Top Row: Chairman Nigel Oliver* (Vince's Market), Vice-Chairman Gordon Dean* (Mike Dean's Local Grocer), Treasurer Craig Cavin* (Island Independent Buying Group Ltd.)
Middle Row: Past-Chair Robert Galati* (Galati Market Fresh Inc.), Director Rocco Commisso (Commisso's Fresh Foods), Director Gabriele Torchetti (Lady York Foods)
Bottom Row: Director Mike Sharpe (Sharpe's Food Market), Director Rick Rabba (The J. Rabba Company), Director Adam Powell (Atlantic Grocery Distributors)
*Executive Board member/ DCI Board Director
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MESSAGE FROM BARRY LANTEIGNE, DCI PRESIDENT |
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The Board of Directors and myself would like to thank our CIGBA/DCI Members, Supplier Partners, and Industry Partners for your ongoing and continued support. With half of the year already in the books and just coming off of our first in person event in over 2 years, things are shaping up to be a great year. To all our Member and Partner Frontline Workers who have continued to work to provide for the great people of Canada, thank you, we appreciate all that you do!
CIGBA/DCI hosted its first hybrid Business Summit event in June and the results were very encouraging! Most Members and Partners that participated in the in-person Summit on June 14, were extremely happy with the face-to-face interactions that were provided via the DCI Business Exchange meetings in the morning. The afternoon continued with presentations that also provided an assortment of topics relevant to our Members and Partners. As well, let’s not forget about the fun and exciting evening with the Gala Dinner and Star Awards ceremony! The Summit then continued digitally and we also proceeded with our new tradeshow platform, OrderEase and the feedback that we had received is that it was very user friendly and convenient. Each year we strive to make each event better than the previous year, and we are excited for what we will put forward in 2023 with all the feedback that we have received from our Members and Partners.
Looking ahead for the remainder of the year, we will be connecting with Members to continue yearly business reviews, and return to in store visits. We are also looking at meeting with Partners to discuss 'Partner of the Month' opportunities, and CTA reviews. Any Partners interested in discussing contests and promotions, please connect with me to review and discuss potential opportunities.
The CIGBA/CFIG Annual Charity Golf Classic is back and will be held on Tuesday September 27, at Georgetown Golf Club. Registration is now open, so please register soon as the event sells out every year. Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities or providing prizes for the raffle table, please connect with Barry and Matthew, all event info can be found online at https://cigba.ca/golf.
As always, I am here to support our Members and Supplier Partners so please reach out to me as required and I will be more than happy to help you in any way possible! I can be reached at 905-681-3933 or barry@distributioncanada.ca.
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NEW MEMBERSHIPS AND SUPPLIER PARTNERS |
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Members & Partners, if you know of a store that could benefit from being a part of our group, please don't hesitate to reach out to the CIGBA/DCI office! |
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There are always new opportunities for our Members to explore business! Here are some of our newest Supplier Partners to join our organization. We thank you for taking the time to check them out and support them!
The new Supplier Partners are:
Soups, crackers, Soup Mix, Chickpea Tofu Flour, Noodles, Peas
Eco-Friendly Caffi Filter for the French Press
Energy Conservation Measure - Turn-Key Refrigeration Retrofit - Implementing cost saving practices through Proprietary IP Technology to reduce the kWh energy consumption in refrigeration systems.
Snack bars sweetened and bound with only honey.
E-commerce and grocery delivery.
Sales and Service of Waste & Recycling Equipment for every application.
Valenca Import and Export Ltd.
Variety of Imported Foods and Beverages
Stay tuned for more Supplier Partner agreements currently in negotiations! All information will be posted onto the DCI Member Portal. Please contact us if you require access to the portal, or need to re-send your password.
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RETAILERS, STAY CONNECTED WITH DCI! |
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Retailers, are you missing out on our messages? We are often sending out aggressive pricing promotions, power buys, new product announcements and informational resources dedicated to the success of your business.
If you are too busy to review our emails, we recommend having a dedicated person to receive all CIGBA/DCI related content that can report to you (such as category buyers or store managers).
The #1 message we receive from our Members and store owners are that you are very busy in stores, however, we ask that you take this time to review:
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that our emails are going to the correct person at your company
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that our emails aren't getting sorted into your Junk/Spam folder. If that is the case, be sure to whitelist our domain (@distributioncanada.ca) to ensure you are receiving all of our information
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that someone from your company is registered to order products on OrderEase (the DCI Power Buy ordering software)
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that someone from your company is registered and has access and login to the Member's Portal
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that you send in your reports when asked to allocate proper rebates with certain vendors
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that you check your mailboxes every month on the 1st for the Partner of the Month deals and promotions. Make this routine and know that you only have until the 15th to order products with aggressive deals.
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Breaking news, industry announcements, new agreements, Partners of the Month, and other opportunity buys are always sent out through email. This allows us to target our communication by location, type of store, and relevancy as well as give us detailed reporting on who is opening the announcements, which links they have clicked on and where to allocate our efforts for outreach if members haven't opened up these communications.
By ignoring emails or allowing them to go to your spam/junk folders, you could be missing incredible buying opportunities, programs, or helpful industry tips to better the success of your company.
Please email Matthew Brown to see which members of your company currently receive our communications (we segment by multiple lists, so be sure touch base with Matthew if you aren't aware as to who is receiving which communications).
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Only have a couple of minutes? Check out the DCI Social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Major public announcements are always posted on our social media and you can often find other industry bits of information shared on our pages.
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By logging into the portal, you will get access to your company's rebate reports. As well, any important announcements regarding changes in agreements will also be posted internally on the portal.
What else does the portal provide?
- new supplier partner agreements
- new programs and promotions
- revised supplier partner agreements and rebate scales
- your member reports
- the DCI by-laws
- the CIGBA by-laws
- summary of volume rebates
- AGM information
Once you've checked the portal for information and still don't see what you are looking for, please email or call the DCI office with your inquiry.
Please note: the DCI Member Portal is for Retailers only.
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THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL CIGBA/DCI BUSINESS SUMMIT 2022 |
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"By far the BEST Trade Show I have ever participated in…and I have done hundreds. The attention to detail, the structured morning meetings, the key speakers, the meals provided, and finally the awards gala was so entertaining. I honestly didn’t want it to end." - Debbie Caruso, National Sales Manager for Natura Foods
"An excellent event from start to finish. The morning DBX was very well done. The meetings were just the right amount of time ,and provided a great opportunity to connect with the right partners. The afternoon speakers were high quality with relevant topics. The evening awards show capped off a very full and productive day." - Brian Bradley, President of Stong's Markets, BC
What a show! After years of uncertainty, we were finally able to come together as one group to do business and celebrate our colleagues in our industry. There's a certain level of passion in the room, and based on your feedback we are looking forward to continuously elevate the Summit experience.
The CIGBA/DCI Management team wanted to extend a personal thank you to all of our industry colleagues, and the representatives sitting on our Events Committee. We appreciate the support that we have received from our Members, Supplier Partners, Wholesalers, Media Partners, and VIP industry guests.
On June 14th, 2022, the Annual CIGBA/DCI Business Summit commenced, with this year's theme being 'Independent Strong'.
During the morning, the expanded DCI Business eXchange (DBX) connected Retailers and Supplier Partners with fast and focused meetings to maximize networking opportunities. For those that participated, please ensure that you follow up with your meetings!
The afternoon allowed for category and industry speakers to provide insight into the world of grocery retail and how we can position ourselves post-COVID. We finished the night celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of our colleagues in our industry with the CIGBA/DCI Star Awards.
OVERALL SUMMIT FEEDBACK:
4.6/5.0 STARS
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CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC 2022 |
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Registration NOW OPEN for the CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic!
Date: September 27, 2022 @ Georgetown Golf Club!
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The CIGBA & CFIG Charity Golf Classic will return in full swing September 27th, 2022! Registration & Sponsorship opportunities are now available!
Partners, we are looking for your help with:
- sign sponsorships
- snack items for bags
- prize for charity raffle table
- inviting retailers to golf with your company
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CHARITY OF CHOICE NAMED FOR 2022:
GORD DOWNIE & CHANIE WENJACK FUND
Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Its goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.
VISIT WEBSITE:
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PARTNERS OF THE MONTH PROGRAM WITH DCI |
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WHAT MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW:
Check your inbox every 1st of the month to see the new Partners highlighted for the month. They can be Partners with Power Buys and deals or Service Partners who want to highlight all that they have to offer. If you can't find the email, you can always login to the Member Portal and access the deals under "What's New". Click here to access the Member Portal.
WHAT PARTNERS NEED TO KNOW:
Looking to get in the mailbox of the Independents? Let DCI help you with any seasonal programs, new item or product launches, and quick sells. Our "Partners of the Month" program highlights up to 5-10 different Supplier Partners each month, and provides DCI members with monthly deals and incentives (if applicable), or a highlight of your services, if you're a service provider. This program is great for an increase in exposure (as a Partner) and to capitalize on great product deals or new service opportunities (as a Member). For more details and eligibility, please contact the DCI office.
Email matthew@distributioncanada.ca to get started and become our next DCI "Partner of the Month" and start promoting your company and/or deals to our Members!
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THE CIGBA/DCI STAR AWARDS WINNERS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR 2022! |
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The annual CIGBA/DCI Star Awards commenced during the dinner gala of the Summit which was held on June 14th, 2022. The awards night recognizes the key partners, retailers, innovative products and initiatives that are happening in our industry.
2022 Star Awards Categories & Nominees
★ CIGBA/DCI RETAILER OF THE YEAR ★
This award is given to a Retailer who has been monumental within the food retail industry. Whether it be an increased image or branding presence, innovation in the marketplace, or general accountability, this award exemplifies the outstanding work that is currently being done to help further the success of our industry.
2022 WINNER:
Pasquier (Quebec)
★ CIGBA/DCI PARTNER OF THE YEAR ★
This award is given to a DCI Supplier Partner who has been monumental within the food retail industry. Known for their outstanding business relationships including ease in which they conduct business and availability, or their experience as a leader and advisor, this award exemplifies the outstanding work as a preferred DCI business Supplier Partner within the industry.
2022 WINNER:
Maple Leaf Foods (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD ★
This award is given to a Retailer or Supplier Partner who has shown commitment or leadership within a community-based initiative, a green/environmental initiative or a charitable initiative.
2022 WINNER:
Vince’s Market (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI INNOVATION AWARD ★
This award is given to a CIGBA/DCI Member or Supplier Partner who has established an innovative product or initiative in the past year where their results have proven success with their sales, traffic, branding/exposure, or new business deals and ventures.
2022 WINNER:
Sharpe’s Food Market (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI LEADER OF THE YEAR ★
This award recognizes an individual from our industry that has shown exemplary leadership and has acted as a beacon of light and knowledge within the industry. Whether it be guiding others towards successful partnerships, or acting as an altruistic leader and inspiration, this award recognizes the hard work and dedication it takes to be a person within our industry that many respect.
2022 WINNER:
David La Mantia - La Mantia’s Country Market Fresh (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ★
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honour as an award that recognizes an individual who has been a leader or model within the food retail industry. Either they have pioneered a successful venture or have done the 'impossible' for most of us - this award solidifies their success and brings forth their accomplishments for all to celebrate.
2022 RECIPIENT:
Merlen Kropf (posthumous) - Accepted by daughter Debra and grandchildren Alexis and Noah of The Geddes Street Market (Formerly L&M Market)
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WINNER OF THE FREE 2023 CIGBA/DCI MEMBERSHIP! |
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The CIGBA/DCI Office would like to congratulate Goldsmith's Orchard Market for winning the free 2023 CIGBA/DCI Membership prize presented by Howell Data Systems Inc. The owners of Goldsmith's Orchard Market, Debby and Kyle Oakley utilized the 2022 Business Summit Virtual Booth Showcase to explore new products, connect with reps, and place orders, accumulating points to win on the Virtual Leaderboard presented by Howell Data Systems Inc.
Congratulations Debby and Kyle!
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Membership prize presented by Howell Data Systems Inc. |
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WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED FOR
CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH CANADA'S FAVOURITES 2022
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From June 13 - August 1, 2022, CIGBA/DCI in partnership with Maple Leaf Foods and Wonder Brands Inc., Members created product displays promoting cross merchandising while using AdMats created specifically for this program, and set up weekly promotions in their store flyers to accumulate ballot entries towards winning the grand prize!
Grand Prize Winner will win a $1000 VIA Rail Canada Gift Card!
'Best Displays' for this promotion to also be announced.
All winners to be announced week of August 22, 2022.
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BACK TO SCHOOL PROMO 2022 ANNOUNCED! |
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Similar to previous Celebrate Summer 2022 program, this promotion will run from from August 22 - September 30, 2022 promoting back to school ready items!
Grand Prize Winner will win a $1000.00 CAD cash prize.
'Best Displays' for this promotion to also be announced.
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CIGBA/DCI will be in attendance and we look forward to connecting with you there!
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State of the independent nation
CFIG's Tom Shurrie and Vince’s Market’s Giancarlo Trimarchi, on the current indie landscape.
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FROM OUR SUPPLIER PARTNERS |
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Popular ice cream flavours inspired by Canadians |
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Each region of Canada has its own distinct foods and flavours. From coast to coast, these tastes are inspired by the various cultures and contrasting landscapes that our beautiful country has to offer. Although there are great differences, there are also some distinct flavours that top the charts for consumers nationwide. When it comes to ice cream, these are three of our top flavours inspired by Canadians.
#1 – Canadian Maple, Eh! Ice Cream Bar
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Canada’s liquid gold isn’t just for pouring on your pancakes.
As the largest producer of maple syrup in the world, it comes naturally that it’s one of the country’s favourite flavours. The distinctive taste of this sweet syrup melds perfectly with our smooth vanilla ice cream. Shaped like a maple leaf, these Chapman’s Canadian Collection ice cream bars are swirled with real Canadian maple syrup – you can taste the authenticity!
Although delightfully sweet, these bars are only 90 calories each, which makes them an easy dessert option for the whole family. Made with 100% Canadian dairy, you won’t find a more Canadian frozen treat!
#2 – Saucy Spots Salty Caramel Premium Ice Cream
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Many Canadians love the deep flavours of a rich salted caramel.
There’s something enticing about the salty-sweet combination that always has us going back for more. Combined with velvety-smooth caramel flavoured ice cream, our Premium Caramel Saucy Spots features pockets of syrupy caramel in every bite. Of course, you can savour a scoop of this golden ice cream all on its own, but can you imagine how delightful this would be on top of a warm apple crisp? Absolute perfection!
Fun Fact: In 2016, this sweet and saucy ice cream was voted the best ice cream of the year by the International Ice Cream Consortium. When it comes to the best ice cream in Canada, this premium flavour is at the top of grocery lists across the country. For those who find comfort in the golden hued sauce, this ice cream may be your new favourite dessert.
#3 – Maple Walnut Premium Ice Cream
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As 75% of the world’s maple syrup is produced in Canada, of course we had to include another maple flavoured treat!
It’s one of those things that is distinctively Canadian, like poutine or butter tarts. Although maple syrup production happens in the spring, we’re tapping into the comforting flavours of this Canadian classic all year round.
The walnut pieces in this luscious maple flavoured ice cream add a savoury depth of nuttiness. Perfect for those who like a contrasting crunch to their smooth and creamy ice cream! This first-rate flavour pairs well with homemade desserts and is sure to please those who love the natural sweetness of a Canadian-made maple syrup.
Like all our Premium ice creams, our Maple Walnut is made with natural flavours and colours and features fresh cream from 100% Canadian cows. There’s no moo-staking that this nutty classic is a satisfying go-to for Canucks across the country.
Whether or not you grew up with the sweet tastes of maple syrup or salty caramel, these treats are a must try for those who call Canada home.
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SUPPLIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: |
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See below for some opportunities for you to consider for your businesses.
Retailers, you can view their CTAs & volume incentives/special pricing by clicking on their logos and signing into the Members Portal!
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Hot Mama's Foods Inc.
Products: Gluten Fee- Kosher – Gourmet Pepper Jellies and Drizzlers, No Salt Seasoning and Crazy Mooskies No Sugar BBQ Sauces
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J&F Seafood Corp.
Products: Fresh & frozen seafood products
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Shelf Edge Solutions
Products: Electronic Shelf Labels and associated products and services
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Vince’s honoured by YCDSB for supporting student work program
Vince’s Market was nominated for its role in the York Catholic District School Board’s work experience program – Pathways to EmployABILITY – supporting a grocery store initiative that helped students gain valuable job skills.
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MOBYSS awareness event marks halfway point in year-long fundraising initiative
On July 8, Vince’s hosted a special event to build awareness and support for the MOBYSS program (Mobile York South Simcoe) – a mobile walk-in health clinic for youth aged 12-25 years.
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Historic Look at Mike Dean Local Grocer
(Formerly Mike Dean's Super Food Stores)
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Rabba and Burnbrae Farms deliver 5,400 eggs to The Mississauga Food Bank |
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Rabba Fine Foods delivers 5,400 eggs to The Mississauga Food bank as part of its Rabba Roots Community Giving program, thanks to the generous support of Burnbrae Farms, the grocer’s trusted purveyor of poultry eggs. Business partners since 1968, the two Ontario-based, family companies share a deep-rooted commitment to local communities.
“Our success is rooted at the community, neighbourhood level,” said Rima Rabba, Director of Marketing, Rabba Fine Foods. “It’s a real joy for us to work with partners like Burnbrae who do everything in their power to support our community partners and those in need.”
The Mississauga Food Bank will distribute the eggs through their network of food banks across the city and through their Food Bank 2 Home delivery program to homebound neighbours.
“The Mississauga Food Bank would like to thank Rabba Fine Foods, and its Rabba Roots Community Giving program for their ongoing commitment to supporting the food bank through a variety of initiatives throughout the years. We very much appreciate their partnership,” says Meghan Nicholls, CEO at The Mississauga Food Bank.
Every month, The Mississauga Food Bank provides healthy and appropriate food for almost 500,000 meals – a 25% increase compared to average monthly distribution pre-pandemic. “Burnbrae Farms has a long tradition of helping communities in need, we are very proud to support the Mississauga Food Bank with this donation of nutritious eggs for local families,” said Margaret Hudson, President & CEO of Burnbrae Farms.
Built on more than 50 years of grocery service to the community, the Rabba Roots Community Giving Program is dedicated to contributing to the lives of people through access to food, health and emergency services. Its community partners include Good Shepherd Ministries, the Grocery Foundation (Toonies for Tummies program), Trillium Health Partners Foundation as well as The Mississauga Food Bank.
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Grocery Heroes Day - July 19! |
Grocery Business launched Grocery Heroes Day in 2020 amid the height of the pandemic to celebrate industry efforts to keep people safe and to say “thank you” to the thousands of people who work in the industry, from frontline store and distribution employees to supply chain workers.
Last year, thousands of people across the country participated in Grocery Heroes Day and acknowledged the efforts of industry workers through special BBQ luncheons, thank you bags of products, promotional t-shirts, posters, in-store signage, public announcements, and videos on social media platforms.
Celebrate Grocery Heroes Day on July 19 and upload images of how you recognized your grocery heroes at groceryheroesday.ca.
Grocery Business will chronicle the day with post-event coverage in print and online properties.
For more ideas on how to recognize Grocery Heroes and for downloadable materials to support the day, visit Grocery Heroes online at groceryheroesday.ca.
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If you would like to submit news from your company (Retailers & Supplier Partners) or would like to feature an ad (Supplier Partners) please email matthew@distributioncanada.ca
Click below to stay connected with CIGBA/DCI!
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On behalf of the CIGBA/DCI Management Team, Happy Summer to you and your company! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us!
Barry Lanteigne - President:
Michele Vermeltfoort - Administration & Accounting:
Matthew Brown - Events, Communications & Technologies:
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