February 20, 2008 State Capitol Jefferson City, Missouri – The 9th Annual Grocers Day at the Capital will be held on February 20, 2008 at the State Capital in Jefferson City, Missouri. This year’s event could be one of the most important Grocers Day to date. This year’s session will be challenged by several outside factors: term limits, election year and presidential election year. Those individuals that proclaim the ability to predict election results cannot agree on the outcome of national, state and local results. They do agree that there will be a degree of change but to what extent is the debate. There will be a sense of urgency on those elected officials seeking re-election to pass good legislation and to position themselves in such away to get re-elected.

As planning is underway for the forthcoming session there are a few issues that are hot topics already: Work Comp reform, Second Injury Fund and Immigration. These issues will get a lot of attention from the members of the general assembly this year. The Second Injury Fund is already gaining momentum and audit reports claim the fund will go bankrupt as early as 2008 and as late as 2009 which has placed this issue at the front of the line in many minds. MGA has been and will continue to monitor and be integral in this and other legislation as it pertains to our industry.

Please make plans now to attend Grocers Day 2008. This is your chance to talk to your representatives and senators to let them know how their actions affect Missouri’s food industry and you!

The MGA has reserved a block of rooms for the evening of February19th at the Capitol Plaza Hotel located at 415 W. McCarty St, Jefferson City, Missouri. Should you require accommodations, please contact our office at (417)831.6667 ASAP, and we will reserve a room for you.