Legislative Issue 2021

LEGISLATIVE ISSUE • 2021 

iowagrocer 

Finding a Pathway to Progress 

A publication of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association 

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I A T E D 

W H O L E S A L E 

G R O C E R S 

A S S O C 

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T A 

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O W 

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LEGISLATIVE ISSUE 2021 

Inside this Issue 

26 

34 

28 

The Iowa Grocer magazine is published four times 

per year by Grocers Service Company, a subsidiary of 

the Iowa Grocery Industry Association. The magazine 

is distributed by mail to members of the Iowa Grocery 

Industry Association. All rights of this publication are 

strictly reserved and no part of it may be reproduced 

in whole or part without expressed written permission 

from the publisher. While the information has been 

compiled carefully to ensure maximum accuracy 

at the time of publication, it is provided for general 

guidance and is subject to change. Entire contents 

are protected by Copyright ©2021 Iowa Grocer and 

Grocers Service Company. Magazine printing provided 

by Sutherland Printing, Montezuma, Iowa. 

Paying Tribute to IGIA’s Ribbon Sponsors............................................................... 4–5 

Chairman’s Message....................................................................................................... 6 

IGIA Board of Directors.................................................................................................. 7 

President’s Message....................................................................................................... 8 

Meet the Team................................................................................................................ 9 

2021 Legislative Session Timetable............................................................................ 10 

Independent Grocers Are Committed to Community Wellness............................. 11 

New Legislative Session Underway...................................................................... 14–15 

2021 IGIA Legislative Priorities.............................................................................. 16–17 

Whitver Announces Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs................................................. 18 

GroPAC: An Investment in Your Future................................................................ 20–21 

Grocers Turned Legislators: Getting to Know Rep. Kenan Judge 

and Rep. Brian Lohse............................................................................................. 22–23 

The 2021 IGIA Leadership Institute Moves to Spring Start...................................... 24 

Grocers Encourage Recycling with Build with Bags Program............................26–27 

Sunny Side Up......................................................................................................... 28–29 

More Than A Golf Tournament................................................................................... 30 

Iowa Food Code Changes: What You Need to Know................................................ 31 

IGEF Scholarship Deadline, March 15......................................................................... 32 

IGIA Women’s Network................................................................................................ 33 

Kemps Completes A Circle of Goodness..............................................................34–36 

Supplier Member Directory................................................................................... 38–39 

IGIA Member Renewals................................................................................................ 40 

On the Cover 

The cover photo marks the start of a new legislative session and 

illustrates the need for unity and collaboration as we find a path 

forward during the pandemic. It is in this spirit of cooperation that 

the IGIA is bringing together members and legislators as we work 

to protect our industry, keep you informed, give you a voice at the 

Capitol and make Iowa a place of outstanding opportunity. 

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iowagrocer 

2021 IGIA Ribbon Sponsorship Program 

Catch the Wave of Recognition 

At the IGIA, we are proud of all of our members. But we are especially proud of an elite 

group of companies that choose to swim out ahead and become leaders of our industry 

by joining the IGIA Ribbon Sponsor program. 

By recognizing your company at several high-profile events and in all IGIA 

communications, Ribbon Sponsorship helps generate excitement about your products 

and services. 

IGIA Ribbon Sponsorship makes a big splash when calling attention to your great 

LEADERSHIP in supporting Iowa’s grocery industry. In addition to outstanding VISIBILITY 

at the IGIA’s Annual Get Connected Convention and Hall of Fame events, Ribbon 

Sponsors are recognized across all IGIA communication channels, including the weekly 

EScanner and the iowa grocer magazine. Plus, the IGIA provides Ribbon Sponsors with 

special ACCESS to industry leaders at several events throughout the year. 

Your support through Ribbon Sponsorship also allows the Association to provide 

beneficial educational programming and critical advocacy efforts that protect your 

business from excessive or harmful regulations. 

Special thanks to this year’s IGIA Ribbon Sponsors! 

PLATINUM 

4 

Coca-Cola 

E & J Gallo Winery 

Fareway Stores 

Hy-Vee 

PepsiCo 

SHAZAM 

t 

W


WHITE 

ACOSTA Sales & Marketing 

American Pop Corn Company 

Arctic Glacier Ice 

Barilla 

BLUE 

AE Dairy 

Associated Wholesale 

Grocers 

Bernatello’s Pizza 

Cylinder Express 

DFA Family Brands/ 

Kemps 

Federated Insurance 

H. Brooks & Company 

Hiland Dairy 

We invite all IGIA members to catch 

the wave of recognition and enjoy 

the elite status afforded IGIA Ribbon 

Sponsors. Contact Cara Corkrean 

ccorkrean@iowagrocers.com 

515.270.2628 

RED 

Advantage Solutions 

Anheuser-Busch 

Bimbo Bakeries USA 

Casey’s General Stores 

Certco 

Constellation Brands 

Frontier Co-op 

General Mills 

Iowa Lottery 

Kellogg Company 

Keurig Dr Pepper 

KraftHeinz 

Kwik Star 

MillerCoors 

Mueller Yurgae Associates 

Old Dutch Foods 

Sazerac 

Shullsburg Creamery 

Southern Glazer’s 

Wine & Spirits 

Versova 

Wells Enterprises 

White Claw Hard Seltzer 

Capital City Fruit 

Cookies Food Products 

CROSSMARK Sales & Marketing 

Crystal Farms 

Fairlife, LLC 

Holmes Murphy & Associates 

Hormel Foods Corporation 

Hussmann Corporation 

Johnson Brothers of Iowa 

Pan-O-Gold Baking Company 

Pilgrim’s 

Prairie Farms Dairy 

Premium Waters 

Reynolds American 

RSM US LLP 

Rose Acre Farms 

Russ Davis Wholesale 

Shearer’s 

Sparboe Companies 

SpartanNash 

The Boston Beer Company 

Tyson Foods 

Unilever 

Voss Distributing/Red Bull 

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iowagrocer 

Chairman’s Message 

Striving for “Future Readiness” 

There has been much said about the excitement of turning the page from 

2020 to 2021. While the demands of the past year were significant, there is 

much to be proud of from 2020. I suspect many of you will agree with me that 

we accomplished a tremendous amount and our teams executed at a very 

high level. As an industry, we made a strong showing. 

There are chunks of daily life though that feel stuck. Schools are still figuring 

out learning, vaccines have had a bumpy rollout, dining out still has not fully 

normalized and the list goes on. We have tried to counteract some of this 

feeling at work and at home by keeping our eye on the future. I know many 

of us are looking forward to and are planning on a strong reopening of our 

broader economy in 2021, and I know getting some travel and vacation plans 

back on the books will not hurt either. 

The concept of “future readiness” also can help bring things into focus. We 

spend a lot of time at Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company encouraging our 

teams to be ready for the future, now. We are at the present moment building 

the skills and capabilities that we will need for the company we aspire to be in 

five years. This is not a new concept and many of our Association members do 

this type of work extremely well. It is work that is especially challenging during 

times of change when trends and behaviors are evolving and accelerating so 

rapidly. But, it is essential work even as it challenges us individually, as team 

members and as industry members. 

“While the demands 

of the past year were 

significant, there is 

much to be proud of 

from 2020.” 

When I look through the lens of “future readiness” to view the work being 

conducted at the Capitol during the current legislative session, I ask myself 

these questions, “Are we making progress on topics and legislation that gets 

Iowa future ready, now? Are we getting outcomes on topics that are forward 

thinking? Are we helping to inspire investment in our industry for its future self?” 

I have said it before that we speak with a large voice when it comes to our 

legislative priorities. I encourage us to use that voice to help us get un-stuck 

on topics, but also with an eye on where we want our industry to be in the 

years ahead as we strive for future readiness together. 

Thank you and keep up the great work. 

Sincerely, 

Rob Feeney, IGIA Chairman 

President & COO 

Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company 

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IGIA Board of Directors 

Officers 

Chairman 

Rob Feeney 

Atlantic Coca-Cola 

Bottling Co. 

First Vice Chair 

Charley Campbell 

Kum & Go, L.C. 

Second Vice Chair 

Tom Laven 

Fareway Stores, Inc. 

Treasurer 

Darren Baty 

Hy-Vee, Inc. 

Past Chairman 

Steve Grolmus 

North Scott Foods 

Directors 

Joel Allen 

Hy-Vee, Inc. 

Randy Bender 

Bender’s Foods 

Andrea Chase 

Fareway Stores, Inc. 

Denny Dietrich 

Gary’s Foods 

Jill Eilderts 

Hometown Foods 

Bev Jessen 


Brian Kessler 

Associated 

Wholesale Grocers 

Dan Kramer 

SHAZAM 

Gary Munson 

Kellogg Co. 

Lisa Nelson 

Walmart, Inc. 

Tracy Prouty 

SpartanNash 

Dave Ring 

Kwik Star 

Dana Sump 

Casey’s General 

Stores 

Amy Thompson 

Pepsi Beverages Co. 

Jeremy Thompson 

Sazerac 

Zac Voss 

Voss Distributing/ 

Red Bull 

Chris Yurgae 

Mueller Yurgae 

Associates 

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iowagrocer 

“A” Stands for Advocate 

When it comes to the return on 

investment for your membership in the 

IGIA, “A” stands for Advocate. 

Advocating for our members at the State 

Capitol continues to be a top priority for 

the Association in 2021. By maintaining a 

presence at the Capitol, working daily to 

cultivate positive relationships with our 

elected officials, and communicating how 

the issues impact our members on the 

frontlines, the Association is your best 

defense against laws and regulations that 

could impede your ability to compete. This 

long tradition of advocacy has thwarted 

legislation that could have had a devastating 

impact on local business and our industry. 

The Association’s efforts are guided by a 

strong Government Relations Committee, 

made up of industry representatives with 

years of experience and expertise. As your 

president, I work alongside IGIA lobbyists 

Brad Epperly and Dustin Miller under the 

guidance of our Government Relations 

Committee to ensure your voice is heard. 

Every year, the Association tracks hundreds 

of bills and regulations that could impact 

how you operate and, in turn, affect your 

customers, employees and the communities 

you serve. 

2020 a Year of Challenges 

The Association continues to increase its 

efforts to communicate your concerns at 

the Capitol year-round. This past spring, 

we were in close communication with 

the Governor’s office to provide relief 

for suppliers and grocers as our industry 

struggled to keep up with skyrocketing 

demand due to the pandemic. Temporary 

relief from bottle redemption allowed our 

teams to undertake extra sanitation and 

safety measures to protect employees and 

customers. Hours-of-service regulatory 

relief for commercial vehicle drivers 

transporting supplies in response to the 

COVID-19 outbreak helped our supplier 

members to get urgently needed products 

to retail stores more quickly. 

We also worked with the Governor and local 

media to create messages to discourage 

hoarding and to reassure the public there 

was enough food to go around if we all 

purchased as we normally would and think 

of our neighbors’ needs too. This had a 

positive impact in our state, and helped 

to curb overbuying and shortages. 

As we work our way through the 2021 

Legislative Session, we will bring a proactive 

approach with us, reaching out to key 

legislators on both sides of an issue. In doing 

so, we hope to encourage collaboration and 

play a lead role in crafting legislation that 

has a positive impact on our state. 

Supporting Vaccination Efforts 

While we fully support the state’s efforts to 

vaccinate the most vulnerable, we sincerely 

hope as the vaccination rollout progresses 

that our industry will soon be added to 

the priority list to receive vaccinations. 

Our critical role in society as suppliers 

of essential food and services never has 

been more evident as it has throughout 

the pandemic. Your extraordinary efforts 

to serve your customers and communities 

have played a key role maintaining the 

health of Iowans during a difficult time. 

Resuming In-Person Events 

Currently, the IGIA has planned a year’s 

worth of outstanding networking and 

educational events to be held in person 

or, if necessary, as on-site/virtual hybrids. 

Be sure to check out the 2021 IGIA Events 

Calendar on page 33 and add the events 

you find there to your calendar. 

We are so excited to be planning an inperson 

event for our annual Get Connected 

Convention in 2021, scheduled for 

September 1–2, to be held at the Iowa 

Events Center in downtown Des Moines. 

This event will conclude with our annual 

Hall of Fame Dinner event, which will be 

held the evening of September 2. 

By scheduling events later in the year and 

changing to larger venues, we hope to avoid 

any cancellations due to the pandemic. 

For these reasons and more, 2021 is going 

to be a great year! I hope you will take full 

advantage of your membership in the IGIA 

by getting involved and participating in 

events this year. I look forward to seeing 

each and every one of you and continuing 

to advocate for you at the Capitol in the 

months ahead. 

Sincerely, 

Michelle Hurd 

IGIA President 

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Meet the Team! 

Michelle Hurd 

President 

Cara Corkrean 

Assistant Vice President of 

Membership and Operations 

Ann Seuferer 

Communication Specialist 

Annie Schlink 

Events and Education 

Coordinator 

Audrey Comer 

Membership and Marketing 

Coordinator 

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iowagrocer 

2021 Iowa Legislative 

Session Timetable 

89th Iowa General Assembly 

January 11 

First day of session 

(Iowa Code Sec. 2.1) 

February 12 

Friday of week 5 

Final day for individual Senator and 

Representative requests for bill 

and joint resolution drafts to the 

Legislative Services Agency (Senate 

Rule 27 and House Rule 29). 

March 5 

Friday of week 8** 

Final date for Senate bills and joint 

resolutions to be reported out of 

Senate Committees and House bills 

and joint resolutions out of House 

committees (Joint Rule 20). 

March 15–19 

Week 10 

Senate considers only Senate bills, 

joint resolutions and unfinished 

business. House considers only 

House bills, joint resolutions, and 

unfinished business (Joint Rule 20). 

March 22–April 2 

Weeks 11 and 12 

Debate not limited by rule. 

April 2 

Friday week 12** 

Final date for Senate bills and joint 

resolutions to be reported out of 

House committees and House bills 

and joint resolutions out of Senate 

committees (Joint Rule 20). 

April 5–9 

Week 13 

Senate considers only House bills, 

joint resolutions, and unfinished 

business. House considers only 

Senate bills, joint resolutions, and 

unfinished business (Joint Rule 20). 

• Bills passed by both Houses 

• Appropriations Bills 

• Ways and Means Bills 

• Government Oversight Bills 

• Legalizing Acts 

• Administrative Rules Review 

Committee Bills 

• Committee Bills related to delayed 

or suspended Administrative Rules 

[Iowa Code Sec. 17A.8(9)] 

April 12 

Beginning of week 14 

Only the following bills and resolutions are eligible for consideration: (Joint Rule 20) 

• Bills co-sponsored by Majority and 

Minority Leaders of one House 

• Conference Committee Reports 

• Companion Bills sponsored by Senate 

and House Majority Leaders 

• Concurrent or Simple Resolutions 

• Joint Resolutions nullifying 

Administrative Rules 

• Bills on Veto Calendar (Joint Rule 23) 

• Unfinished Business 

April 12 

Beginning of week 14 

Amendments need not be filed 

on the day preceding floor debate 

(House Rule 31.8) 

April 30 

Per diem ends 

110th calendar day of the session 

[Per diem expenses end—Iowa 

Code Sec. 2.10(1)] 

**The March 5 and April 2 committee deadlines do not apply to Appropriations Bills, Ways and Means Bills, Government Oversight Bills, Legalizing Acts, 

Administrative Rules Review Committee Bills, Committee Bills related to delayed or suspended Administrative Rules [Iowa Code Sec. 17A.8(9)], Bills 

co-sponsored by Majority and Minority Leaders of one House, Conference Committee Reports, Companion Bills sponsored by the Majority Leaders of both 

Houses after consultation with the respective Minority Leaders, Concurrent or Simple Resolutions, and Joint Resolutions nullifying Administrative Rules 

10 

Legislative Information Office: 07/28/2020


Independent Grocers Are 

Committed to Community Wellness 

By Greg Ferrara, President and CEO, National Grocers Association 

The pandemic did more than just make us all more aware of how viruses can be transmitted and 

how our personal behaviors can help reduce the spread of illnesses. 

It caused many folks to be more aware of their overall health 

and wellness, and what steps they can take to be healthier, 

since being healthier is a step toward better resistance of 

COVID-19. 

Of course, food and nutrition are key components of health 

and wellness, and grocers play a huge role in helping people 

make better choices in how they feed their bodies and souls. 

From the fresh perimeter to center store to the in-store 

pharmacy, grocers have an opportunity to lead the way in 

wellness and help their communities eat and live healthier, 

all the more crucial during a winter season beset by the 

coronavirus in addition to seasonal colds and flu. 

For example, many NGA member retailers participate in 

nutrition incentive programs to boost consumption of fresh 

produce. One of the most recent grocers to sign on to this 

ongoing program is Hitchcock’s Markets in Florida, where the 

Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) program has partnered with farmers 

markets in Florida since 2013 to give Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program (SNAP) customers a discount on fruits and 

vegetables through nutrition incentives with funding from the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). NGA continues to work 

with lawmakers to expand nutrition programs that are win-win 

for independent grocers and the communities they serve. 

Through NGA’s efforts, the recent COVID-19 relief package 

included additional funding to help independent grocers 

enroll in the SNAP online purchasing program, as well as an 

additional $75 million to bolster the Gus Schumacher Nutrition 

Incentive Program, a private-public partnership for retail SNAP 

fruit and vegetable incentive projects. 

Offering incentives to purchase more fruits and vegetables 

is just a one of the many wellness-focused initiatives that 

independent community grocers have been spearheading 

for some time. Of course, nearly a year ago, grocers and the 

communities they serve met one of the greatest challenges 

they’ve ever faced, one that put everyone’s wellness in 

simultaneous peril. 

That’s why independent grocers who operate pharmacies have 

stepped up to help deliver the coronavirus vaccine to millions 

of people across the country. And it’s why NGA was among 

many groups across the food industry to make sure grocery 

workers are given priority access to the vaccine after so many 

months of working in harm’s way. 

Our Supermarket Superheroes have delivered. Independent 

grocers, wholesalers, service companies and their employees 

continue to toil on the front lines, keeping shelves stocked, 

ensuring access to life-sustaining products and providing 

steady leadership during a time of great uncertainty. 

NGA is happy that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention agreed with us, as part of a coalition of two dozen 

food industry associations, to prioritize essential workers 

within the food, agriculture, consumer goods, retail and 

foodservice sectors for COVID-19 vaccination. 

The future is brighter, but we’re not out of the woods yet. 

As part of a commitment to overall health and wellness, 

independent community grocers should keep offering 

guidance on healthy eating while maintaining enhanced 

sanitizing and social distancing practices; communicate with 

employees and consumers about pandemic procedures and 

shelf status of high-demand products; and stay connected with 

NGA to stay ahead of the trends and issues that will impact 

how we do business in the coming year. 

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iowagrocer 


Session 

Underway 

2021 Legislative Session Begins 

As lawmakers convened a new legislative session 

at the Capitol last month, there were many factors 

that have contributed to the direction the session 

has taken. First, the COVID-19 pandemic still casts a 

shadow over the state where it has claimed the lives of 

more than 4,500 Iowans. Second, many communities 

continue to contend with and recover from widespread 

damage caused by the derecho. Last, the November 

2020 election saw Republicans pick up six seats in the 

Iowa House, further strengthening the Republican 

control of the House, Senate and Governor’s office. 

During the opening week, Governor Kim Reynolds spoke 

about the impact the virus and the derecho has had 

on the state. Despite the challenges of 2020, Reynolds 

said that the state showed signs of resilience, citing 

decreasing unemployment and a budget surplus. 

14 

IGIA is closely monitoring the issues for any potential implications for the grocery industry.


Republicans Maintain Trifecta 

For the fifth session in a row, Republicans have control of the Governor’s office, 

House and Senate, and will set the legislative Agenda for 89th Iowa General Assembly. 

The continued Republican stronghold means the Republican party decides 

which issues will ultimately be considered for debate. Some of the issues 

we have seen and others we can yet expect to see are listed here. 

2021 Potential Legislative Issues 

Broadband—Governor Reynolds calls for a $450 million investment from 

the state’s budget as well as millions more in private investments over the 

next four years to ensure affordable, high-speed broadband is available 

statewide by 2025. 

Workforce training—In an effort to increase the number of people with 

post-secondary education or training, Gov. Reynolds asked for a continued 

investment in the Future Ready Iowa program. 

Child care—Parents are more likely to take full-time jobs if they don’t have 

to spend as much of their income on daycare. Legislators are looking at 

allocating $3 million to jumpstart the Child Care Challenge Fund that was 

created in 2020 to encourage employers, community leaders and others 

to collaborate in the development of child care facilities. 

Tax reform—Gov. Reynolds said that Iowa’s strong financial position 

will keep the state from having to make budget cuts this year. She added 

that the state isn’t looking to raise taxes but would consider reforms that 

would lower taxes. 

Mental health funding—Legislators have been asked to consider an 

increase in mental health funding by $15 million this year, followed by 

another $15 million the following year. Funds are to be used to implement 

reforms in the mental health system and to help find solutions to the 

unique needs of children who have been affected by the pandemic. 

Education—Look for legislators to put forward a bill that expands 

parental choice when it comes to their children’s education. Gov. Reynolds 

asked for a bill to sign to allow parents to decide when and where to 

send their children to school. She called for open enrollment to be made 

available in all districts. 

Criminal justice reform—In 2020, the Legislature passed the More 

Perfect Union Act as a result of the racial justice movement that 

emerged following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. 

Lawmakers have been tasked with building on this effort to improve law 

enforcement in Iowa while addressing racial justice and also protecting 

law enforcement officers. 

15

iowagrocer 

2021 IGIA Legislative Priorities 

After meeting to discuss the possible issues our industry could face in 2021, the IGIA Government 

Relations Committee prepared a list of recommendations for the Board. IGIA Board of Directors 

then met to approve the grocery industry legislative priorities and positions for 2021. Below is a 

shortlist of grocers’ top priorities for the year. 

Bottle Bill 

IGIA supports legislation that focuses on comprehensive 

recycling. As a part of this strategy, the IGIA GR committee 

recommends educating consumers about how we can 

allow retailers the option to remove redemption 

from retail locations and still address litter as well 

as encourage broader recycling initiatives. 

In addition, the IGIA GR Committee recommends 

opposing any changes to handling fees, 

container expansion, redemption and escheats, 

and therefore opposes any further expansion of the 

current bottle deposit law unless a limited time frame to 

transition away from the system is part of the discussion. 

Alcohol Reform 

Alcohol Licensing/Processes—The IGIA GR Committee recommends 

we monitor any potential changes to alcohol licensing in the 

state of Iowa. The IGIA supports improvements to the process 

that would create efficiencies or streamline the process 

while not creating any competitive disadvantages. 

Delivery of Spirits—The IGIA GR Committee recommends 

we monitor any potential changes to the delivery 

of spirits in Iowa and support legislation that would 

allow for responsible third-party delivery of alcohol. 

Other Issues—The IGIA GR Committee recommends 

we continue to be engaged and support updates 

and modifications to a system deemed to be outdated. 

Iowa Food Code 

The Iowa Food Code recently 

has been updated to the 2017 

FDA Model Food Code. 

It became effective 

February 3, 2021. 

Some of the primary 

changes in the 

Iowa Food Code that 

affect grocers follow: 

❖ Certified Food Protection 

Manager requirements 

❖ Person-in-Charge requirements 

❖ Written clean-up procedures 

requirement 

IGIA recently provided a webinar in 

partnership with the Department 

of Inspections and Appeals to 

cover the significant changes 

to the code. A recording of 

this webinar can be found 

on the IGIA website, www. 

iowagrocers.com. 

Labor Issues 

The IGIA GR Committee recommends monitoring legislation 

and supporting policies and programs that help businesses 

overcome labor issues, and/or attract and retain workforce. 

Scan to View Webinar 

IGIA members with questions or comments may contact IGIA President Michelle Hurd via email: mhurd@iowagrocers.com. 

16


At a Glance 

2021 Legislative Session 

COVID-19 Protocols 

Balance of Power 

SENATE LEADERSHIP 

♦ 

♦ 

Senate and House 

subcommittees will 

be held via Zoom, and 

information regarding 

those meetings will be 

published at least a day 

before the subcommittee 

is scheduled. 

Members of the public 

can comment during the 

Zoom subcommittee or 

provide written comments 

on legislation through the 

state’s legislative website. 

Jake Chapman 

President 

HOUSE LEADERSHIP 

Jack Whitver 

Majority Leader 

Zach Wahls 

Minority Leader 

♦ 

Both Senate and House 

members must be 

physically present to 

vote in a committee. 

All Senate committee 

hearings will happen 

on the Senate floor. 

Pat Grassley 

Speaker 

Matt Windschitl 

Majority Leader 

Todd Prichard 

Minority Leader 

♦ 

House committees will 

remain in their scheduled 

rooms. Members of 

the public wishing to 

attend in-person will be 

allowed on a first-come, 

first-served basis. 

IOWA SENATE 2020 

Republicans (32) 

Democrats (18) 

♦ 

All House and Senate 

committee meetings will 

be streamed virtually. 

IOWA HOUSE 2020 

Republicans (59) 

Democrats (41) 

♦ 

Under coronavirus 

protocols established by 

Republican legislative 

leaders, masks are 

encouraged but not 

required in the Capitol. 

The Balance of Power 

Election 2020 in November dashed any hopes Iowa Democrats held to 

regain control of the House. Instead Republicans improved their stronghold 

with a gain of six seats, 59 Republicans to 41 Democrats. Republicans also 

maintained control in the Senate. 

17

iowagrocer 

Whitver Announces Committee 

Chairs, Vice Chairs 

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, (R) Ankeny, (pictured below) announced the chairs and vice 

chairs of Senate standing committees for the 89th Iowa General Assembly. A list of appropriations 

subcommittee chairs can also be found below. 


Senate Standing Committees Chairs and Vice Chairs 

Agriculture 

Sen. Zumbach (C) 

Sen. Sweeney (VC) 

Ethics 

Sen. Koelker – (C) 

Sen. Carlin – (VC) 

Labor 

Sen. Whiting– (C) 

Sen. Green – (VC) 

State Government 

Sen. Smith – (C) 

Sen. Cournoyer – (VC) 

Appropriations 

Sen. Kraayenbrink (C) 

Sen. Lofgren (VC) 

Government Oversight 

Sen. Schultz – (C) 

Sen. Williams – (VC) 

Local Government 

Sen. Shipley – (C) 

Sen. Klimesh – (VC) 

Transportation 

Sen. Brown – (C) 

Sen. Shipley – (VC) 

Commerce 

Sen. Schultz (C) 

Sen. Koelker (VC) 

Human Resources 

Sen. Edler – (C) 

Sen. Costello – (VC) 

Natural Resources 

Sen. Sweeney – (C) 

Sen. Driscoll – (VC) 

Veterans Affairs 

Sen. Carlin – (C) 

Sen. Reichman – (VC) 

Education 

Sen. Sinclair – (C) 

Sen. Taylor (VC) 

Judiciary 

Sen. Zaun – (C) 

Sen. Garrett – (VC) 

Rules 

Sen. Whitver – (C) 

Sen. Chapman – (VC) 

Ways and Means 

Sen. Dawson – (C) 

Sen. Goodwin – (VC) 

Sen. Zach Whiting will be 

the (VC) of the Administrative 

Rules Review Committee. 

Senator Zach Nunn will 

remain on military duty through 

the 2021 Legislative Session. 

Appropriations Subcommittees Chairs 

Administration 

and Regulation 

Sen. Guth (C) 

Economic 

Development 

Sen. Lofgren (C) 

Health and Human 

Services 

Sen. Costello (C) 

Transportation, 

Infrastructure, 

and Capitals 

Sen. Johnson (C) 

Agriculture & 

Natural Resources 

Sen. Rozenboom (C) 

Education 

Sen. Cournoyer (C) 

Justice Systems 

Sen. Garrett (C) 

18

iowagrocer 

Elevate Your Influence 

With a contribution to GroPAC 

A contribution to GroPAC is an investment in your future. Every day policies, taxes 

and regulations are enacted by legislators that can have a long-term impact on 

the viability of your business. Your contributions and participation in the political 

process ensure IGIA member companies continue to compete, innovate and grow. 

Pinnacle 

Performer 

Mountain 

Climber 

Hill Topper 

For only a dollar or two a day, less 

than the price of a cup of coffee, you 

can have a presence at the Capitol and 

a voice in the regulations and laws 

that greatly impact your business. 

A personal contribution to GroPAC 

(Grocers Political Action Committee) is 

an investment in your business. When 

you contribute to GroPAC, you help to 

support legislators who understand 

the importance of cultivating a positive 

business climate in our state. 

When combined with IGIA’s grassroots 

government relations efforts, GroPAC 

helps us to lead the conversation on 

public policy matters that affect the 

grocery industry. 

GroPAC supports candidates for state 

office whose philosophies, actions, 

positions and voting records reflect 

an understanding of and concern 

for Iowa’s general business climate 

and health of the food industry. A 

voluntary, bipartisan committee, 

GroPAC is not affiliated with any 

specific candidate, political party or 

other political action committee. It 

provides the IGIA with an opportunity 

to help committed candidates get 

elected or re-elected. 

Having a strong PAC gives Iowa’s 

grocery and convenience store 

industry an enhanced presence on 

Capitol Hill and improves the ability of 

IGIA legislative leaders and members 

to develop and maintain working 

relationships with legislators. 

Invest in GroPAC 

Contributing to GroPAC is an 

investment in your future and far 

less costly than legislation with 

unintended negative consequences 

for your business. 

The most important 

factor to the grocery 

industry is that 

everyone does his or 

her part to help fund 

and support GroPAC 

at some level. The 

pledge form on 

the adjacent page 

makes contributing 

to GroPAC easy. 

Who can contribute to GroPAC? 

Contributions to GroPAC are voluntary. 

They are not required for membership 

in the Iowa Grocery Industry 

Association or a leadership role within 

the Association. Contributions to a 

PAC are not deductible for federal or 

state income tax purposes. 

❖ 

❖ 

❖ 

❖ 

❖ 

Weekly Sales 

Volume 

Any U. S. citizen may contribute 

Only personal contributions 

No dollar limit on the personal 

contributions to a PAC 

Other PACs may give to GroPAC 

No corporate contributions 

Please consider making your 

contribution to GroPAC today using 

the form on the adjacent page. 

Level 

Hill Mountain Pinnacle 

Topper Climber Performer 

up to $40,000 $150 | $200 | $250 

$40,001 to $60,000 $300 | $350 | $400 

$60,001 to $100,000 $450 | $500 | $550 

$100,001 and up $600 | $700 | $800 

20


GroPAC Is a Great Investment! 

A contribution to GroPAC could be the best investment you make all year! Legislation and regulations can 

change the way you do business and raise your operating costs. Completing this simple form makes it easy 

to donate a lump sum or set up a quarterly automatic withdrawal and ensure that your business interests 

are protected all year long. 

Your 2021 GroPAC Contributions Made Easy. 

Please provide the following information: 

Your full name: _______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Your place of employment: _____________________________________________________________________________ 

Your work title: _______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Your street address: ___________________________________________________________________________________ 

City: _________________________________________ State: ________________ 

ZIP:_____________________________ 

Select one of the following: 

Enclosed is my check for the lump sum contribution of the following amount $ _______________________________ 

I authorize Grocers Political Action Committee to make the following deduction(s) from my 

personal checking/savings account and to remit the same to you in the normal course of business: 

Financial institution name: ______________________________________________________________________________ 

Account routing #: ______________________________ Checking/Savings account #: _____________________________ 

Withdrawal dates/Amount of contribution: 

April 1, 2021 - $ __________ 

June 1, 2021 - $ _________ Sept. 1, 2021- $ ___________ Nov. 1, 2021 - $ __________ 

I authorize Grocers Political Action Committee to make the following charges to my personal credit card. 

Indicate type of card: VISA MC DISC AMEX 

Print name as it appears on the card: _____________________________________________________________________ 

Credit Card #: ___________________________________________ Exp. date: _____/_____ 

3-Digit Code _____________ 

Withdrawal dates/Amount of contribution: 

April 1, 2021 - $ __________ 

June 1, 2021 - $ _________ Sept. 1, 2021- $ ___________ Nov. 1, 2021 - $ __________ 

Signed: _____________________________________________________________ Date:___________________________ 

Mail or email this form to: IGIA | 2540 106th St., Suite 102 | Urbandale, IA 50322 | mhurd@iowagrocers.com. 

Questions? Contact Michelle Hurd at the IGIA Office 515-270-2628 or mhurd@iowagrocers.com. 

21

iowagrocer 

Grocers Turned Legislators 

Getting to Know Rep. Kenan Judge (D) and Rep. Brian Lohse (R) 

From the grocery aisle to working across the aisle at the State House, Iowa Representatives 

Kenan Judge (D) and Brian Lohse (R) share how being grocers has impacted their work as legislators. 

See what each has to say about how his grocery industry insights and perspectives come into play 

every day at the Capitol. 

About Rep. Kenan Judge 

Rep. Judge was elected to the Iowa House of 

Representatives in 2018. Before being elected, Judge 

had a 38-year career with Hy-Vee. He began his career after 

high school as a meat cutter at Hy-Vee in Muscatine, Iowa. Over the 

years, he advanced through various positions at stores located in 

Muscatine; Austin, Minnesata; and Davenport, Iowa. He also lived 

in Cherokee, Iowa, and spent time traveling to various stores in 

the region as a meat supervisor. The last 18 years of his career, he 

worked at Hy-Vee’s Corporate Office in West Des Moines as the group 

vice president of meat, seafood and deli until he retired in January 

2016. He and Kathi, his wife of 38 years, have four grown daughters. 

How has working in the grocery industry impacted 

your work as a legislator? In the grocery business you 

get to work with customers and employees every day. It is 

really no different at the Capitol. Your constituents are your 

customers. It is all about talking with Iowans and learning what 

is important to them and bringing their voice to the Legislature. 

What inspired you to become a legislator? 

My family and I had great opportunities working for a wonderful 

Iowa company like Hy-Vee. I had the good fortune to work with 

many great leaders throughout my 38-year career and learned 

so much. It is important to me to take part of my retirement and 

make a difference in the lives of others. My purpose is to make 

our state the best place to live, work, raise a family and retire. 

Do you have a unique perspective because of your 

work as a grocer? I spent my career serving customers, 

knowing that is the lifeblood of the business. It translates to 

constituents now. I feel my experiences at Hy-Vee, working 

with employees and suppliers alike and striving to do the best 

I could for our customers, translate to serving as a legislator 

and finding common ground to move our state forward. 

How does your experience as a grocer help you to 

be a better lawmaker? My experience on the business 

side of Hy-Vee taught me the art and necessity of 

negotiation. It starts with leadership and character. 

Your word has to be good. You have to accept there 

is more than one way to approach a topic. People need 

to be heard. Treating people like you want to be treated seems 

simple but is so vital. The spirit of compromise for the common 

good is so important at the State House. 

Have you had opportunities to educate others about 

the grocery industry at the Capitol? I feel like you bring 

your experiences with you every day. The grocery business is 

essential to our state and provides a great service to families. 

This was never more evident than this past year with COVID-19; 

the grocery and retail industry had a huge impact serving on 

the frontline of the pandemic. Any time issues regarding the 

grocery industry are brought up, I certainly have a unique 

perspective to draw upon. 

What issues are you passionate about and why? 

Having a great educational system in all parts of our state is a 

big one for me. It is the economic growth engine in the years to 

come. Opportunity to succeed starts with education. Having a 

good paying job and access to affordable healthcare are other 

tools needed to thrive. We want our people to be able to stay 

in Iowa and make a wonderful life. I believe the State has a 

role in this process. We must make sure we keep growing our 

economy. It is really no different than needing an increase in 

sales at a store to be successful. And, we need to never forget 

the Iowans who are struggling and to have the proper safety 

nets in place to help our neighbors. 

What can we do to help you and all law makers at 

the Capitol? I would encourage more people to get involved 

in the process by getting to know your Legislator and Senator 

and keeping track of what is going on at your State House. 

We work for you. Every bill has an impact on our state and 

the people who live here. Also, we need good people from all 

walks of life to run for office. 

22


About Rep. Brian Lohse 

Rep. Lohse was elected to the Iowa House of 

Representatives in 2018. Rep. Lohse, owner of Brick Street 

Market and other businesses in Bondurant, Iowa, earned a 

Bachelor’s of Science degree in social sciences from the University 

of Northwestern at Saint Paul, and a Juris Doctorate from Drake 

University School of Law. Before being elected to the Iowa House, 

Lohse was a member of the Bondurant City Council, and a board 

member and president of Bondurant Development Inc. and East Polk 

Innovation Collaborative. He also was the former Mayor Pro Tem of 

Bondurant. He and Mary, his wife, have two sons and one daughter. 

How has working at a grocery store impacted your 

work as a legislator? Owning and operating a small business 

has certainly enlightened me to a number of the issues that we 

confront as legislators. Bills may impact different businesses in 

different ways. I’ve been able to be a voice to bring the small 

business perspective to the discussion. [Lohse says that as a 

grocer, he has a firsthand look at the impact of laws like the 

bottle bill.] Owning a grocery store has given me unique insights 

important to the bottle bill debate. 

What inspired you to become a legislator? 

My primary motivation was to maintain a conservative voice in 

the Iowa House for East Polk County. [When Sen. Zach Nunn 

moved from the House to the Senate, it left a vacuum that 

Lohse felt he was best-positioned to fill.] 

Do you feel like you have a unique perspective 

because of your work as a grocer? Absolutely. I think 

that my peers in the House do look to me to provide insight and 

respect my opinions on legislation that affects the grocery industry. 

How does your experience as a grocer help you to 

be a better lawmaker? As a grocer, especially as a small 

business owner, you have to listen to your customers and find 

creative solutions to meet their needs. Being a 

lawmaker is a lot like that. As you work through 

legislation that affects a number of competing 

interests, you have to work with those interests and 

compromise to find fair, balanced solutions that will effectively 

meet the needs of all parties. 

Have you had opportunities to educate others 

about the grocery industry at the Capitol? The bottle 

deposit law has been a topic of discussion each year since I 

was elected. I have spoken to numerous Representatives to 

answer their questions and educate them about the many 

challenges that the law presents to retailers, such as the cost 

of collecting the cans and bottles, the problems with sanitation, 

and obstacles retailers face in getting distributors to pick up 

the returned cans and bottles in a timely manner. I’ve also 

had frequent conversations with other lawmakers about the 

plight of rural grocery stores and the difficulties they face. I 

have spoken with other legislators about a possible program 

to provide support and resources to help small-town grocers 

who struggle to make a go of a tough business. 

What issues are you passionate about and why? For 

the past two years as the chair of the new Information Technology 

Committee, I’ve been working to expand broadband across 

the state. Broadband access is a major issue in today’s society, 

impacting business, agriculture, education and healthcare as well 

as grocery stores seeking to thrive. Having an online presence 

especially in rural areas of the state is vital to increasing sales 

and growing revenue. 

What can we do to help you and all law makers at 

the Capitol? Please have discussions with your local House 

and Senate members. Get to know them personally when they 

hold forums. And, do not be afraid to reach out to them with 

concerns and ideas on how to improve Iowa law. 

23

iowagrocer 

The 2021 IGIA Leadership Institute 

Moves to Spring Start 

Due to the pandemic, the IGIA Leadership Institute is moving from a January start date to 

a spring launch so participants will have a better chance to meet in-person. 

Now in its sixth year, the IGIA 

Leadership Institute will begin the first of 

its four educational sessions in April or May. 

In 2020, Leadership Institute participants 

finished their final two sessions virtually to 

minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. 

“Our primary concern has been for the safety 

of the participants, speakers and staff,” 

says IGIA President Michelle Hurd. “Moving 

the start date to a time when more people 

have been vaccinated will help to ensure 

we can gather together in an in-person 

setting, which we feel is more conducive 

to networking, the exchange of ideas and 

learning.” 

The IGIA Leadership Institute is limited to 24 

participants and fills up quickly each year. 

Companies and individuals submit their 

candidates or themselves for consideration. 

“We always end up with a group of industry 

leaders of all ages who embark upon this 

incredible journey together to improve their 

leadership abilities,” Hurd adds. “Stay tuned 

for the dates, topics and speakers to be 

announced in the days ahead. This year’s 

Institute will continue to provide all the great 

content participants have come to expect.” 

The 2021 leadership class will examine what 

it means to be a leader today, learn how 

to effectively manage multiple generations 

in the workforce, explore using media to 

promote their brands and build credibility, 

find ways to improve their personal brands 

and more. 

Andrea Chase, who works for Fareway and was 

elected to the IGIA Board of Directors in 2019, took 

part in the 2016 Leadership Institute. 

“I participated in the IGIA Leadership classes to 

further develop my professional leadership skills 

and network within the grocery industry,” Chase 

recalls. “It was very worthwhile from networking with 

others to learning techniques for public speaking. I also 

gained a more in-depth understanding of how to bring 

about positive changes for our industry through government 

relations and I gained an understanding that we are not all motivated by the same 

things. Learning what motivates the individuals on your team to deliver results is 

an important part of leadership.” 

Chase adds that she also enjoyed the community service project when the group 

headed to the DMARC Food Pantry warehouse to organize donations and fill pantry 

orders during the final session of the Institute. 

IGIA board member Jeremy Thompson, 

who works for Sazerac, was part of the 

third Leadership Institute held in 2017. 

“I believe that an individual always needs to 

be learning and growing. The IGIA Leadership 

Institute was a great way to get more involved in 

the Association and improve my leadership skills,” 

Thompson says. “It was a great value too. Most trainings 

of this caliber costs much more.” 

Thompson adds, “The path to leadership is not always what you expect. There is 

no step-by-step plan to follow. Instead, it’s often about how well you react and 

adapt to the changes and challenges before you that determines your success. 

“Once you attain a leadership position, that does not mean you can stop learning, 

if anything it means you have that much more to learn.” 

Watch for more 

information about the 

2021 IGIA Leadership 

Institute to come. 

24 

IGIA’s Leadership Institute is designed 

to provide participants with the 

education and training necessary to 

lead our industry through whatever 

challenges the future holds. By keeping 

the class size small, graduates are sure 

to receive the intensive, one-on-one 

interaction with presenters that will 

help them gain and retain an entire 

new skillset. 

Sponsored by SHAZAM, this year’s Leadership 

Institute will again consist of four one-day 

sessions delivering an outstanding lineup 

of topics and presenters. Read above what 

two former participants have to say about 

their IGIA Leadership Institute experiences. 

Questions? Contact the IGIA office, 

800.383.3663 or email aschlink@ 

iowagrocers.com.

iowagrocer 

Grocers Encourage Recycling with 

Build with Bags Grant Program 

After 11 years, the Build with Bags grant program has awarded $350,067.20 in grants to more than 

200 Iowa communities and kept hundreds of thousands of plastic bags out of landfills. 

Park benches, picnic tables and planters are a few of the items made 

from recycled plastic that have found their way to Iowa parks and 

playgrounds each spring courtesy of the Build with Bags program. 

Each item represents thousands of plastics bags that won’t be making 

a trip to the landfill. For example, it takes 10,600 plastic grocery bags to 

make one park bench and more than 20,000 to make a picnic table. 

The idea is to use the money from the Build with Bags Grants to increase 

plastic bag recycling efforts throughout Iowa and it’s working, according 

to Iowa Grocery Industry Association President Michelle Hurd. 

“The program takes an innovative approach to encourage individuals to 

recycle their plastic bags so those bags can be turned into products that 

beautify our communities,” explains Hurd. “It gives Iowans a firsthand 

look at what happens to their plastic bags when they are recycled and 

demonstrates our members’ commitment to the environment. Our 

members feel strongly that everybody wins when we recycle.” 

In 2020, a committee of representatives in support of the Build with Bags 

program selected eight winners from a total of 29 applications submitted by 

local community groups. Committee members individually scored applications. 

The scores were then combined for an overall point total. The top eight 

applicants with the most points received grants totaling $14,505.20. 

Local grocers play an instrumental role in securing the Build with Bags Grants 

within their communities. Grant applicants must obtain an endorsement letter from 

a local grocer who is supportive of the community’s project and recycling plans. 

Check out a few of the projects (found on the adjacent page) 

that were funded by Build with Bags Grants in 2020. 

Win A Build with Bags Grant in 2021 

Deadline to Apply: March 30, 2021 

Grant recipients will be announced on 

Earth Day, Wed., April 22, 2021. 

To apply for a Build with Bags Grant, scan the QR code above to visit: 

http://www.iowagrocers.com/build-with-bags-grant-application.cfm 

26


PHOTOS 

1. New benches, trash receptacles and a 

table are installed in Pocahontas parks 

thanks to a Build with Bags Grant from Iowa 

grocers. Hometown Pride Committee and 

community members Dick Gruber, Helen 

Beneke, Don Beneke (front row) and Margo 

Underwood, Brenda Vrba, Suzanne Dudley 

(back row) sit on a new bench in the town’s 

Heritage Park. 

2. Citizens of Low Moor find a spot at one of 

four new picnic tables purchased for the 

city’s concession stand at the Low Moor 

Lions Club Park during the town’s Halloween 

festivities. The tables were purchased thanks 

to a Build with Bags Grant awarded to the 

Low Moor Hometown Pride Committee. 

3. William Penn University’s Build with Bags 

Grant helped to purchase 10 benches placed 

throughout the campus. 

4. The Sac City Hometown Pride Committee 

purchased two ADA hex tables for the 

city’s Riverview Park. Physically challenged 

residents of the nearby Howard Activity 

Center are better able to enjoy the park now. 

5. The City of Havelock purchased four benches 

for its city park. These cute little cherubs 

rest on one of the new benches just long 

enough for a quick photo. 

1 2 

3 

4 5 

27

iowagrocer 

Getting to know your IGIA staff 

Sunny Side Up 

There are many different ways you may know IGIA’s Ann Seuferer: Her talent for communications 

and PR. Her bright smile. Her love for chocolate, Salsa dancing and animals. Her disposition— 

patience, eagerness to help, easy laugh and healthy dose of self-deprecating humor—is notably 

sunny side up. 

Ann has a generous spirit and 

is quick with kind words and gestures, 

whether for coworkers, community 

members or family. 

“I like helping someone solve a problem, 

and get a buzz from giving gifts and 

making people laugh…with me or at me, 

either is fine,” she says. 

Born in Carroll, Iowa, and raised in 

Marshalltown, Iowa, Ann graduated 

from Marshalltown High School where 

she played 3-on-3 basketball, ran cross 

country and played the clarinet. The fourth 

of five children, Ann grew up with two 

brothers, Steve and Clark, and sisters, 

Mary Lynn and Lana. Her mom, Mary, 

will turn 90 in June and her dad, Nick, is 

96. Ann counts herself fortunate to have 

both parents and her siblings around 

still. She visits her parents, who live in 

Marshalltown, most weekends, helping 

them with projects around the house. 

“I admire my mom, my dad, both my 

sisters, and my brother, Steve, who 

each has faced serious health challenges 

and bravely overcome them with great 

fortitude and a sense of humor,” she 

says. “And I admire my brother, Clark’s 

incredible work ethic.” 

Education and Work History 

Ann attended the University of Iowa and 

earned a Bachelor of Arts with double 

majors in journalism and communications 

studies with an emphasis in public relations. 

She began her career in Marshalltown 

as communication coordinator for Area 

Education Agency 6 and later moved 

to Altoona when she accepted a job as 

publication coordinator at Kragie/Newell 

Advertising in Des Moines. 

After six years at the agency, during which 

she was promoted to senior copywriter, 

Ann took on a new position—stay-athome 

mom. 

“My most rewarding position, bar-none,” 

she says. “Terrible hours, but great 

benefits!” 

After former clients began calling, Ann 

formed her business, ci • pher solutions 

inc. For more than 10 years while her 

daughter was young, Ann worked late 

nights from a home office in an upstairs 

bedroom producing publications and a 

variety of marketing materials for NAPA 

and John Deere nationally and a short 

list of smaller clients locally. 

28


“I longed for adult conversation and the 

hum of the workplace,” she recalls, and 

she accepted a part-time position with 

Children and Families of Iowa for a couple 

years before taking a full-time position 

with Practical Farmers of Iowa in Ames. 

In April 2012, she joined the team at the 

Iowa Grocery Industry Association. 

“I have been blessed here with great 

members to work for and wonderful 

teammates to work with,” she says. 

An advocate of the “food as medicine 

movement,” Ann says that grocers and 

the food industry “play a critical role in 

helping people live healthier, happier lives 

through their offerings and customer 

nutrition education efforts.” 

“In working to support this industry, I feel 

like I’m making a positive difference in the 

world. I also enjoy the camaraderie of my 

coworkers and appreciate the privilege 

of highlighting the many good deeds of 

our members,” she adds. 

Life at Home 

Ann and her husband, Ed, have been 

married for 32 years. Ed works for 

DirectTV, which is owned by AT&T. 

“Ed is a born leader,” she says. “Throughout 

his career, his honesty, integrity and work 

ethic have been a shining example to 

our daughter and to young reports and 

coworkers, helping them to mature, accept 

responsibility for their actions and become 

competent, confident adults.” 

Ann and Ed have a daughter, Sydney, 24, 

and a black lab, Ellie, 12. 

“Some of our best moments have included 

hot dog-and-s’more nights around the 

backyard fire pit, Disney movie nights 

and traveling with the Chow’s Gymnastics 

team to competitions at fun and exciting 

destinations around the country,” Ann 

says. Her daughter Sydney was on the 

competitive team for Chow’s growing up 

and earned three first-place USGA State 

Championship all-around titles. 

Sydney graduated from Valley High 

School in West Des Moines, Iowa, and 

went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in 

psychology from Iowa State University 

while working for Hy-Vee. In 2018, she 

accepted a full-time position as human 

resource manager at the west Ames store. 

She is currently pursuing her Master’s 

Degree in counseling through the online 

degree program offered by Northwestern 

University, Illinois, and recently accepted a 

position as a behavior specialist at Balance 

Autism, located in Clive, Iowa. 

“I’m incredibly proud of the person that 

Sydney has become, all the she’s achieved 

and all she will go on to do,” Ann says. 

Community Service & Interests 

Outside of work, Ann enjoys jogging. She 

also loves to Salsa and serves as board 

chair for Salsa Des Moines. “The music is 

exciting and energizing,” she says. “On the 

dance floor, I imagine I look like J.Lo, but 

in reality, I’m pretty sure I more closely 

resemble Napoleon Dynamite.” 

Ann has engaged in community 

throughout her life. She was a girl scout 

leader, participated in PTA, served on 

the committees for Art in the Park and 

Amanda the Panda, and created a summer 

reading program for elementary schoolers 

called Camp Read-A-Lot. She also supports 

causes for animals, including ASPCA and 

ARL, and holds that it’s always better to 

adopt rather than buy a dog. 

“I have a soft spot for kids, animals and 

the elderly,” Ann says. “All three have 

important life lessons to share. They’re 

brutally honest—if they are happy, sad 

or mad, you know it. They are generally 

unencumbered by the fear of what others 

think of them. They are who they are, 

and I love that!” 

29

iowagrocer 

The 2021 IGEF Scholarship Golf Classic 

More than a golf tournament 

On Tuesday, June 22, 2021, the Iowa Grocers Education Foundation will hold its 30th Annual Scholarship 

Golf Classic. While this event is always lots of fun and a great day of golf, it is so much more. 

The Scholarship Golf Classic is vital 

to youth seeking college degrees. It is one 

of two primary fundraisers that make 

college scholarships available to youth 

with ties to the grocery industry. 

This event and the Iowa Grocers Education 

Foundation were established in 1992 

with the purpose of assisting youth to 

achieve their dreams of obtaining a higher 

education. The IGEF Scholarship program 

was renamed the Mary I. Fitzgerald 

Scholarship Program in 1997 in tribute 

to Mary I. Fitzgerald, who guided the Iowa 

Grocery Industry Association from 1964 

to 1981. 

Why We Golf 

Since 2001, the IGEF has helped 1,679 

youth obtain a post-secondary education 

with scholarships totaling more than $2.5 

million. The IGEF scholarships have paved 

the way for youth to achieve their ultimate 

career goals within and outside of the 

grocery industry. 

Scholarship recipients must be at 

least part-time employees of an IGIA 

member company or the children of 

full-time employees working for an IGIA 

member company. A large number of 

the deserving young people assisted by 

these scholarships say that they would 

not be the doctor, CEO, nurse, teacher 

or business professional they are today 

without the help of the Mary I. Fitzgerald 

Scholarship Program. 

Last year, 90 scholarships, totaling 

$159,300 were awarded to students who 

are at least part-time employees of an 

IGIA member company or the children 

of full-time employees working for an 

IGIA member, bringing those youth that 

much closer to achieving their life’s goals. 

Make a Difference 

Make a pivotal difference in the lives of 

youth who will go on to share their light 

and gifts with the world by becoming a 

hole sponsor for IGEF Scholarship Golf 

Classic or by signing up as an individual 

golfer. This event will be held Tuesday, 

June 22 at the Otter Creek Golf Course 

and Briarwood Club in Ankeny, Iowa. The 

tournament is structured as a four-person 

best shot. The day’s schedule begins with 

registration at 9 a.m. followed by a shotgun 

start at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served on the 

course. The cost for an individual golfer 

to attend is $235 for members and $255 

for non-members. A hole sponsorship 

costs members $1,300 and non-members 

pay $1,500. 

Hole sponsors receive a golf game and 

two carts for four players, lunch for four, 

four Mulligans, eight drink tickets and 

assorted appetizers. Hole sponsors also 

will be recognized with signage at a hole 

on both courses, in the EScanner, IGIA’s 

weekly electronic newsletter, and in the 

iowa grocer magazine. Hole sponsors also 

have the option to place products in the 

registration area at both courses. 

Two Courses 

❖ 

❖ 

The Briarwood Golf Club is located 

at 3405 NE Trilein Dr, Ankeny, IA 

50021 

The Otter Creek Golf Course is 

located at 4100 NE Otter Creek 

Drive, Ankeny, IA 50021 

Registration 

Registrations are due by 4:30 p.m., Friday, 

June 11. There will be NO refunds after 

the June 11 deadline (including weatherrelated 

cancellations). To register, scan the 

QR code on the adjacent page, or email or 

call Annie Schlink, aschlink@iowagrocers. 

com, 800.383.3663. 

30

Iowa Food Code Changes 

What you need to know to be up to date 

The Iowa Food Code recently has been updated to the 2017 FDA Model Food Code, which 

became effective February 3, 2021. 

Some of the primary changes in the Iowa Food Code 

that affect grocers follow: 

❖ Certified Food Protection 

Manager requirements 

❖ Person-in-Charge requirements 

❖ Written clean-up procedures requirement 

IGIA recently provided a webinar in partnership with 

the Department of Inspections and Appeals to cover the 

significant changes to the code. A recording of this webinar 

can be found on the IGIA website, www.iowagrocers.com. 

Scan to View Webinar 

THANK 

YOU 

Hormel Foods 

Plant Professionals 

for keeping our 

communities fed. 

IGEF Scholarship Golf Classic 

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 

Briarwood Golf Club & Otter Creek Golf Course 

Register by June 11, 2021 

To download a registration form, 

scan the QR code 

Visit: http://www.iowagrocers.com/ 

2021-igef-scholarship-golf-classic.cfm 

Join us on Facebook to stay in the know about the latest 

Association events and activities. 

Like and follow IGIA at: 

https://www.facebook.com/IowaGrocers 

Find us on Twitter: @IowaGrocers

iowagrocer 

The 2021-22 Iowa Grocers Education Foundation Scholarship Program 

Scholarship Deadline March 15 

Iowa Grocers Education Foundation (IGEF) has made available 92 scholarships for the 2021–2022 

academic year. Applicants must submit their applications online by March 15, 2021. 

The IGEF will award (12) $2,000 

scholarships to students who are 

children of full-time employees and (12) 

$1,500 scholarships to students who 

are full-time or part-time employees 

of firms that are members of the Iowa 

Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) 

as well as 68 piggyback scholarships 

offered by IGIA member organizations. 

Scholarship posters are available to 

download at www.iowagrocers.com/ 

scholarships.cfm. Questions? Contact 

Ann Seuferer at anns@iowagrocers.com. 

Eligibility 

High school seniors, college freshmen, 

sophomores and juniors who are: 

1. Sons or daughters of full-time 

employees of firms that are members 

of the IGIA. The parent must have been 

employed for at least two years as of 

January 1, 2021. 

2020–2021 Scholarships 

❖ 50 – Fareway Family Scholarships ($2,000) 

❖ 12 – Iowa Grocers Education Foundation Scholarships ($2,000) 

❖ 12 – Iowa Grocers Education Foundation Scholarships ($1,500) 

❖ 3 – Beckwith Foundation Scholarships ($2,000) 

❖ 2 – Cylinder Express Scholarships ($500) 

❖ 2 – JW’s Foods Scholarships ($750) 

❖ 2 – Mueller Yurgae Associates Scholarships ($1,000) 

❖ 2 – Perishable Distributors of Iowa Scholarships ($500) 

❖ 1 – Dietrich Family Scholarship ($1,500) 

❖ 1 – Grocery Manufacturers Association Scholarship ($500) 

❖ 1 – Jack Grolmus Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) 

❖ 1 – Jerry Thede Scholarship ($1,000) 

❖ 1 – Ken Uglum Memorial Scholarship ($500) 

❖ 1 – Mary I. Fitzgerald Scholarship ($1,800) 

❖ 1 – Robert G. Carper, Jr. Scholarship ($1,800) 

2. Employees (full-time or part-time) 

who are full-time students employed 

by firms that are members of the 

IGIA. Applicants must have worked 

a minimum of 300 hours during the 

6-month period between July 1, 2020 

and December 31, 2020. 

Scholarship winners will be chosen 

by a Scholarship Selection Committee 

and notified in April. Winners must be 

enrolled in undergraduate college in 

the fall of 2021 and must be attending 

college full time in the year in which the 

scholarships are awarded and continue 

in school for the entire academic year 

without interruption, barring illness, 

emergency or military service. 

To Apply 

Visit the IGIA website at http://www. 

iowagrocers.com/scholarships.cfm 

and click on Scholarship Application. 

A Little History 

The Iowa Grocers Education Foundation 

was established in 1992 to assist youth 

with ties to the grocery industry achieve 

their dreams of obtaining a higher 

education. The IGEF Scholarship 

program was renamed the Mary I. 

Fitzgerald Scholarship Program in 

1997 in tribute to Mary I. Fitzgerald, 

who guided the Iowa Grocery Industry 

Association from 1964 to 1981. 

Since 2001, the IGEF has helped 

approximately 1,600 youth obtain a 

post-secondary education, awarding 

1,679 scholarships, totaling close 

to $2.5 million. These scholarships 

paved the way for youth to achieve 

their ultimate career goals within and 

outside of the grocery industry. 

A large number of the deserving young 

people assisted by these scholarships 

say that they would not be the doctor, 

CEO, nurse, teacher or business 

professional they are today without 

the help of the Mary I. Fitzgerald 

Scholarship Program. 

32


The IGIA Women’s Network 

Planning a year’s worth 

of valuable content 

IGIA Women’s Network met in January and is hard at work 

planning networking and educational events for 2021. 

Although the pandemic forced the 

group to turn to virtual events last year, 

the IGIA Women’s Network committee 

hopes to resume in-person events in 

2021. Their goals include providing 

networking, professional development 

and community service opportunities in 

addition to a great lineup of speakers. 

Some topics you can expect in 2021 

include work-life balance, personal 

finance and leadership. 

Last event of 2020 draws a crowd 

The final event of 2020, “Leading in a 

Time of Uncertainty,” held on Friday, 

October 30, drew more than 50 

participants, both men and women. 

Participants joined in a discussion about 

leading through the challenges of a 

pandemic. The free event featured 

panelists Kyla Luckie, senior director, 

regional manager, Walmart; John Dean, 

IGIA Women’s 

Network Committee 

❖ Andrea Chase, Fareway, Chair 

❖ Liz Baker, Atlantic Coca-Cola 

Bottling Company 

❖ Jackie Becker, PepsiCo 

❖ Tania Bowman, Dean Snyder 

Construction 

❖ Erin Butler, Casey’s 

❖ Kara Clark, Kum & Go 

❖ Andrea Chase, Fareway Stores 

❖ Roxanne Kanne-Roush, Fareway 

❖ Dawn Loftsgard, PepsiCo 

❖ Rachael Schmitt, Frito-Lay 

❖ Kelly Sixta, Capital City Fruit 

❖ Danielle Snook, Fareway Stores 

❖ Christie Sullivan, Kum & Go 

❖ Amy Thompson, PepsiCo 

senior vice president of sales, Frito-Lay 

North America; and Julie Jackowski, chief 

legal officer and secretary, Casey’s. The 

panel covered tips for success, what it 

means to be a great leader in times of 

uncertainty as well as the need for and 

how to achieve diversity and gender 

equity in a male-dominated industry. 

About the IGIA Women’s Network 

IGIA Women’s Network events provide 

great opportunities to network with 

other women in the industry. 

Established in March 2014, the Iowa 

Grocery Industry Association Women’s 

Network represents women affiliated 

with the food industry. The organization 

is a valuable resource for industry 

professionals, providing educational 

events, mentor relationships, leadership 

skills, networking opportunities and 

community involvement. 

The IGIA Women’s Network offers 

high-quality professional development, 

opportunities to lead and a strong 

network of support to advance women 

in the food industry. 

Join us! 

Contact Events and Education 

Coordinator Annie Schlink to be added 

to the mailing list for the IGIA Women’s 

Network News and be the first to know 

about new Women’s Network events. 

If you would like to join the Women’s 

Network committee and help fulfill the 

group’s mission to provide education, 

support, encouragement, leadership 

and networking opportunities to 

advance women in the grocery industry, 

email aschlink@iowagrocers.com. 

Watch for more details to come. 

The IGIA presents the following lineup 

of valuable networking events for 

2021. Please mark your calendar 

and make plans to attend them all. 

(All events are tentatively planned to 

be held in-person. Any changes due 

to the pandemic will be announced.) 

IGEF Scholarship 

Golf Classic 

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 

Briarwood Golf Club 

3405 N.E. Trilein Drive 

Ankeny, IA 50021 

Otter Creek Golf Course 

4100 NE Otter Creek 

Drive, Ankeny, IA 50021 

IGIA Fall Golf Classic 

Tuesday, August 3, 2021 

Legacy Golf Club 

400 Legacy Pkwy, 

Norwalk, IA 50211 

Iowa Best Bagger Contest 

1 p.m., Friday, August 13, 2021 

Iowa State Fairgrounds 

Susan Knapp Amphitheater 

E 34th St, Des Moines, IA 50317 

IGIA Get Connected 

Convention 

September 1–2, 2021 

Iowa Events Center 

730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309 

IGIA Hall of Fame Dinner 

Thursday, September 2, 2021 

Iowa Events Center 

730 3rd St. 

Des Moines, IA 50309 

33

iowagrocer 

Kemps Completes 

A Circle of Goodness 

Most Midwesterners have heard of and likely purchased products with the Kemps label. After all, the 

company has been delivering quality dairy products to families across the Midwest for more than 

100 years, and its products can be found on most Iowa retail shelves. 

Kemps roots date back to 1914 when 

company founder William Kemps formed 

the Lathrop-Kemps Ice Cream Company in 

Minneapolis. Over time, a variety of small 

community creameries joined together 

to become Marigold Foods, which later 

officially changed its name to Kemps and 

coined the tagline, “Kemps It’s the Cows.” 

Farmer ownership opens 

new chapter 

But the story doesn’t end there. In 2011, 

Dairy Farmers of America purchased the 

growing company, making it a wholly 

farmer-owned entity. DFA owns a 

variety of different dairy brands around 

the country. Kemps is one of them and 

today markets its products throughout 

Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois, 

Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and 

South Dakota. 

“Our farmer ownership is our 

differentiator,” says Kemps CEO Greg 

Kurr. “When we talk about the brand, our 

tagline now is, ‘Good Comes Around.’ This 

concept starts with the family farmers who 

own our business. They produce nature’s 

complete nutrition package—milk—which 

we bring into our facilities and transform 

into wholesome and delicious products 

that consumers love.” 

As a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America, 

Kemps is owned by 13,000 farmers 

located throughout the United States. 

The St. Paul, Minnesota-based company 

increased its brand presence in Iowa when 

DFA purchased a milk-processing facility 

from Dean Foods in Le Mars, Iowa, in May 

of 2020. Fluid milk from the plant, which 

employs just over 200 Iowans, is used 

to create an array of wholesome dairy 

products—buttermilk, cream, sour cream, 

cottage cheese, yogurt, dips, eggnog and 

more. 

Supporting farmers & communities 

Kurr explains that being farmer-owned 

means all of the proceeds from these 

products go back to the family farmer 

owners and the communities in which they 

live, completing a circle of good. 

“We are proud that all of the proceeds from 

our business go to help family farmers. 

Our farmers play an important role in their 

communities. Not only do they ensure 

there is plenty of fresh milk available every 

day, they are an integral part of the fabric 

of the communities in which they live and 

farm. And, their farms are essential to the 

economic vitality of these communities.” 

Good Comes Around 

The philosophy of “Good Comes Around” 

is something that farmers, retailers and 

consumers can get behind and has helped 

Kemps grow in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, 

and North Dakota, providing employment 

for approximately 1,500 people in all. 

“Our mission at Kemps is to passionately 

transform nature’s pure milk into great 

tasting products every day, fresh from 

our local family farms to families’ kitchen 

tables,” says Kurr. “We believe in locally 

produced products so we’re excited now 

that we can supply local milk products from 

the Le Mars plant to consumers in Iowa.” 

34


Maintaining a consumer connection 

Kemps stays connected to consumers by 

participating in a variety of community events. 

In Iowa, Kemps is known for its support of local 

food banks. One of the more difficult items to find at 

food pantries is milk. Kemps is helping to solve the problem 

with a new program called The Giving Cow. 

It works like this: When a consumer buys a gallon of milk, 

Kemps donates an eight-ounce package of shelf-stable milk 

to a food bank. “It’s been a really positive program and we 

made our first delivery in Iowa in December,” Pat Graiziger, 

general manager for the Le Mars facility, explains. “We believe 

strongly in taking care of families in our local communities, 

and The Giving Cow is one way that we do that.” 

Kemps donated 66,000 Giving Cow packs to Food Bank for 

the Heartland in December 2020 and made another sizable 

donation in January 2021. Food Bank for the Heartland serves 

Northeast Iowa and Nebraska. 

The Giving Cow packs do not require refrigeration and stay 

fresh far longer than the 21-day refrigerated shelf life of 

regular fluid milk. So far, Kemps has donated half a million 

milk packs to foodbanks all over the Midwest. 

Also, new in 2020, the company formed 

the new Kemps Foundation with the goal 

to support children in need. Currently, the 

Foundation is raising funds and looking forward to 

using those funds to give back to local communities. 

With success comes challenges 

Kemps success has not come without its share of challenges. 

One of the biggest in recent years, which is not unique to 

Kemps but shared by all milk processors, is the declining 

consumption of milk as so many more competitive beverages 

enter the marketplace. “We are continually innovating and 

finding new ways to rekindle consumers’ love of milk,” says 

Rebecca Heagney, marketing director. “Milk is such a great 

product, people love how it tastes. We work to ensure that 

milk demand stays high and milk remains the go-to, healthy 

beverage in the household with meals and snacks.” 

Heagney says the company is doing this by positioning milk 

in a “more contemporary way” and making people aware of 

milk’s outstanding nutrition profile. Milk has nine essential 

vitamins and minerals and eight grams of high-quality protein 

per serving to boast. Maintaining the demand for milk in turn 

helps their farmer owners and local communities, which 

again brings it all back to their farmer-owned positioning, 

“Good Comes Around.” 

Photo: (L–R) Becca Huber, Northeast Iowa Food Bank; Kevin Dealing Mitchell, with Kemps; Impacts Almir of Beganovic, COVID-19Fareway; 

Larry Augustine, Kemps; Allen Weimerskirch, Dave Workman and Brian Beneke, Fareway. 

(Continued on page 36.) 

35

iowagrocer 

Kemps Completes 

A Circle of Goodness (Continued from page 35.) 

The pandemic has been a challenge for all 

companies this past year. Kemps was no 

exception. When the COVID-related 

shutdowns took place in March, 

the demand for milk grew and 

Kemps production facilities 

ramped up production, 

operating around the 

clock to meet demand. In 

addition, the increased 

safety precautions 

necessitated by the 

pandemic required a 

shift in the company’s 

operations. Kemps 

quickly overhauled 

procedures in all of their 

facilities to add increased 

sanitation, social distancing, 

face masks and face shields. 

Kemps’ adoption of new technologies 

including automation and 

ecommerce. “COVID has 

accelerated consumer 

use of online shopping, 

changing the way they 

shop for groceries,” he 

explains. “The increase 

in ecommerce 

for purchasing 

groceries, whether 

it’s ordering online 

and then picking up 

curbside or actually 

having purchases 

delivered straight to 

the home, has grown 

dramatically and we’ve 

adapted to meet those 

needs. 

“We have remained operational 

every day since the COVID shutdown 

began,” Graiziger says, adding, “There’s 

nothing more important in our business 

than taking care of our employees and 

making sure the products that leave our 

plant are of the highest quality.” 

Graiziger says that across the board from 

milk to cottage cheese, sour cream to ice 

cream, all of their retail products have seen 

strong growth as consumers have shifted 

from eating out to buying products in 

supermarkets and making meals at home. 

“Keeping health and nutrition at the 

forefront of everything we do has been 

more vital than ever as we continue to 

navigate these uncertain times,” says 

Graiziger. “Thanks to local dairy farmers, 

consumers have been able to continue 

enjoying the great taste and nutrition of 

milk in their daily routines without 

interruption throughout the crisis.” 

Using technology to overcome challenges 

Kurr adds that the pandemic has sped 

“We don’t want any barriers 

between consumers and easily 

accessing great quality dairy products 

based on how consumers want to shop.” 

Whatever the challenges that lie ahead, 

you can rest assured that DFA’s 13,000 

family farmers and 1,500 employees will 

work faithfully to see consumers through 

good times and bad and ensure ‘Good 

Comes Around.’ 

IGIA Fun Facts About Kemps 

❖ Kemps been a member of the IGIA since 1990s. 

❖ Kemps has been an IGIA Ribbon Sponsor since 2004. 

❖ Kemps received the IGIA Supplier of the Year Award at the 

Association’s Annual Hall of Fame Dinner in 2015. 

Photo: (L–R) Ed Gordon, production manager; 

Zach Woods, QA manager; Pat Henrich, planning manager; 

and Tim Dirksen, production supervisor. 

36

2021 Ribbon 

Sponsors 

PLATINUM RIBBON 

SPONSORS 

Coca-Cola 



Hy-Vee 

PepsiCo 

SHAZAM 

BLUE RIBBON 

SPONSORS 

AE Dairy 

Associated Wholesale Grocers 



DFA Family Brands/Kemps 


H. Brooks & Company 

Hiland Dairy 

RED RIBBON 

SPONSORS 




Casey’s General Stores 

Certco, Inc. 

Constellation Brands 

Frontier Coop 

General Mills 

Iowa Lottery 



The KraftHeinz Company 

Kwik Star 

MillerCoors Company 


Old Dutch Foods, Inc. 

IGIA Supplier Member Directory 

BAKERY 


.........................(515) 963-8746 

Pan-O-Gold Baking Co. 

.........................(515) 289-4502 

BEER 


.........................(314) 577-2000 

Boulevard Brewing 

.........................(816) 474-7095 

FIFCO USA.......(585) 546-1030 

Mike’s Hard Lemonade 

.........................(515) 444-3851 

MillerCoors.....(513) 571-4536 

Pabst Brewing 

.........................(515) 344-9138 

Summit Brewing 

.........................(651) 265-7800 


.........................(515) 322-7898 

BEVERAGE 

Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling 

.........................(515) 987-1931 

Body Armor 

.........................(718) 357-7402 

Cameron’s Coffee 

.........................(952) 374-5026 

Coca-Cola........(515) 657-2882 

Crystal Clear Water 

.........................(515) 265-2324 

Fairlife, LLC .... (312) 624-9444 

Iowa Beverage Systems 

.........................(515) 266-2274 


.........................(515) 447-9385 

Mahaska Bottling Co. 

.........................(641) 573-3481 

Midwest Best Water 

.........................(651) 291-7244 

Monster Energy Company 

.........................(612) 251-0426 

Pepsi Beverages 

.........................(515) 270-1332 


.........................(612) 379-4141 

Red Bull 

.........................(417) 766-2834 

Verena Street Coffee 

.........................(563) 556-3931 

Voss Distributing 

.........................(515) 263-1777 

Zevia................(855) 469-3842 

BROKER 

Acosta Sales & Marketing 

.........................(515) 278-2040 


.........................(515) 278-1223 

CROSSMARK Sales & 

Marketing........(515) 285-1101 

Cruise Marketing 

.........................(515) 564-0990 

Daymon...........(515) 267-7913 

Dreyer Marketing 

.........................(515) 986-5957 

Hockenberg Newburgh 

.........................(515) 222-0100 


.........................(515) 986-0491 

R.G. Sales and Marketing 

.........................(515) 556-8018 

Schraad & Associates 

.........................(515) 400-3535 

CANDY 

Palmer Candy 

.........................(712) 258-5543 

Siegert Enterprises dba Betty 

Jane Candies 

........................ (563) 582-4668 

The Hershey Company 

.........................(616) 254-9380 

DAIRY/EGGS 

AE Dairy...........(515) 265-2521 

Crystal Farms..(515) 669-6062 

Hiland Dairy....(402) 344-4321 

Kemps Dairy....(563) 552-1313 

Prairie Farms 

.........................(563) 391-3341 


.........................(812) 497-2557 


.........................(952) 475-0100 

Versova........... (515) 532-2240 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Principal Financial Group 

.........................(515) 246-4031 

Wells Fargo Commercial 

Banking...........(515) 237-5100 

West Bank.......(515) 222-2300 

FOOD MANUFACTURING 

Campbells Soup Company 

.........................(612) 206-4717 

Cameron’s Coffee 

.........................(952) 374-5026 


........................ (712) 664-2683 

Countryside BBQ Sauce 

.........................(515) 295-3583 

Famous Dave’s Products 

........................ (952) 746-8800 

Faribault Foods 

.........................(507) 331-1400 

General Mills..... (952) 913-7395 

Jimmy’s Dressings & Dips 

........................ (507) 533-7786 


........................ (641) 259-2136 

King Arthur Flour 

........................ (901) 351-4751 

Klondike Cheese 

.........................(608) 325-3021 

Midwest Foods, LLC dba 

Gino’s Food Products 

.........................(515) 240-4698 

Mondelez........(515) 556-4194 

Nestle..............(708) 307-5460 

Post Consumer Brands 

.........................(515) 229-8638 

Reser’s Fine Foods 

.........................(816) 834-9472 


.........................(608) 965-4485 

Sioux Honey Association 

.........................(712) 233-9175 

Tasty Toppings 

.........................(800) 228-4148 

The Kraft Heinz Company 

.........................(608) 628-1061 

Troverco/Triple Sticks 

.........................(563) 349-2959 

Vanscoy Industries 

.........................(319) 560-7459 

X-Tra Touch Products 

.........................(712) 246-4376 

FROZEN 

Arctic Glacier U.S.A. 

.........................(316) 529-2173 


.........................(800) 942-3800 

GENERAL MERCHANDISE 


.........................(712) 365-4740 

Luxury Linens 

.........................(312) 822-9393 

Unilever...........(630) 339-7672 

GOURMET/ 

SPECIALTY SPICES 

B & G Foods....(973) 401-6500 

Frontier Co-op 

.........................(319) 321-3524 

GOVERNMENT AGENCY 

Iowa Alcoholic Beverages 

Division............(515) 281-7402 

Iowa Lottery....(515) 725-7900 

Iowa State University Dining 

.........................(515) 294-8383 

WIC...................(800) 532-1579 

INDUSTRY SERVICES 

Allen Lund Company 

.........................(800) 943-5863 

Associated Computer 

Systems (ACS) 

.........................(515) 233-0078 

BKD CPA’s & Advisors 

.........................(816) 221-3600 

Backes Commercial Auctions 

.........................(800) 876-8070 

CliftonLarsonAllen 

.........................(913) 491-6555 

Dean Snyder Construction 

.........................(515) 289-0720 

Diversey..........(303) 910-5571 

E.T. Video........(712) 999-2229 

Evolving Edge 

.........................(515) 777-3638 


.........................(507) 444-6503 

FUELIowa........(515) 224-7545 

Harms Oil Company 

........................ (605) 696-5000

IGIA Supplier Member Directory 


.........................(515) 223-6800 

Iowa Beef Industry Council 

.........................(515) 296-2305 

Iowa Pork Producers 

.........................(515) 225-7675 

Markel.............(888) 500-3344 

Midwest Dairy Association 

.........................(515) 964-0696 

North Risk Partners 

.........................(515) 327-8464 

RSM US LLP.....(515) 558-6646 

Ruan Transportation 

..........................(515-245-5464 

Rug Doctor......(630) 430-9054 

Semiotic Marketing 

International, LLC. 

.........................(312) 802-5877 

Seneca.............(515) 262-5000 

SHAZAM..........(515) 288-2828 

Tarbell.............(515) 282-0200 

The Energy Group Co. Inc. 

.........................(515) 564-1045 

Tomra of North America 

.........................(203) 447-8748 

Truck Center Companies 

.........................(402) 592-2440 

Windstream Enterprises 

.........................(319) 924-9332 

MEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOOD 

Amana Meat Shop & 

Smokehouse 

.........................(319) 622-7586 

Bar-S Foods.....(712) 336-3640 

GNP Company 

.........................(320) 217-4400 

Hormel Foods 

.........................(515) 276-8872 

Iowa Premium 

.........................(641) 849-0106 

Kretschmar Deli 

.........................(314) 625-9626 

Land O’ Frost 

.........................(952) 270-2208 

Star Ranch Angus Beef 

.........................(704) 664-6328 

Stone Ridge Wholesale 

.........................(920) 539-2862 

Tyson Foods....(515) 270-1739 

West Liberty Foods 

.........................(319) 627-6185 

MEDIA/ADVERTISING 

Dakota News 

.........................(605) 336-3000 

Next Step Advertising 

.........................(515) 327-1133 

Rock Communications 

.........................(641) 792-8334 

PACKAGING & SUPPLIES 

Bunzl................(314) 997-5959 

Duro Bag.........(859) 371-2150 

Midwest Packaging 

.........................(515) 271-0906 

Placon Corp. 

.........................(608) 422-1606 

The Brenmar Company 

.........................(402) 592-3303 

PASTA/PIZZA 

Barilla America 

.........................(515) 278-2040 


........................ (715) 590-2626 

Dakota Growers Pasta 

.........................(612) 396-5651 

Orion/Land Mark Products 

.........................(712) 338-2771 

PHARMACY 

21st Century Healthcare 

.........................(480) 966-8201 

Lil’ Drug Store Products 

.........................(319) 393-0454 

PRODUCE 


.........................(515) 981-5111 

Dole Fresh Vegetables 

.........................(408) 422-8871 

Fresha..............(320) 219-0654 

H. Brooks and Company 

.........................(651) 635-0126 

Loffredo Fresh Produce 

.........................(515) 285-3367 

PAT Brokerage 

.........................(515) 278-5517 


.........................(800) 214-4981 

Summertime Potato 

.........................(515) 265-9865 

RECYCLING 

CRINC...............(515) 265-4275 

Green RU.........(855) 788-8733 

SNACKS 

American Pop Corn 

.........................(712) 239-1232 

Farmers Best Popcorn 

.........................(712) 790-8151 

Frito-Lay..........(314) 583-7992 

Gurley’s Foods 

.........................(320) 235-0600 

Jack Link’s Beef Jerky 

.........................(612) 807-8133 

Kickass Snacks 

.........................(507) 961-1180 


.........................(651) 633-8810 

Shearer’s Snacks 

.........................(614) 553-7584 

Sterzing Food 

.........................(319) 754-8467 

STORE FIXTURES & 

EQUIPMENT 

Crown Tonka 

.........................(763) 541-1410 

Dupey Equipment 

.........................(515) 223-0700 

Hussmann.......(515) 262-8221 

KPI Concepts....(319) 754-5922 

Marick..............(515) 243-8288 

North Country Business 

Products..........(218) 751-4140 

Performance Display 

.........................(515) 986-0156 

Retail Data Systems 

.........................(605) 310-4452 

Semiotic Marketing 

International, LLC. 

.........................(312) 802-5877 

TOBACCO 

Altria Sales & Distribution 

.........................(608) 251-0815 

ITG Brands......(515) 254-0629 

JUUL Labs........(314) 406-3313 

Liggett Vector Brands 

.........................(262) 844-8204 


.........................(336) 741-1486 

Swisher International 

.........................(904) 598-4643 

WHOLESALER/ 

DISTRIBUTION CENTER 

Aldi, Inc............(507) 333-9460 

Associated Wholesale 

Grocers 

.........................(913) 288-1510 

CERTCO...........(608) 278-2213 


.........................(515) 432-2623 

Farner-Bocken 

.........................(800) 274-8692 

Hy-Vee.............(515) 267-2800 

McCormack Distributing 

.........................(712) 546-5133 

SpartanNash...(319) 855-2742 

UNFI.................(715) 262-8634 

WINE & SPIRITS 

American Beverage 

Marketers........(816) 777-7159 

Bacardi USA....(614) 403-1410 

Banfi Vinters/Excelsior Wines 

.........................(913) 208-9702 

Cedar Ridge Winery & 

Distillery..........(319) 350-9237 

Constellation Brands, U.S. 

.........................(515) 289-6506 

Diageo..............847) 275-8880 


.........................(515) 987-3935 

Foundry Distilling Company 

.........................(515) 822-7545 


.........................(515) 262-1199 

LUXCO Spirited Brands of 

Iowa.................(515) 554-1630 

Phillips Distilling 

.........................(612) 362-7500 

Sazerac............(515) 202-1661 

Southern Glazer’s Wine & 

Spirits...............(515) 252-7173 

Trinchero Family Estates/ 

Sutter Home Winery 

.........................(414) 313-7919 

2021 Ribbon 

Sponsors 

RED RIBBON 

SPONSORS 

Sazerac 


Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits 

Versova Eggs 


White Claw Hard Seltzer 


WHITE RIBBON 

SPONSORS 

ACOSTA Sales & Marketing 


Arctic Glacier Ice 

Barilla 



CROSSMARK Sales & Marketing 

Crystal Farms 

Fairlife, LLC 


Hormel Foods Corporation 

Hussmann Corporation 


Pan-O-Gold Baking Company 

Pilgrim’s 

Prairie Farms Dairy 



RSM US LLP 



Shearer’s 


SpartanNash 


Tyson Foods 

Unilever 

Voss Distributing/Red Bull

PROUD TO BE YOUR 

LOCAL 

BOTTLER 

IGIA Membership Renewals 

Acosta Sales and Marketing 

American Beverage 

Marketers, Inc. 


Andy’s Mini Mart 

Anheuser-Busch Companies 

Atlantic Bottling Company 

B & G Foods 

Bacardi USA 

Bearence Management Group 

Bender’s Foods, Bellevue 

Bender’s Foods, Guttenberg 

Big “G” Food Store, Inc. 

Capital City Fruit Co., Inc. 

Constellation Brands U.S. 

Countryside BBQ 

Crossmark Sales & 

Marketing Co. 

Cruise Marketing 

Crystal Farms, Inc. 

Dakota News, Inc. 

DGS Aquisitions, LLC 

Diversey 

Dreyer Marketing, Inc. 

Family Foods, Tipton 

Farmers Cooperatie Elevator 

Co. (Comart C) 

Farner-Bocken 

Frito-Lay 

Grafton J Mart 

Harms Oil Company 

Hussman Corporation 

Hy-Vee, Inc 

Iowa Beef Industry Council 

Iowa Pharmacy Association 

Jiffy Mart 

Johnson Brothers Wine 

Company 


Kickass Snacks 

KPI Concepts 

Kwik Trip, Inc. 

Land O’ Frost 

Mahaska Bottling Company 

Marick, Inc. 

Midwest Best Water, Inc. 

Mrs. B ‘s 

Nestle U.S.A. 

Next Step Advertising 


PAT Brokerage Company 

Performance Display 

Phillips Distilling Co 

Placon Corporation 

Principal Financial Group, Inc. 

Prophet Mini Mart, Inc. 

Randy’s Neighborhood 

Market, Clear Lake 


Market, Dyersville 


Market, Osage 

Red Bull North America 

RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company 

Sam’s Mini Mart 

Sazerac 

Seneca Companies 

Silker’s Store 

StoneRidge Wholesale, LLC. 

Summit Brewing Company 


Tim’s Amoco Service 

Tyson Foods, Inc. 

UNFI 

Unilever 

Voss Distributing, LLC. 

Wells Enterprises, Inc. 

West Bank 

West Liberty Foods 

Wuennecke City Meat 

40


41

It’s not just business. 

It’s personal. 

IGIA Member 

Blue Ribbon 

Sponsor 

Family owned and operated 

Battle Creek • Iowa 

Cylinder Express makes it easy. Just unlock, exchange, collect! Call 888.365.1241 

At Cylinder Express, we take your 

business personally. A call to us means 

always being greeted by a person, not an 

automated message. It means never running 

out of cylinders so you can advertise a special 

on propane with complete confidence that 

your customers will always find a propane 

tank at your store. It means value, quality and 

service. It means we treat you like family. 

Value — Offering your customers grill 

cylinder cages provides your business with 

an excellent additional source of income and 

increased traffic flow. 

Quality — Each cylinder tank that arrives at our 

state-of-the-art facilities is carefully inspected, 

scraped, cleaned and painted to ensure it’s like new 

for your customer. 

Service — A friendly team member will assist you 

right away, not an automated system. Run ads with 

confidence. We deliver weekly or bi-weekly, based 

on your need for product.

Legislative Issue 2021

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