New Jersey Food Council
30 West Lafayette St., Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: 609/392-8899
Fax: 609/396-6571
Email: njfc@njfoodcouncil.com

Senate Labor Committee Passes Paid Family Leave Bill

This week, the Senate Labor Committee passed a detrimental Paid Family Leave proposal co-sponsored by Senators Sweeney and Buono. S-2249, which has been a top priority among organized labor for many years, would allow workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave benefits in order to care for a new born or newly adopted child and sick family members.

NJFC and business groups throughout the State came out in full force against this detrimental proposal at the committee hearing; however the bill was released by a vote of 3 to 1 and has been second referenced to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

NJFC also activated a member grass roots email writing campaign, which targeted key legislators and decision makers. The email writing campaign enabled participants to explain how a Paid Leave initiative would affect their business by sending letters to targeted State decision makers. NJFC would like to thank those members who participated in this important campaign.

NJFC will continue to vigorously oppose any Paid Leave initiative because it will severely disrupt the workforce.

Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee Addresses Bank Cards

This week, the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee released A-2258, which would regulate expiration dates and dormancy fees for prepaid bank cards.

Last Legislative Session, State law was amended to regulate gift cards, while bank cards remained exempt from the law. This proposal will level the playing field and require bank cards to comply with standards already being followed by retailers who issue gift cards. Prior to the committee meeting, the Food Council worked with the billπs sponsor, Assemblyman Wisniewski, to ensure that language in the bill is not misinterpreted as a mandate that retailers must accept gift cards in exchange for cash. The NJFC suggestion was supported by the bill sponsor.

FCCfGG Hosts Event for Assembly Speaker

This week, the Food Council Committee for Good Government (FCCfGG) hosted an intimate event for Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts to discuss industry legislative concerns and his overview of the future activities and positions of the Legislature during this important election year.

At the event, NJFC members addressed many of the most pressing issues facing the industry, such as Paid Family Leave, Universal Health Care, E-fencing issues and a $2 billion State Budget deficit. It is clear that the legislative agenda at the State House will impact our members. NJFC would like to thank those who supported the event and the FCCfGG agenda.

Next week, the FCCfGG will host an event with Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce to address food industry concerns.

Donπt Miss The Night of Distinction!

The NJFC Annual Night of Distinction event will be held on March 22, 2007 at the Sheraton Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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. This year, the New Jersey Food Council will be honoring Dean Durling of Quick Chek, Judy Spires of Acme and Joel Perlmutter of Perlmart ShopRites with Industry Achievement awards

NJFC is proud to pay tribute to these industry leaders who have helped NJFC to become one of the finest food trade associations in New Jersey and throughout the country.

This yearπs event will again feature a Texas Poker exhibition, which is quickly becoming a popular tradition at the event. Please join us in celebrating these fine industry achievers.

Photos Galore

Don't forget to check out our library page to view photographs from our events including our recent Loss Prevention Conference & Exhibition.