February 6, 2009

SECURITY GUARD BILL HELD

This week, there was a flurry of activity on Assembly Bill 3206, known as the security Industry Registration Act. This bill applies to companies which maintain their own proprietary or in-house security function. NJFC Loss Prevention Committee members had previously met with the sponsor of the legislation, Assemblyman Johnson, expressing its concerns with the bill. Assemblyman Johnson responded and amended the legislation to specifically remove loss prevention professionals from the provisions of the bill.

While NJFC had repeatedly been told that the legislation was dead up to this point, there has been a significant push by the proponents of the bill to move it through the legislative process. The bill was initially scheduled for a hearing on Monday, February 9, 2009, however, with the amendments recently being drafted, Assemblyman Johnson has agreed to hold the bill and allow all parties involved a chance to review the changes. The bill will be scheduled for a committee hearing in March.

NJFC will continue to monitor the legislation for any other changes that

may occur.

DO NOT LEAVE LEGISLATION

On Monday, February 9, 2009, Assembly Bill 3611, sponsored by Assemblywoman Spencer, will be heard for discussion only in the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee.

This legislation establishes a “do not leave” list modeled after the no telemarketing call list. The bill establishes through this “do not leave” list, a way for customers to indicate that they do not wish to receive any unsolicited materials on their property. It further defines “unsolicited materials” as unwanted fliers, circulars and newspapers among other things.

NJFC has concerns that member circulars will be affected. NJFC does not believe that subscription newspapers will be affected, however, it is concerned that oftentimes newspaper companies provide unauthorized free samples to potential subscribers which contain member circulars.

NJFC is working with the sponsor of the legislation to clarify this position and will update the membership on any developments.

NEW JERSEY FOOD COUNCIL TO HOLD BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The New Jersey Food Council will be holding its Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, February 10 at the Forsgate Country Club in Jamesburg, NJ at 4:30 PM. Invited guests are Jerry Zaro, the Chief of Economic Growth in the Governor’s Office, who will address the Corzine Adminstration’s Economic Stimulus Plan and Director of Homeland Security Richard Canas, who will discuss the NJFC food distribution grant award.

NEW JERSEY FOOD COUNCIL TO HOLD ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING

The New Jersey Food Council will be holding its Environmental Committee meeting on Friday, February 13 at the Crowne Plaza in Jamesburg, NJ at 11:30 am. NJDEP Assistant Commissioner Nancy Wittenberg will discuss the DEP agenda and its issues that could impact the food industry. There will also be a presentation on new diesel emission standards for 2010.

For further details, please call NJFC at 609-392-8899.

POLLS: CHRISTIE LEADS CORZINE IN NJ GOVERNOR’S RACE

Though New Jersey voters may not know much about him, former US Attorney Christopher Christie, one of four potential Republican challengers, leads Governor Corzine by six percentage points in the New Jersey race for Governor, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released this week.

Christie’s 44 to 38 percent lead reverses a 42-36 percent edge Governor Corzine had in a November Quinnipiac poll.

Christie’s sudden advantage over the current Governor has been attributed, partially, to Christie’s campaign, which kicked-off this week.

WIC CONFERENCE CALL TO BE HELD THIS WEEK

On Thursday, NJFC will host a quarterly conference call with WIC Administrator Jean Malloy and members to address pending changes to the WIC Food Package that go into effect this Fall. Please call NJFC if you would like to participate in the call.

CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OFADVOCACY AT THE NIGHT OF DISTINCTION

This year, the biggest event on the NJFC calendar, the Night of Distinction, will also serve as a celebration for our 40th Anniversary which will be held on March 19, 2009 at the Sheraton Meadowlands in East Rutherford. Past founders, chairs and VIPs have been invited to celebrate this special occasion with the NJFC Board of Directors and membership.

During the event, NJFC will be honoring Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr. of Inserra ShopRites, Bill Donahoe of Foodtown, and Lawrence Rothwell of Pennington Quality Market with Industry Achievement Awards. Each year, NJFC honors a distinguished class of food industry leaders who have made a meaningful contribution to advance the mission of the Food Council, have achieved a significant food business success and have a history of civic service within the New Jersey food community.

Please join us in celebrating these fine industry leaders and 40 years of progress on behalf of the food industry. Call NJFC at 609-392-8899 for ticket information.