"I appreciate the fact that I can call AFMA anytime to have state or
federal regulations brought into focus so that we can fully understand and
comply with complex laws. AFMA is the best go to information source that I can't
find anywhere else." —Jim Nygren, Fry's Food & Drug StoresBy looking out for your business needs and interests, AFMA's problem solving advocacy program allows you to focus on running a successful operation. Our experienced lobbying team understands the grocery industry and works to keep it viable. Guided by the AFMA legislative committee, the association pursues an aggressive legislative and regulatory agenda on behalf of its membership. AFMA tracks over 1300 bills each year in areas such as alcohol and tobacco licensing, business/labor, taxation, environment, food safety, energy, organized retail theft, healthcare, pharmacy, workers’ compensation and more. AFMA works with legislators and their staff, other advocacy groups and state regulators to find practical solutions for issues affecting the industry.
AFMA has the state's only effective network of government
advocacy for grocers and suppliers. No other organization can compete with AFMA's
statewide outreach. The primary goal of AFMA's legislative involvement is to
have a voice in the decision making process affecting our industry at the state
and local levels on legislative and regulatory proposals.
Strength in Numbers- Grass roots education and outreach at the
local level by association members further enhances AFMA's advocacy efforts and
connects elected officials with their constituents. Coordinated efforts make our
voices heard throughout Arizona on issues affecting the food industry.
AFMA’s Grass Roots Network is the tool AFMA uses to coordinate our grass roots efforts. By registering your home and office address, the system automatically matches your home and office addresses to corresponding political districts.
Local Government Representation- Our team reviews city council and county board agendas monthly for action on issues such as business license taxes and fees, transportation, tobacco product restrictions, environmental regulations, retail product restrictions, alcohol beverage sales, recycling, shopping cart ordinances, and packaging restrictions.
Keeping You Informed through e-mail, the Arizona Food Industry Journal, the website and action alerts, AFMA keeps you up-to-date on legislative and regulatory issues both at the state and local levels.
Legislative Reception- AFMA's annual legislative reception signals the "kick-off" of the legislative session. The reception provides an opportunity for grocers and their supplier partners to network with one another and get "face" time with legislators and their staff.
Day at the Capitol- Get Involved Join your peers in attending what has become one of AFMA's most anticipated events of the year. Legislators, staffers, regulators and employees from the Governor's office mingle with grocers on the House Lawn as they enjoy lunch, ice cream and product sampling. It's the industry's opportunity to educate state lawmakers on measures that have a direct impact on their constituents in a relaxed no-pressure atmosphere.
FIPAC/Food Industry Political Action Committee- a non-partisan political action committee that focuses its resources on identifying and electing pro-business candidates running for local and state elective offices. FIPAC has one over-riding goal: to insure that the needs of Arizona grocers, their suppliers and associates are recognized and understood at the State Capitol.
Participation in the association and industry by way of events, committees and seminars presented by AFMA helps you keep an eye on how and where your dollars are being spent. Support your state trade association by attending events that give you one-on-one time with your valued customers and the means to protect your economic bottom line.
The Sponsorship Program cost effectively bundles AFMA's offerings in terms of marketing and networking opportunities. Revenue generated through sponsorship is applied to AFMA's operating budget to help build a strong state trade association.
Joe Cotroneo with Crescent Crown Distributing has participated in AFMA’s sponsorship program for a number of years. He understands the value of sponsorship and its importance to the operations of AFMA.
"The sponsorship program is important to me because it allows us to align ourselves with the rest of the industry. Crescent Crown recognizes the importance of gathering as an industry regarding issues spearheaded by AFMA. Arizona is a vibrant marketplace; we do such a great business that supporting our state association just makes sense."— Joe Cotroneo, Crescent Crown Distributing
The AFMA
Golf Classic is a popular event where golfers can spend the day on a
beautifully manicured course with colleagues and customers alike. Proceeds are
used to build a strong, effective trade association. Your participation is a
contribution to keeping Arizona a business friendly state.
The Excellence in Leadership Awards Banquet is a celebration of the industry and the people who have dedicated their lives and careers to making Arizona one of the most rewarding and best places to work in the nation. Gather annually with "who's who" in the industry and celebrate the accomplishments and gain wisdom from the experience of those who are honored as "Leaders in Excellence".
The Bag-off
Competition is the state qualifier for determining who employs the best
bagger in the state. This social gathering typically takes place on a Saturday
afternoon in the fall and is attended by major grocers, key executives,
sponsoring vendor partners, family and friends. The street festival-like
atmosphere of the Bag-off Competition, complimented by a food court, is the
place to be for hands-down bagging action as the courtesy clerk's bag their
groceries with speed and precision!
As a member of AFMA, you have access to information, representation, resources and services that directly affect your business’ bottom line. Our benefits are specifically designed to support our members’ best interests.
Legislative & Regulatory Representation– AFMA is protecting the industry’s interests at every level of government. You can count on our government affairs team to stay ahead of the curve tracking bills at the state level and staying actively engaged on measures from bag recycling to employment relations. No other statewide association represents your needs this completely. Your involvement makes our industry’s voice strong!/
Networking Opportunities – Events, outings, seminars
and meet-and-greets… AFMA provides many opportunities throughout the year for
grocers and suppliers to discuss growth and business opportunities; gain
valuable knowledge from retail colleagues and connect with suppliers in business
friendly environments.
Education Foundation– tuition reimbursement, dependent scholarships and professional scholarships - AFMA membership gives you the opportunity to provide your employees with the benefit of education. You can offer your employees assistance with continuing education, assist with their children’s education, or head back to school yourself with the help of the Arizona Food & Drug Industry Education Foundation…exclusively available to AFMA member companies.
Coupon Redemption Service– AFMA helps grocers compete in today’s dynamic marketplace through our Coupon Redemption Service. As a group, AFMA receives excellent rates for coupon processing and does not pass along the expense to our members! AFMA can help you use coupons to make your business - regardless of size - thrive and compete in today’s economy.
Workers’ Compensation Dividends Program– SCF Arizona and AFMA partner to provide AFMA members an opportunity to join our Association Dividends Program which pays out extra $$$ dividends based on the group’s experience each year. Any AFMA member with an SCF Arizona workers’ compensation policy qualifies.
Publications & Communications– The Arizona Food Industry Journal is a nationally distributed publication sharing the latest news and information about "who's who" in the industry. Our website provides in-depth information on our services and events, government affairs and a comprehensive industry calendar.
Launched in 2002, the Arizona Cart Services Company (ACS) was created in response to the need of major grocery store chains to gain control over their shopping cart retrieval. With an initial investment from AFMA, ACR began operating with 5 area grocery chains. Today the business has grown to over 26 retail chains in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas.
1-800-THE-CART
Report locations of lost or stolen carts by calling ACR using the 1-800-The-Cart hotline established by AFMA in 1984. The toll-free number is included on stickers placed on the carts of ACR customers.
What We Offer
ACR provides quality service, proactive management, efficient cart inventory
replenishment, a system for reducing the number of carts replaced and tighter
cost controls.
ACR services are ideal for all retailers and businesses whose operations include shopping carts.
On-site Repair Services keeps both your shopping carts and your store equipment in top condition. Our repair services are available statewide.
On-site Steam Cleaning keeps your store, its premises and your equipment sparkling, and appealing to customers.
Career Development/Tuition Reimbursement
The Tuition Reimbursement program encourages members of AFMA to seek careers in all areas of the food industry. The program reimburses employees (grocers and suppliers) for course work in a diverse array of fields related to the food industry including accounting, merchandising, management, computer skills, safety and foreign languages, just to name a few. Tuition reimbursement may also be used for students pursuing the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) Certificate.
Scholarships
Professional Scholar
The scholarship program is designed for the full-time student who is carrying at
least 9 credit hours and pursuing a college degree. The student must be employed
by an AFMA member company and planning a career in the industry. In addition,
the student must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Dependent Scholar
An additional scholarship program is designed for the dependents of food
industry professionals whose company is a member of AFMA. Students must be
pursuing a college degree and carry at least 9 credit hours while maintaining a
2.0 GPA. Scholarships are renewable each year. Applications must arrive in the
Foundation office no later than May 1st.
Scholarships are renewable each year. Applications must arrive in the Foundation office no later than May 1st.
Arizona's grocery industry looks to AFMA to stay abreast of the growing myriad of laws and regulations in a state where new and challenging ideas are cropping up like never before. The association accomplishes this through our magazine, The Arizona Food Industry Journal; and, a user-friendly website - a one-stop internet site providing a wide variety of important industry resource material all at the click of a button.
The Arizona
Food Industry Journal analyzes legislative and regulatory issues, features
stories about the people in our industry, explores industry trends and
disseminates association news. Contributing writers include industry experts and
author/historian Jack L. August, Jr. Ph.D
AFMA's website provides access to all association programs and events as well as important grocery industry information.
AFMA represents all segments of the Arizona food distribution system on issues impacting the industry. AFMA maintains an active presence with local, statewide and national press.
"Without AFMA, you are managing your business without a valuable partner. The
benefits our company gains from membership are worth the investment." —Mike
Provenzano, Sr.
Our
members operate large, medium and small companies. AFMA members exchange ideas,
concepts and business management practices. We take a local to global approach.
No matter what your business needs, you are sure to find another AFMA member
company who shares those needs. AFMA membership is a wise investment in your
company's future.
Map to our office