February 13, 2009
DO NOT LEAVE LEGISLATION HELD
On Monday, Assembly Bill 3611, sponsored by Assemblywoman Spencer, was scheduled to be heard for discussion only in the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee. However, the bill was pulled off the agenda and has been held.
This legislation establishes a “do not leave” list modeled after the no telemarketing call list. The bill provides a mechanism for homeowners 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 had concerns that member circulars would be affected. NJFC did not believe that subscription newspapers will be affected, however, it was concerned that oftentimes newspaper companies provide unauthorized free samples to potential subscribers which contain member circulars.
NJFC had been working with the sponsor of the legislation to clarify this position and will update the membership on any further developments.
ON THE AGENDA NEXT WEEK……
Loss Prevention Committee To Address Baby Formula Theft
NJFC will be holding its Loss Prevention Committee Meeting on
Wednesday, February 18 at Wegmans, at 9:00 AM in
Members interested in attending, and requiring further details, are asked to call NJFC at 609-392-8899.
Energy Restoration Meeting with PSEG
Several years ago, NJFC established a working relationship with all the major NJ utilities to provide guidance and contacts during power outage situations. Due to attrition and changes in staffing, some of these relationships have been lost. The New Jersey Food Council invites its members to participate in a meeting with PSE&G on Thursday, February 19 at 10:00AM in the PSE&G offices at 80 Park Plaza, 1st Floor Conference Room, Newark, NJ.
The agenda consists of a discussion of the energy restoration strategies, and the development of new contacts amongst the PSEG staff, so that members of NJFC will be prepared during a power outage or emergency.
Members are encouraged to RSVP by Tuesday, February 17. For more information, or to reserve your spot in the meeting contact NJFC.
FEDERAL STIMULUS BILL PASSED
By a nearly party-line vote, the House of Representatives today approved the $787 billion economic stimulus plan favored by President Obama and his Democratic colleagues.
The vote count consisted of 246 in favor, 183 opposed, and the Senate could vote in favor of the package as soon as this evening.
Democrats in Congress have said that the package is designed to create or save about 3.5 million jobs.
The stimulus plan consists of a $ 400 payroll tax cut for individuals and $800 for couples. Retirees, disabled veterans, and other who don’t pay payroll taxes would get a $250 payment.
Businesses won several tax breaks, including faster write-offs for equipment purchased in 2009 and incentives for companies that produce and invest in renewable energy resources such as solar and wind power.
Once the package is finalized and analyzed, NJFC will provide members with further details.
CONSUMER SPENDING UP 1%
Sales at the nation’s retailers rebounded in January after six consecutive months of declines, rising 1 percent as stores cut prices, offered giveaways and three for one deals to move inventory after a dismal holiday shopping season, the government reported Thursday.
The US Commerce Department said that retail sales excluding automobiles rose 0.9 percent in January from the previous month, seasonally adjusted, possibly reflecting some resilience in the consumer sector even as the country sinks deeper into recession.
The 1 percent increase in overall retail sales, highlighted by sales in grocery stores rising 2.2%, was better than economists’ expectations of a 0.8 percent decline.
Even with these month over month gains, retail sales were down 9.7 percent from January 2008, reflecting lower gas prices and drastic cutbacks in consumer spending as Americans worry about pay freezes and mounting job losses.
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 of our 40th Anniversary which
will be held on March 19, 2009 at the Sheraton Meadowlands in
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
Please join us in celebrating these fine industry leaders and 40 years of progress on behalf of the food industry. Call NJFC for ticket information.