WINTER - 2017

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2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 3

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2017 Year End Review Issue

WGA Board of Directors Advertisers/Buyers Guide Listings THE PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 7

Chairman Marlin Greenfield, Ace Equipment Company 32, 34 Hausmann - Johnson Here Comes the 2018 Grocery Biz Roller Coaster
Skogen’s Festival Foods Acuity Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Advanced Wireless GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 8
Vice-Chair man Jeff Maurer Hunting Works for Wisconsin 36
Fresh Madison Market, Madison, WI Communications . . . . . . . . . . 34 Indianapolis Fruit Company. . 36 2017 Year End Report
Albert’s Fresh Produce . . . . . . 34 International Dairy Deli Bakery
Secretary/Treasurer Alpha Baking Company . . . . . 34 MEMBER SERVICE UPDATE 12
William Dowling, Roundy’s Altria Client Services . . . . . . . . 34 Association (IDDBA) . . . . . . . 36 14
Supermarkets, Inc., Milwaukee, WI American Foods Group . . 32, 34 J & B Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 At this most wonderful time of the year
Ameritas Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 John’s Refrigeration Inc.. . 32, 36
Immediate Past Chairman Anheuser-Busch . . . . . . . . 34, 47* Jones Dairy Farm . . . . . . . . . . . 36 2017 INNOVATION EXPO:
Dave Ryman AppCard . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 32, 34 KeHE Distributors. . . . 11, 36, 47*
Certco, Madison, WI Arctic Glacier Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Kemps Dairy . . . . . . . . 36, 46, 48* WRAP UP
Associated Wholesale Klondike Cheese Co. . . . . . . . . 37
Greg Cross KRS Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 37 YEAR END REVIEW 25
SpartanNash, St. Cloud, MN Grocers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 47* Krueger Wholesale
Avalara. . . . . . . . . . 19, 32, 34, 47* Communications 25
Bob Fleming Badger Inventory . . . . . . . 34, 47* Florist . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 37, 48* Events 26
Fox Run Sentry, Waukesha, WI Badger Popcorn . . . . . . . . . 32, 34 Lee Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Foundation 28
Baker Tilly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Lipari Foods. . . . . . . . . . 6, 37, 48* A Day in the Field 29
Michelle Harrington Baxter’s Hollow Blends . . . . . . 34 Logical Green Solutions . . . . . 37 Congratulations to Future Leaders 30
Albrecht’s Delafield Market, Beechwood Sales & Service . . 34 Luige’s Pizza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Delafield, WI Bernatello’s Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Luxury Linens USA . . . . . . . . . . 37 2017 BUYERS GUIDE 34
Berres Brothers Coffee. . . . . . . 34 Mad Dog & Merrill Brands . . . 37 44-47
Greg Hansen BevMitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Manzana Products Co.. . . . . . . 37 MEMBER EVENTS AND
Hansen’s IGA, Bangor, WI Biro of Chicago Inc. (BCI) . 32, 34 Mason Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 HAPPENINGS
BPI Color. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 34 Mehmert Store Service . . . . . . 37
Steve Loehr Bunzl Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Midwest Best Water . . . . . . . . . 37 Save the Dates for 2018 Events
Kwik Trip, La Crosse, WI Case Installation & Sales . . . . . 35 Midwest Perishables Inc.
Cedar Crest Ice Cream . . . . . . . 35 SEE PAGE 34
Paul Lucas Centec Security Systems Inc. . 35 (MPI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
MillerCoors, Milwaukee, WI Central City Distribution . . . . . 35 MillerCoors. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 48* Shazam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Valley Scale Service Inc. . . 33, 40
Certco Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47*, 51 Natalie’s Orchid Island Shelby Publishing. . . . . . . . . . . 39 Vern’s Cheese. . . . . . . . 33, 40, 46
Jeff McClure Certified Refrigeration & Sherwood Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Volm Companies . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SuperValu, Green Bay,WI Juice Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Shullsburg Creamery 24, 39, 48* Wasmer Company . . . . . . . . . . 40
Mechanical Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Newark Group / Simply Incredible Foods . . . . . 39 Wells Enterprises Inc.. . . . . . . . 40
Robert Rothove Chicago Baking Co. . . . . . . . . . 35 Society Insurance. . . . 39, 48*, 52 Westby Creamery . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Chillin’ Products Inc. . . . . . . . . 35 Recycled Fiber . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Sparboe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49, 50 Wisconsin Bakers Association 40
Kenosha, WI Commercial Testing Next Energy Solution . . . . 33, 37 SpartanNash. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 48* Wisconsin Food Hub . . . . . . . . 40
North Country Business Stark Agency (The). . . . . . . . . . 39 Wisconsin Lift Truck . . . . . 22, 40
Rick Roth Laboratory, Inc. . . . . . . . . 32, 35 Sumpter Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Wisconsin Lottery . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Great Lakes Coca-Cola, Plover, WI Commercial Waste Systems. . 35 Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Supervalu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48*, 50 Wisconsin Milk Marketing
Croix Valley Foods . . . . . . . . . . 35 Old Dutch Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . 37 SVA Certified Public
Toby Spangler Crystal Farms . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 47* One Beat CPR + AED . . . . . 33, 37 Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Diageo, Madison, WI Dawn’s Foods . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 35 Palermo’s Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Accountants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable
DBS Group. . . . . . . . . . 23, 35, 47* Pan O Gold Baking . . . . . . 38, 48* talentReef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Dave Spiegelhoff Dean Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Patrick Cudahy, Temperature Monitoring Growers Association . . . . . . . 40
Gooseberries, Burlington, WI Designer Greetings . . . . . . . . . 35 Wisconsin Souvenir
Distilled Spirits Council . . . . . . 35 Smithfield Foods . . . . . . . . . . 38 Solutions (TMS) . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Don Symonds E3 Coalition, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Pep’s Drafthaus Pizza . . . . . . . 38 ThinkItThenInkIt . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Milk Caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Lipari Foods, Warren, MI Ecolite International. . . . . . . . . 35 Pepsi - Cola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Towsleys, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Wisconsin Wins /
ECRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 35 Pinpoint Software . . . . . . . 13, 38 Trustwave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Jeff Tate eGrowcery. . . . . . . . . . . 13, 32, 35 The Potato King . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Upper 90 Energy . . . . . . . . 33, 39 WITobaccoCheck.org . . . . . . 40
Watertown Piggly Wiggly, Emil’s Frozen Pizza . . . . . . . . . . 35 Prairie Farms. . . . . 38, 48*, 49, 50 US Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Yodelay Yogurt. . . . . . . . . . 33, 40
Watertown, WI Engine House 19. . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Professional Supply . . . . . . . . . 38 UW Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Z.T. Distribution Inc. . . 33, 40, 44
Faith Technologies . . . . . . 32, 36 Promotions Unlimited. . . . . . . 38 Valley Bakers Supply . . . . . 40, 43 Zone Mechanical
Dan Williamson Federated Insurance . . . . . . . . 36 Quaker Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Kemps Feeding America. . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Racine Danish Kringles . . . . . . 38 North Inc. . . . . . . 33, 40, 43, 48*
FMS Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Retail Data Systems of
WGA Staff Focus on Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 *Professional Card Listing
General Beverage . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Wisconsin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
President/CEO General Business Services . . . 36 Retail PlanIt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Brandon Scholz GNP Business Unit/Pilgrims . . 36 Risk Management LLC . . . 33, 38
Grassland Dairy Products . . . . 36 RJ Schinner Company . . . . . . . 38
Executive Vice President Great Lakes Coca-Cola. . . . . . . 36 RP’s Pasta Company . . . . . . . . 38
Michelle Kussow Grebe’s Bakery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Russ Davis Wholesale . 3, 38, 48*
H. Brooks & S & R Egg Farms . . . . . . . . . 22, 38
Events Director San-A-Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Cheryl Lytle Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36, 45 SASid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Saz’s BBQ Products. . . . . . . . . . 39
Operations Director Schoep’s Ice Cream . . . . . . . . . 39
Sarah Decorah Sconnie Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Scratch Ice Cream . . . . . . . 33, 39
Member Service Representative Sellers Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Mark Stellpflug Serv-Ice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 39

Executive Director,
WGA Education and Scholarship Foundation
Dave Kotwitz

Please help us conserve resources. If you are receiving multiple copies or wish to be removed from this mailing list, please EDITORIAL INFORMATION: Publication dates; March, May, August, December. Please submit all press releases and stories to
call the WGA office at 888/342-5942. Brandon Scholz, Publisher, at the Wisconsin Grocers Association; toll free 888/342-5942; fax 608/244-9030. Wisconsin
Grocer magazine is designed by Lorraine Ortner-Blake, ortnerblake@gmail.com.
Wisconsin Grocer is published four times a year by:
Wisconsin Grocers Association, 33 East Main Street, Suite 701, Madison, WI 53703 • www.wisconsingrocers.com. ADVERTISING INFORMATION: Please submit all advertising material and questions to Cheryl Lytle, Wisconsin Grocers Association,
33 E Main Street, Suite 701, Madison, WI 53703, call 608/244-7150; fax 608/244-9030; email cheryl@wisconsingrocers.com.
Toll free 888/342-5942; fax 608/244-9030. Materials in this publication may not be reprinted in any form without permission
of the Wisconsin Grocers Association. The Wisconsin Grocer Magazine is printed at Thysse Printing, Oregon, Wisconsin.

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 5

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THE PRESIDENT’S Brandon Scholz WGA President and CEO
PERSPECTIVE
Here Comes the 2018
Grocery Biz Roller Coaster

Peering into the 2018 ahead to 2018, retail food Finding and hiring new in single digits it’s trending up,
retail crystal ball is prices are expected to rise employees was a huge challenge and up and up.
frankly, a bit scary. between one to two percent— in 2017 and the prospect for
and that is still a great deal for 2018 looms even more ominous. I side with the collection of
Not from the doom-and- grocery shoppers! experts who caution the
gloom perspective but rather Technology & Profits industry, investors and others
in the speed in which retail Workforce to not over-react to the
markets are changing, My Cloud Grocer notes that Amazon/Whole Foods deal.
adapting, and moving A top legislative leader going shopping is not what it Retail grocers aren’t going
forward. recently asked me what sort used to be. Merchants of all away. They will adapt, change,
of workforce training program stripes face pressure from changing modify and continue to serve
A look back into 2017 really would be helpful to the consumer behavior, the their customers, as they always
tees up many of the things grocery industry. My response relentless expansion of Amazon have done. They will figure
that retailers will have to deal was that we needed to have and other massive companies out what the balance is
with not only this year, but in a larger pool of people to targeting their markets. between in-store and online
the future. hire from and then we can shopping. If anything, Amazon
talk training. At one time there was a large made grocers think, plan, and
What’s to Come brick and mortar shoe retailer implement faster than they are
The retail industry has plenty who refused to believe that accustomed to doing.
Let’s start by painting the big of good programs to keep the their customers would buy
picture: technology, profits, workforce current and in shoes online because, “Who And Amazon will figure out
workforce, customers, and compliance. Policymakers would buy shoes without trying how difficult it is to compete
policy. Retail, whether it’s must continue to listen and them on?” Well, Zappos is one in the grocery biz, both online
grocery and convenience respond to the business sector of the top-rated online retailers and in-store. By shutting
stores, apparel, hardware, and develop legislative solutions in the shoe biz—so much for down home-delivery in nine
electronics and others, factor to mitigate costly regulatory having to try on the shoe. major US markets, Amazon
these components into their burdens, allow for changes in (like Peapod years ago) is
forecasting and business plans. the marketplace, and support Customers are shopping online finding out how expensive
economic development and for more items and groceries it is to compete in that last
The retail grocery sector dealt workforce growth. are rapidly becoming a part of delivery mile.
with a sustained run of that psyche. Morgan Stanley
deflation putting excruciating According to the US Census Research notes that traditional Forecast
pressure on its traditional Bureau, Wisconsin small grocers have entered the online
razor thin margins. While businesses employed 1.2 world and are competing on There’s nothing boring or
even lower prices were great million people or 50.7% of the price, quality, and service, and static about the retail sector in
for consumers, deflation had a private workforce (in 2013). expanding choices. “Given Wisconsin. There’s never a
negative impact on retailers The Bureau of Labor Statistics online grocery’s low market dull moment and sales will
directly and pushed prices to reported private-sector share of overall grocery sales ring up for quality products at
historically low points. employment increased 1.0% in (around 2% in the US) it offers competitive prices delivered
Through May of 2017, 2015. Even under some significant potential for with service and a smile.
the 12-month adjusted challenging economic growth,” says MSR. Even online.
consumer price index average conditions the Bureau of
per the US Department of Economic Analysis noted that Online grocery shopping is not Editor’s Note: This article will
Labor and Statistics was in the second quarter of 2016, coming. It’s here and growing. appear in the 2018 January edition
negative for “Food at Home” Wisconsin grew at an annual And it’s not because Amazon of the Wisconsin Banker as part of
at minus 0.2%. rate of 1.6%, which was faster bought Whole Foods. Retail the WBA’s annual Wisconsin
than the overall US growth has to accommodate its Economic Forecast and will be
The good news for retailers is rate of 1.2%. But there are still customers ranging from seniors highlighted at the thirteenth annual
that the Economic Research not enough people in the to millennials. While online luncheon. The article is embargoed
Service at USDA says, looking workforce to fill workplace jobs. grocery shopping sales is now from the media until that time.

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 7

Government Affairs

By Government Affairs:
Michelle 2017 Year End Report
Kussow
WGA Executive
Vice President

The Year End Government Affairs Report provides product, the date and IN PLAY
us the opportunity to reflect back on the legislative time of the purchase, and
session and to look forward to the next year’s the type and number of Federalizing FMLA
the identification used by Representatives Ballweg (R-Markesan) and
Rohrkaste (R-Neenah) along with Senator
legislative and political activity. the purchaser. Wisconsin Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) have
law limits the amount of introduced legislation to federalize
With only a few months left in the 2017- pseudoephedrine a person can buy to 7.5 Wisconsin’s FMLA law. According to the
2018 Legislative Session, we can take a look grams in a 30-day period. Federal law authors, in 1988, Governor Thompson
at the numerous legislative successes and further limits the total to just 3.5 grams per passed Wisconsin’s Family and Medical
the issues that remain unresolved. As most day. Leave law; however, just five years later,
of the focus of the session was on the federal law followed suit and passed their
own Federal Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
prolonged state budget, our biggest success Child Labor Permits for While these two acts are very similar, the
relates to the personal property tax repeal differences create confusion for both
that was included in the 2017-2019 16 & 17 Year-Olds Repealed employers and employees.
Biennial Budget (see sidebar on page 10 for
more information). WGA was proud to lead the effort to repeal Requiring human resources workers to
Wisconsin’s Child Labor Laws for 16 and wade through two sets of code is incredibly
Here’s a look at all of the issues that have 17 year-olds in 2011. Prior to this, time consuming, expensive, and often leads
been addressed or still remain on the Wisconsin had additional time and day to costly litigation from unintended errors.
Legislature’s agenda: and hour requirements on this age group Under the bill, employers would be exempt
that went above and beyond federal from following state law if they also are
required to follow federal FMLA
requirements. To follow up on this, WGA requirements.

SIGNED INTO LAW supported legislation that removed the WGA has joined a group of business
work permit requirement for 16 and organizations supporting this measure as it
will clarify for employers and workers what
Repeal of Machinery from Personal 17 year-olds. Without specific labor the law is, what benefits are, and help in
planning for upcoming leave events. It
Property Tax requirements, the work permit became an does not reduce the amount of leave
allowed under federal law.
The WGA spearheaded efforts to reform unnecessary and costly requirement. 2017
Workers Compensation Reform
Wisconsin’s outdated personal property tax Wisconsin Act 11 repealing work permit The Workers Compensation Advisory
law. Additional information on this issue Council, which includes an equal
requirements for 16 and 17 year-olds went number of business representatives and
can be found on page 10. labor representatives, has put forward
into effect in June, 2017. recommendations to the Legislature
that includes a mandated fee schedule
Pharmacy Requirements on Pilot Program to Provide for provider services. WGA is part of a
coalition of business groups that support
Pseudoephedrine FoodShare Incentives the fee schedule as a way to bring down
workers compensation claim costs.
Legislation that requires pharmacies to Legislation has passed both houses and
record additional information on a is awaiting signature by the Governor Cookie Bill
customer’s purchase of pseudoephedrine that would create a pilot program Legislation has passed the Senate to address
products was signed into law. Previously, discounting produce for certain food the home baker issue by exempting them
pharmacies were required to record the stamp recipients. The bill, introduced by
name and address of the purchaser and the Rep. Mike Rohrkaste (R-Menasha) and
name and quantity of the product sold and Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R-River Falls),
the purchaser and supervising pharmacist creates a healthy eating incentive pilot
must sign the record of the transaction. program that would provide discounts or
Under the new law, in addition to the coupons to 2,000 FoodShare households
above procedures, the pharmacy must enter on fresh produce and other healthy foods.
the information into the National Precursor That program would be administered by
Log Exchange, an electronic database which the Department of Health Services, and
instantly throws up a red flag if someone WGA will work with the agency on the
shouldn’t or can’t buy the drug. The bill details of the pilot program.
also requires the pharmacist to record the
purchaser’s date of birth, the quantity in
grams of pseudoephedrine contained in the

8 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

from licensing requirements. The Assembly 19 Year-Old Drinking Age soda wholesalers from furnishing coolers or
has not taken the bill up and has their own Legislation to lower Wisconsin’s drinking age dispensing equipment for less than the
version to level the playing field by removing to 19 years old has been introduced. The bills wholesaler’s cost of obtaining the equipment.
all licensing requirements for retailers of sponsor, Rep. Adam Jarchow (R-Balsam At the WGA’s request, the bill was amended
baked goods. The WGA is opposed to the Lake), said, “At 19 years old, there are very by the authors to include coin-operated
Senate’s version and believes that all food sold few things that you cannot do. At 19, you vending machines as well as dispensing
to the public should be safe and that a level have legally been an adult for one year. Most equipment and display coolers. The WGA
playing field should exist among sellers. importantly (and honorably) you can enlist in has supported similar legislation in previous
the United States military, travel thousands of session and believes it will allow retailers to
Limiting Eligible FoodShare Benefits miles away to fight for our country, but are negotiate independently with their wholesalers
not able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage.” on these items without government
Based on Nutrition Value regulation.
The bill specifies that a 19-year-old person
Legislation introduced by Rep. Treig can legally drink in Wisconsin as long as it The Legislature will be adjourning the session
Pronchinske (R-Mondovi) directs the would not result in Wisconsin losing our in February or March of 2018. At this time,
Department of Health Services to develop a federal highway funds. The WGA has not any bills that have not passed are dead and
pilot program restricting food with little or no taken a position on this issue. need to be re-introduced in the next session.
nutritional value from the FoodShare There are several important grocery-industry
program. Repealing Soda Equipment Lease issues that members should weigh in on. An
opportunity to do so will be at the
The bill requires that DHS work with Requirements 2018 Grocers in the Capitol Day on January
stakeholders, including Wisconsin Grocers Legislation has been introduced by Rep. 22 and 23, 2018. Additional information on
Association. The WGA opposes this Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) and Senator this event can be found below. We hope you
legislation and believes it places burdensome Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) that will attend!
and costly regulations on the retail food would remove the state regulation prohibiting
industry to implement.

Save the Dates: JANUARY 22 & 23, 2018
Watch for more details in the WGA President’s Letter and at www.WisconsinGrocers.com.

Monday, January 22, 2018 The WISCONSIN GROCERS ASSOCIATION presents

5:00 to 6:30 pm in

Legislative Fundraiser CGARPOICTEORLSDAYthe

for Personal Property Tax Heroes

Rep. Dan Knodl, Rep. Bob Kulp, Join us for issue briefings and
Sen. Duey Stroebel, Sen. Howard Marklein legislative visits on

6:30 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Special Legislative Dinner 9:30 am to 2:30 pm

LOCATION Park Hotel 22 South Carroll Street, Madison, WI 53703 2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 9
Book your room now by calling (608) 285-8000
$139 Standard | $149 Deluxe | $179 Suite

Same location as 2017

Personal Property Tax on Machinery Repealed: A Team Effort

The momentous effort to there going to be any money leftover for personal property
tax repeal if we are giving this company $300 million in tax
repeal a large chunk of the breaks and incentives. We used this to our advantage by
meeting with legislators and sharing the frustration of the
state’s personal property business community who was pointing out the imbalance
and asking, “What about us?” This message resonated with
tax was due to the hard lawmakers and made PPT Repeal necessary if Foxconn
incentives were going to be provided.
work of several legislators,
In the end, as everyone now knows, the Legislature and the
WGA and our members, and Governor agreed to exempt machinery to the tune of
about $75 million. In addition, the budget repealed the
numerous coalition members. requirement to report exempt computers on the Statement
of Personal Property.
In April 2016, the WGA created a Coalition consisting of 41

business groups that all supported repeal of the personal

property tax. With a price tag of $270 million to reimburse

municipalities for their lost revenue, full repeal was a long

shot. In the beginning, the goal was to elevate the profile What does this mean for Grocers?

of the personal

property tax but once With a price tag of $270 Effective January 1, 2018, machinery will be exempt from
the budget debate
the personal property tax. “Machinery” is defined as a
began heating up, it million to reimburse
was apparent that municipalities for their structure or assemblage of parts that transmits forces,
several legislators
motion or energy from one part to another in a

wanted some sort of lost revenue, full repeal predetermined way by electrical, mechanical or chemical
repeal included in the was a long shot.
State Budget. ...if it plugs in, if it is means, but “machinery”
does not include a

During the same time fueled or if it contains building. Meaning that if
period as the budget deliberations, legislation was a mechanism that it plugs in, if it is fueled or
introduced by Representatives Bob Kulp (R-Stratford) and if it contains a mechanism
Dan Knodl (R-, and Senators Stroebel and Craig to fully
repeal the state’s personal property tax. In April and May makes it run, it will that makes it run, it will
of 2017, hearings were held and brought in a room full of now be exempt! now be exempt!
small business owners to share their stories, including
several WGA members: Michelle Harrington, Albrecht’s Based on information
Sentry Foods; Marlin Greenfield, Festival Foods; Ted from accountants and tax lawyers, we can provide the
Balistreri, Sendik’s; Doug Niemuth, Thorp SuperValu; Steve following information:
Mueller, BPI Color; and Mike Day, Piggly Wiggly-Cambridge.
• Statements of Personal Property will be due March 1,
2018 and will no longer include schedules for Machinery,
Tools & Patterns or Computers and Related Equipment.

A lot happened behind the scenes between May and • Each individual item/personal property owned will need
September when the budget was finally passed. Most of it to be individually evaluated to determine whether it is
was closed door negotiations between the Governor, “Furniture & Fixtures,”“Other”or “Machinery.”
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader
Scott Fitzgerald. Some days, we heard that personal • If it falls under the definition of machinery, it does not
property tax would be included, and some days we heard need to be included on your Statement of Personal
we were out of luck. Property.

Looking back, there were two things that happened during It is recommended that WGA members work with their
this process that were game changers. The first was the accountant and/or attorney to compile and review
State Senate releasing their own budget to try and break personal property/fixed asset lists now. By law, assessors
the stalemate and in it they included full repeal of the have the right to view personal property based on the
personal property tax. From then on, the Senate stood Statement, so be prepared to justify items previously
their ground saying some sort of personal property tax had reported as taxable that are now exempt.
to be included for it to pass their house.
We are thrilled with this victory and hope you are too.
The second significant event was the Foxconn deal. When it But we’ve got more work to do. In 2019, we are going
was first announced, everyone thought, how in the world is back to the Legislature and ask for them to repeal the
rest of the personal property tax!

10 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 11

MEMBER SERVICE UPDATE

At This Most Wonderful Time of the Year…

As your Member Service competitive environment life and I simply don’t know any

Representative I have that is a reality today. better.”

discontinued my normal routine Add to that the struggles of Reflecting on 2017
store visits until after the first of finding and retaining sufficient
the year so as to be sensitive to store staff to meet the needs of the So, as the Christmas season is
this busy time of the year in the day-to-day operation of your store. upon us, and the end of the year is
And then there is the financial not far behind, it is a time we
retail grocery world. often sit back and reflect on the
reality of operating a store on razor year about to come to a close. I am
I’ve had the pleasure thin margins. sure each of you has experienced
of visiting many trials and tribulations throughout
WGA member ...they would typically Back in my this past year. You’ve likely also
enjoyed some good times, and
Mark Stellpflug stores throughout say something like; days of laughs throughout the year. And
WGA Member this past year. In “and tell me again, running a store you’ve likely shared some special
Service Representative fact, at last count I I was and memorable moments with
had recorded over why are you in this your staff and the customers you
occasionally serve.

165 store visits in business?” To that I reminded of At this most wonderful time of the
2017. As I travel the the unique year I encourage you to sit back
state I am always would typically reply, nature of the
amazed by the sheer financial
number and variety with tongue firmly model of a and reflect on the positive impact
of stores I have the planted in cheek, typical grocery you have had on your team, the
customers you serve in your stores
privilege of visiting. something like; “I’ve store. That
But most of all, I am reminder
impressed with the done it all my life and typically came

dedication, I simply don’t know when I sat each day, and the community you

commitment, and any better.” At this most support, and are a
love for the grocery part of. In the

business I encounter down with a new wonderful time of the midst of the
each time I visit a store. tax accountant or year I encourage you demands of the
day, take stock of
As all of you can attest; this is not
necessarily an easy vocation and financial advisor. to sit back and reflect the good you and
life you have chosen to devote After reviewing on the positive impact your business have
your life to. But through it all I see the financials of accomplished this
an unending reserve of optimism,
resolve, and entrepreneurship the company, you have had on your year. And give
displayed by ‘most everyone I assessing the yourself a pat on
meet. In essence, I see the capital employed, team, the customers the back!
American dream being lived out
and engaged in, on a daily basis in and the you serve in your Lastly, from
your stores.
miniscule net stores each day, and myself, and all of
In my travels I also visit struggling profit, they the community you us at the
stores, and owners and managers would typically Wisconsin
that are struggling with the
demands and weight of the say something support, and are a Grocers
responsibility that is a part of like; “and tell me part of. Association, we
owning and managing a again, why are wish you a Merry

you in this Christmas, and

business?” To health and happiness in the New

that I would typically reply, with Year.
tongue firmly planted in cheek,
supermarket in this highly
something like; “I’ve done it all my

12 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

Be compliant with state and federal posting requirements.

NOrEdWer YUouPrDATED Get the WGA Superposter.
2018 Superposter!

Incorporating 21 required postings!

Wisconsin State Required Postings Federal Required Postings
13. Employee Polygraph Notice
1. Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits 14. Family Medical Leave Act
2. Notification for Cessation of Health Care 15. Federal Minimum Wage
16. Disability Special Wage
Benefits 17. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
3. Wisconsin Fair Employment Law 18. EEO Supplement
4. Wisconsin Family & Medical Leave Act 19. USERRA Rights
5. Hours & Times for Minors in Wisconsin 20. Employee Rights Under the National Labor
6. Employee Rights Under Business Closings Relations Act
7. Employee Protection Against Use of Honesty
OSHA
Testing 21. Job Safety and Health
8. Wisconsin Minimum Wage Rates
9. Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Order today.
10. Public Employee Safety & Health
11. Disability Special Wage
12. Wisconsin Bone Marrow/Organ Donation

Leave

$20 each for orders under 10 posters, $12.50 each for quantities of 10 or more posters.

Fax your order to 608.244.9030, mail to WGA, 33 East Main Street, Suite 701 Madison, WI 53703 or email: sdecorah@wisconsingrocers.com.

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2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 13

wrap up years. The two seminars on Wednesday featured national trends
such as “Fresh Marketing” and how Amazon may change grocery.
The 2017 WGA Innovation Expo was a
touchdown in Titletown on October 17 Attendees took home tips and ideas to improve their business
& 18, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency & immediately, in 2018, and the future. See side bars for
KI Center in Green Bay! educational summaries and find power point presentations at:
https://www.wisconsingrocers.com/innovationexpo#Education17
Expo participants experienced a little Lambeau Field at the
Innovation Happy Hour, received hours of educational ideas to The Grocery Industry Summit featured the annual
improve their business, made connections at the Wisconsin Membership Meeting and State of the Association
Grocery Trade Show while sampling new and proven products, information for WGA Members. Highlighting this
and recognized ten honorees during the Chairman’s Banquet. event was Tom Hutchison, Lambeau Field Hall of
More educational seminars were offered in 2017. Four educational Fame Founder who shared 50 years of history with
seminars were offered on Tuesday, which was 30% more than past the Green Bay Packers.

The Innovation Happy Hour in the Hall of Fame at Lambeau
Field was an amazing experience. Green Bay Packer memorabilia
was an amazing display and food and beverage stations were
strategically placed for grazing throughout the 15,000-square-foot,
two-level space. Lipari Foods once again donated the elaborate
menu for the event and beer was donated by MillerCoors.

Wednesday morning’s breakfast featured many WGA sponsors.
Eggs were donated by Sparboe Companies, bacon by Patrick
Cudahy, greek yogurt from Klondike Cheese and donuts by
Grebe’s Bakery.

What can we say, grocers love to eat! Between the Happy Hour at >

Lambeau Field and the morning’s breakfast, there was not a

14 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

15

hungry soul to be found. But, our love of food lead us to the The Great Wisconsin Bag-Off topped off the Wisconsin Grocery
Wisconsin Grocery Trade Show to snack on more samples of pizza, Trade Show and packed the floor with hundreds of onlookers and
cheese, sausage, cake, cookies, produce, chips and sauces, and more! cheer teams! Geoff Welch, Shelby Report, was once again the Host
with the Most! This was Geoff ’s second year leading the bag-off
The Wisconsin Grocery Trade Show was packed full of grocery and he did a fantastic job moving 18 contestants through their
retailers! Retailers connected with over 100 companies in 139 rounds, plus a final round for the top three contestants, all within
booths. Exhibitors were food distributors, service providers, an hour timeframe.
software companies, equipment dealers, manufacturers, and more!
Congratulations to Alex Hind, Miller and Sons, Verona, WI, who
A trip around the trade show floor will found products, services sacked his competition and won $500, plus a trip for two to Las
and connections for solutions you are looking for! Lots of attendees Vegas to compete at the National Best Bagger Contest. Alex
were winners on the trade show floor. There were 14 winners who Castro, Webster’s Marketplace was 2nd Place and won $250 and a
took home $100 in Trade Show Cash (see side bar), lots of booth trophy, and Cade Lambrecht, Festival Foods, was 3rd Place and
prizes, lots of winners of Luxury Linen’s high thread-count sheets, won $100 and trophy.
and of course, big winners in the Trade Show Bingo!

16 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

The Chairman’s Banquet is the apex of the Expo. Over 340 people The Chairman’s Banquet was decorated with floral centerpieces
gathered to honor the individuals receiving WGA Awards. The donated from Krueger Wholesale Florists and dessert options were
program also recognized individuals who completed the first WGA donated by Valley Bakers Supply. Beer was donated by Anheuser-
Leadership Institute program, Expo Diamond Award winners and Busch and MillerCoors. Thank you to all companies for helping
more prize winners! create a special atmosphere for our honored guests.

WGA AWARD WINNERS (See page 21) PRIZE WINNERS
Winner
Mark & Brett Stinebrink, Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly Grocers of the Year Janet Griffin, Webster’s Marketplace Prize Sponsored by
Jeff Tate, Watertown Piggly Wiggly
BPI Color Vendor of the Year Jake Saugestad, Fox Brothers Piggly Wiggly Ipad Acuity Insurance
Mark Stinebrink, Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly
Candie Baker, Webster’s Marketplace Excellence In Operations Bill Smits, Supervalu Day in Washington DC WGA’s Government Affairs Program
Tom Nack, Larry’s Piggly Wiggly
Steve Burkhardt, Festival Foods Excellence In Operations Pete Butch, Butch’s Piggly Wiggly NGA Show Registrations National Grocers Association
Ginger McBeth, Metcalfe’s Market
Brett & JoDee Rechek, Rechek’s Food Pride Excellence In Operations Rachel Martin, Larry’s Piggly Wiggly FMI Future Leader Registrations Food Marketing Institute
Pam Coy, Viking Village
Jason Nilssen, Nilssens’s Foods Excellence In Operations Four Packer Tickets Festival Foods

Ron & Cathy Lamb, Lamb’s Fresh Market Community Service 20MB Camera BPI Color

Troy Vosburgh, Festival Foods Community Service 2018 Expo Registration Wisconsin Grocers Association

$1,000 Trade Show Bingo!

TRADE SHOW CASH $100 WINNERS $250 Trade Show Bingo!

Winner Sponsored by $250 Trade Show Bingo!

1. Kamron Casper, Cowley’s Piggly Wiggly Zone Mechanical North

2. Kindl Furtak, Trig’s Quaker Bakery PALLET OF PRODUCTS WINNERS

3. Dave Mayville, Tadych’s Econofoods Sparboe Companies Proceeds benefit the WGA’s Education & Scholarship Foundation

4. Robert Ahern, Sentry Krueger Wholesale Florist Highest Bidder Donated Items Company Donated

5. Anthony Torke, Sendik’s J & B Group 1. Hanke's Sentry Foods Ice Arctic Glacier Ice

6. Mick Kneeland, Viking Village Indianapolis Fruit 2. Trig's Rhinelander 2% Milk Kemps

7. Mike Coppersmith, New London Festival Foods Great Lakes Coca-Cola 3. Albrecht's Sentry 4 cases of bbq sauce Saz's BBQ Products

8. Meghan Barrett, Fox Brothers Piggly Wiggly Russ Davis Wholesale 4. Hansen's IGA Dole Gold Pineapple Russ Davis Wholesale

9. Jeff Maurer, Fresh Madison Market MillerCoors 5. Hanke's Sentry Foods Mushrooms Russ Davis Wholesale

10. Amber Botters, Webster’s Marketplace Lipari Foods 6. Stinebrink's Piggly Wiggly Crazy Fresh Potatoes Russ Davis Wholesale

11. Mike White, Trig’s Anheuser-Busch 7. Hanke's Sentry Foods Green Giant Baby Carrots Russ Davis Wholesale

12. Cyndie Kaczmareck, Delafield Sentry KeHE 8. Stinebrink's Piggly Wiggly Frosting & Cakes Valley Bakers Supply

13. Jane Schaefer, Larry’s Piggly Wiggly Prairie Farms 9. Trig's Rhinelander Wicked Pizza Valley Bakers Supply

14. Steve Burkhardt, Festival Foods WI Milk Marketing Board 10. Trig's Rhinelander Donuts, Pies, Muffins, & Danish & Puppy Chow Valley Bakers Supply

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 17

2017 Innovation Expo: Educational Seminars

Reduce Your Use Increase Consumers are also focusing more on food profiles. This allows you to market
origins, specifically: fresh and local. specifically to customer wants and needs.
Your Profits panel Consumers are also shifting toward smaller E-commerce will be particularly helpful in
snacks throughout the day and your Dairy putting together customer profiles.
Sarah Speck, department includes many solution for Customer data is one of the incentives the
Focus on graisers. “big guys” are chasing with online retailing
Energy in the grocery space. It’s expected online
Steve Hiring and Retaining grocery sales to reach 20% by 2025.
Mehmert,
Mehmert Employees Best Practices The larger retailers are also incentivizing
Store Services online shopping with loyalty rewards
Foley Quinn, Next Energy Solutions Becky Rauen, programs. These rewards programs, coupled
Federated Insurance with capturing customer data, can be very
Grocery stores are one of the most energy effective in targeting repeat customers. The
intensive businesses out there, as much as Employers need to be independent grocer needs to catch up to
50% of energy use comes from the prepared and ready because these trends now, it’s the future. As things
refrigeration units. Consider new door cases EEOC charges and claims increasingly move online cybersecurity
on refrigeration shelfing can be within three are on the rise. It’s important for businesses should be a focus as well. Best and basic
years. Also consider switching to LED to implement standard and transparent practices can go a long way to securing
lighting which can also significantly cut employee rules and procedures. Employee your online data. Common rules and
costs. handbooks and safety manuals need to exist procedures such as password sharing rules
and need to be updated regularly. Not only can be very effective.
TIP: Work with your contractor, like do handbooks need to exist but they also
Mehmert Store Services and include Focus on need to be applied. Do your employees Retail Revolution: How
Energy for upgrades and efficiency measures. know the handbook and safety procedures?
Independent Retailers
Solar energy is now growing in Wisconsin. TIP: For an employer dealing with a tough
Next Energy Solution provided an update employee situation, the rule is to document Compete and Win
on Lakewood Supervalu’s rooftop solar everything and always assume a third party is
project. Work with your contractor and going to review that documentation. Pete Catoe, ECRS
Focus on Energy for grant programs to Communication has often become less formal,
make this new energy source affordable. until it becomes a legal issue, than every form Consumers are increasingly
of communication is looked at under a looking for local
Reinventing Your Dairy microscope. connections including
locally sourced produce and
Department TIP: Invest in key employees. Don’t be afraid products which is a critical advantage over
to offer employees training and advancement the “big guys” in the retail space.
Cindy Sorensen, Midwest opportunities. Often, giving employees
Dairy Department opportunities engenders loyalty. A strong Walmart/Amazon are looking to shake the
culture of employee retention can give you an grocery industry up online, you should be
Wisconsin is a dairy and advantage over competitors. Do you have a too! The big guys are turning to the
agriculture state and farmers program for “essential employees”? internet to drive sales, if done correctly, so
rely on grocers to move products. Milk has can you!
a 96% household penetration but it is Grocery Technology panel
always at the back of the store for Grocers should be wary of putting too
operational and efficiency reasons. Dairy Merrick many gateways between a customer and
areas are always toward the back of a store, Rosner, purchasing your products. Having a unified
always crammed with many different AppCard platform is important, joining your online
products, very little flash or ability to draw Pat Hughes, platform with your in-store operations. A
customers in to this area. This doesn’t play eGrowcery unified system, joining an online experience
well to customer experience. Dairy product Sean Beaton, with in store management and back office
offerings have also multiplied exponentially, Baker Tilly operations can significantly upgrade the
forcing a need to redesign the area. On business. Combining a holistic customer
average shoppers spend just 25 seconds in As grocers you have a very large untapped oriented platform with a local connection
the dairy department. It may be time to to source of potential, customer data. With to customers and your community can beat
reinvent your dairy department. new technology grocers can begin to Amazon and the big players.
capture customer data, transactions and
TIPS: Focus on slowing down your customers purchases, and put together customer
with personalization, information, education,
product sampling, working in snack options.

18 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 19

20 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

Chairman’s

HoBannoqrueetes
Grocers of the Year

Mark & Brett Stinebrink

Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly

Excellence in Operations Honorees Brett & JoDee Rechek

Candie Baker Steve Burkhardt Jason Nilssen Rechek’s Food Pride

Webster’s Marketplace, Ripon Skogen’s Festival Foods Nilssen’s Foods

Community Service Honorees VendYoeraorf the

Ron & Cathy Lamb Troy Vosburgh BPI Color

Lamb’s Fresh Market Skogen’s Festival Foods

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 21

22 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 23

24 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

2017 YEAR AND REVIEW

Much like the grocery content and access. Communications
By
industry itself, technology is The WGA Government Michelle believe it is the best trade
Affairs Report, sponsored by Kussow publication in the industry! In
constantly changing the American Transmission WGA Executive 2017, the Wisconsin Grocer
Company, is issued during the Vice President Magazine featured Wisconsin-
way the Wisconsin Grocers Legislative Session to provide specific articles on: Case
updates on legislative Twitter (@wiscogrocer) and we Investment: Investing in Retail
Association communicates happenings and timely issues have a You Tube Channel— Grocery Cases; Kinda-Home
related to state government. WGACommunications. Cooked Meals: Alternatives to
with our members. During elections years, this e- Recently one of our videos on In-Home Meals; and Van Go
newsletter becomes the WGA’s personal property tax received Grocery: Online sales Delivered
A recent survey on association Campaign & Politics report more than 8,000 views. If you to Customers.
communications demonstrated sharing information on haven’t seen it yet, check it out
that a majority of associations candidates, important election at: https://www.youtube. WGA Website
believe they are good at issues and other information com/watch?v=A052NgK5rZs
creating relevant content but to help members stay Similar to
still struggle with how to share informed. If you would like to our
that information with their receive either of these e- electronic
members. This is the WGA’s newsletters, please visit our
biggest hurdle specific to website where you can find Videos, Whiteboard communications, more and
communications. information on how to “Join more people are searching the
our Mailing List.” and other Tools web and seeking electronic
The same report also noted information via mobile devices.
that on the positive side, much We’ve recently incorporated a With a broad membership, we The WGA has a new, constantly
like at WGA, associations say “Weekly Special” into our need to be able to reach updated, mobile ready website.
they are improving in areas electronic communications as different groups in different If you haven’t been there lately,
such as overcoming technical a way to provide more in- ways. For example, we are check it out at www.wiscons-
communication barriers (e.g depth information on WGA actively looking for ways to ingrocers.com.
spam filters), facilitating news and events. This year, we encourage more involvement
member-to-member used the Weekly Special to in WGA by millennials. Face-to-Face
communications, and highlight each of our award Knowing that millennials grew
maintaining their position as winners prior to the WGA up in an online-only world, The most
the industry’s No. 1 source of Expo and to share necessary we have attempted to use effective way
information and providing information in the weeks different social media to we
mobile-friendly attract millennials as well as communicate
communications. videos, whiteboard animations with members
and other digital marketing is face-to-face.
In 2017, here are the ways we technologies to appeal to the We are thankful to have a
communicated with members: younger age group. While former grocer serving as our
these marketing tools are Member Service Representative.
E-Newsletters leading up to each of our extremely costly to produce, Mark Stellpflug, former owner
events. the WGA has found success of Piggly Wiggly in New
and Alerts using Fiverr.com—a la carte Holstein, continues to travel the
Social Media freelance services starting at state meeting with grocers in all
Our goal for the weekly $5. Seriously! For a sampling corners to help spread WGA’s
e-newsletter “President’s The WGA promotes the use of what we have done, visit message and also to provide us
Report” is that it is a must- of social media for retailers our youtube.com channel. feedback on what’s going on in
read for everyone in the retail and others in the food the industry.
food industry. The e- industry and we also practice Wisconsin Grocer
newsletter is sponsored by what we preach. The WGA’s If you need information on a
Society Insurance and Russ Facebook page is continuously Magazine program, service or member
Davis Wholesale. With updated and allows us to share benefit, give us a call. If you
important events of grocers The WGA have a question, give us a try,
industry with those that have liked our continues to we may know the answer. If you
events, page. The WGA is also on pump out an have something exciting to share
healthy award-winning with others in the industry, let
matters, Wisconsin Grocer us know. Whatever the reason
economy magazine and
and social
media &
technology tidbits, the report
provides a quick glance at
what’s going on in our
industry. We are constantly
looking for ways to improve
this communication including

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 25

2017 YEAR AND REVIEW Events “The most successful event is the one that achieves
By your goals and exceeds your expectations.”
Exceeding expectations is Cheryl
a real goal for all WGA Lytle ~Author Unknown
Events. WGA Events
Director Over 20 vendor companies donated •Grocery Technology panel
WGA has three events during the product for breakfast, lunch and
year asking members to spend four The day ended with individual dinner! A BIG thank you to Dave •Fresh Marketing
days out of their stores and away meetings for attendees with their Spiegelhoff, Chef Michael Lavin,
from their business, and we strive elected officials, which resulted and staff from Gooseberries and •Retail Revolution
to provide worthwhile events that with more than 60 State Courtyard Catering for developing
benefit the grocery industry and Representative and Senator visits! the menu and preparing and The Innovation Happy Hour was
member’s businesses, while Save the Date in 2018 serving everything. Chris Jeserig, at the Hall of Fame in Lambeau
networking with industry vendors, January 22 & 23, 2018 Kemps, was the lucky winner of Field. Buses were available to
and having a great time! Thank you Park Hotel, Madison, WI $500. transport attendees from the hotel
to everyone who took time out of to Lambeau for this amazing event.
their busy schedule to participate in Congratulations to the first place Lipari Foods generously donated
a WGA event in 2017. team: Tim McAdams, Dan Dean, the menu with food stations
Michael Wais, and Rob Warmouth, throughout the Hall of Fame to
ustry G olf Outing from Skogen’s Festival Foods. Team snack while enjoying the
nsin Grocery Ind prizes were provided by Supervalu. memorabilia.

Wisco The “Green Bay Experience” The Wisconsin Grocery Trade
Grocery Industry Grand Prize, sponsored by Zone Show expanded to almost 140
Grocers in the Capitol Day Golf Outing Mechanical North, was won by booths loaded with vendors sharing
Alan Schouten, Webster’s samples of products, information
April 5, 2017 June 14, 2017 Marketplace. on services and more! Attendees
won $1400 in Trade Show Cash,
The annual Grocers in the Capitol The Grocery Industry Golf Outing Lots of winners were announced and $1500 in Trade Show Bingo,
Day lived up to the tagline “let is an important fundraiser for the during the 19th Hole Reception plus lots of products from booth
grocers’ voices be heard.” More Wisconsin Grocers Association and and to see a full list of winners and prizes! The floor was packed and
than 70 industry representative the WGA’s Education & golf teams, look for the 2017 Score busy the entire show because folks
attended ensuring grocers’ voices Scholarship Foundation. The event Newsletter at www.wiscons- hung around to see the Great
were heard in the State Capitol. is designed to connect retailers, ingrocers.com/golf. Wisconsin Bag-Off!
wholesalers, and vendors together
Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch for a day of camaraderie. Golfers Save the Date in 2018 There were 18 contestants in this
provided an update start with her were greeted on almost every hole June 6, 2018 at Evergreen Golf year’s Great Wisconsin Bag-Off and
perspective on the state budget and with a vendor or WGA staff Course in Elkhorn, WI special thank you to Geoff Welch,
efforts to create jobs. Senate member to interact with you to Shelby Publishing for hosting this
Majority Leader Scott Fiszgerald sample products or try your luck 2017 important activity. Thank you,
also spent time sharing facts on key with a quick challenge before you Lipari Foods, for sponsoring the
budget initiatives and where the proceed to the hole challenge and ex po bag-off, and volunteering to make
Senate Republicans caucus was golf game. this contest possible.
headed. Innovation Expo
Almost 180 golfers participated in Ten people were recognized with a
WGA’s Brandon Scholz and 2017 for a beautiful day with a October 17 & 18, 2017 WGA award during the Chairman’s
Michelle Kussow provided briefings high probability of rain on June 14 Banquet, which was attended by a
on key issues including: state at Evergreen Golf Course in The WGA’s Innovation Expo 340 people, which was a record
budget, FoodShare, labor and Elkhorn. Mother Nature was once moved to The Hyatt Regency and turnout! The program also
employment and personal property again looking out for the WGA KI Center, which is the first time recognized individuals from the
tax updates. and held off the rain until the in over 10 years since we’ve been to first WGA Leadership Institute
game, and Chopper Dropper, was Titletown. program, Expo Diamond Sponsors,
At the state capitol, a panel was completed. and more prize winners!
assembled to share “Lessons More educational seminars were
Learned in the Grocery Industry,” The day started with our offered in 2017! All seminars See a full wrap-up of the WGA’s
which comprised of four legislators provided information relevant to Innovation Expo on page 14 in this
who previously worked in the traditional Diageo’s Big Putt for the grocery industry to benefit the magazine.
grocery industry prior to becoming efficiency and bottom line. This
elected officials. Thank you to $1,000 to a lucky putter who year’s seminars included: Save the Date in 2018
Representative John Spiros, October 16 & 17, 2018 at Hyatt
Representative Scott Krug, makes a 50' putt. Unfortunately, • Reduce Your Use, Improve Your Regency & KI Center in Green
Representative Paul Tittl, and Profits panel Bay, Wisconsin
Senator Pat Testin for sharing! we didn’t have a successful putt but
•Re-invent the Dairy Department
Ted Majdecki, Grebe’s Bakery, won
•Hiring and Retaining Employee
$100 for closest to the hole. Best Practices

26 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

WGA Thank you WGA Business Partners

BUSINESS WGA would like to thank WGA Business Partners for strategically
PARTNER engaging in WGA events, advertising, and sponsorships to promote
their products and services to WGA Members.

NEW

DBS ROUP

Design-Build Solutions

NEW

Watch for Business Partner profiles in future issues of the
Wisconsin Grocer magazine or view them online at https://www.wisconsingrocers.com/buspartner.

Save the Dates

Watch for more details in the WGA President’s Letter and at www.WisconsinGrocers.com.

ustry G Innovation n c ol s Fo
o Grocery Specific
Innovation
olf Outing Expo Food Safety
nsin Grocery Ind
atioOctober 16 & 17, 2018Certification Classes
Hyatt Regency
GroCcearpsitionlthe Wisco & KI Center A Day in the
Grocery Field Food Safety Foundation
January 22 & 23, 2018 Industry Golf Certification Leadership
Park Hotel, November 7, 2018
Madison, WI Outing Milford Hills Hunt Club, Classes Institute

June 6, 2018 Milford, WI Feb. 21, May 16, Sept 19 June 20, July 18,
Evergreen Golf Course, Aug 22 & Sept 19
Watch for locations
Elkhorn, WI to be announced Watch for updates and
locations to be announced

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 27

Foundation2 0 1 7 Y E A R A N D R E V I E W
It was a great David
year for the Kotwitz Wisconsin Grocers Association
Foundation!!! Executive
Director EdSuchcaotliaornshainpd
In 2017 the WGA Education WGA Education FOUNDATION
and Scholarship Foundation and Scholarship
was instrumental in Food Foundation
Safety Certification classes, the
WGA Grocery Industry Golf These are some of the most warmed up at the 5-Stand twenty students (we expected
Outing, Pallet of Product comprehensive grocery- with each flight doing their eight), 14 faculty culled from the
fundraising auction, oriented food safety classes best to shoot sporting clays best in the Wisconsin grocery
outstanding speakers at the you will find. Sign up online in the 75-Sporting Clay industry, who spent four full
Expo, and last but not least, the at WisconsinGrocers.com. Flurry Challenge sponsored days over four months learning
Leadership Institute Series. by Deb Yerkes and Zone what it takes to be a successful
Because of all the amazing Pallet of Product at Mechanical North. In grocery leader. It culminated
support for each of these the Expo preparation for a busy day on with a graduation ceremony at
programs they will continue to the field, Anheuser-Busch the Expo. We are grateful for the
expand in 2018. YOUR PALLET OF PRODUCT and Heidi Hudziak classroom space provided by
sponsored a terrific Milford Fresh Madison Market,
Support comes in many Ten pallets of product Hills buffet. Many thanks to
ways and we are thankful were donated for the Pallet of Valley Baker Association for Great Lakes Coca-Cola,
for all of it. Product auction held at the their Field Sponsorship and
For the donations of ten pallets WGA Innovation Expo. to Federated Insurance for Baker Tilly Madison and
of product for the Expo and their Haberdashery
the folks that bid on them, to Thank you to these generous Sponsorship! All the funds Albrecht’s Sentry Delafield.
the willingness to take a chance companies for donations in raised go to supporting the
on your golf ball dropping into 2017: Arctic Glacier Ice, Saz’s Foundation’s educational Class topics included: Grocery
the hole from a helicopter, to BBQ Products, Valley Bakers programming. You can view Math 101, What is Leadership,
offering your facility to hold a Supply, Kemps, and Russ all of the photos from the Exploring Social Styles and How
Food Safety class or leadership Davis Wholesale. hunt on the WGA’s website. to Use Them, andGovernment
class, to attending one of the Many thanks to all of our Affairs. These topics are designed
most amazing Expo’s we’ve had We invite hunters and sponsors. to give potential leaders in the
in awhile, thank you! you to be grocery industry a baseline of
part of the Thank you to Valley information about the important
Grocery Specific Pallet of Bakers Supply for qualities needed to be successful
Produce silent sponsoring a field for three in the business of grocery.
Food Safety auction event years running. Thank you,
next year at the Patrick Cudahy, for your One of the most important
Certification Innovation Expo 2018. You sponsorship of four hunters. aspects of all the classes is the
Classes can donate a pallet or shipper Thank you, Trig’s for homework that each student is
or cases of product to the bringing six hunters and to expected to do. At the end of
Food Safety Foundation. each day’s class we discuss
Certification Webster’s Marketplace questions that the students must
A Day in the Field for bringing three. (I think bring back to their individual
Three new dates for 2018. Rob had a good time). owners or managers and discuss
Food Safety Certification Milford Hills Hunt Thank you, Fresh Madison the way in which the classroom
classes in 2018 will be: Market for your support information fits with how
WGA WGA Educatio n and Scholarship Foun again this year and thank you grocers do business.
• February 21, members dation to Federated Insurance
Fresh Madison Market, for supplying all the hunters It also gives the “boss” and the
Madison enjoyed a DaAy with stylish orange ball caps. student some time to talk about
perfect day Join us next year for A Day the culture in each store and
• May 16, in the in the Field. opens up a connection and
Webster’s Marketplace, possible teachable moment.
Ripon for pheasant Leadership Institute Communication… who knew?

• September 19, hunting at the The WGA Leadership Take a look at the students who
Milwaukee area Institute was attended by went through the class this year
Third Annual WGA and what some of them thought
of their experience. Identify
Foundation Day in the Field someone in your organization
that might be a future leader and
on November 8, 2017. Seven
Continued on page 28>
teams took on the challenge of

tracking down pheasants and

chukar quail at Milford Hills

Hunt Club. The group

28 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

2017 A Day in the Field participants

WGA Education tionand Scholarship Founda

DayA

in the

Millford Hills Hunt Club All proceeds benefit the WGA Education Wisconsin Grocers Association
and Scholarship Foundation.
W5670 French Road | Johnson Creek, Wisconsin EdSuchcaotliaornshainpd
FOUNDATION

Don Theisen, Randy Roosa, Tim Ashe from Trig’s and guide Rick Steve Day, Mike Day from Cambridge Piggly Wiggly, and Trevor Price Bob Jaskolski, Trig Solberg from Trig’s; Brandon Scholz, WGA and
and Chad Luetkens from Wisconsin Distributing Kenneth Coutier, Trig’s.

Kevin Baker, Paul Wilke, Candie Baker, Rob Webster, from Webster’s Mark Stinebrink, David Stinebrink, from Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly, Jeff Scovell, Prime Pastries, Rich Wise, Jeremy Smith, Valley
Marketplace and their guide Chris. Ryan Lemke, Patrick Cuday, and Kaahlen O' Laughlin, Stinebrink’s Cooperative Association, guide Scott, and kneeling is Josh Knuth,
Piggly Wiggly and their guide Jesse. HT Stark.

This year A Day in the Field Milford Hills Hunt Busch. She also sponsors a field of hunters
brought together 7 fields, 25 hunters (including and is on the Board of Governors of the
the Grocer of the Year) and a beautiful fall day. Foundation.

We opened the day with a trap shoot called the Then it was time to get out to the field
five stand flurry sponsored this year by Zone and let the dogs do their thing. Two
Mechanical. Five shooters at one time took aim at pheasants and two chukar, per hunter,
75 clays from all directions; each shooter went were loosed in beautifully maintained
through a box of shells. Jerry Nueman from Fresh fields. After we bagged our birds we left
Madison Market, after his turn at the stand, said, “I them hanging on hooks in the field and
could do that all day” accompanied by a huge smile. by the time we got back, after a beverage
and warm up, they were cleaned,
We were then off to a great lunch sponsored for the wrapped, and waiting for us.
third year in a row by Heidi Hudziak from Anheuser-

Jerry Neuman, Jeff Maurer, Fresh Madison Market, guide Dick, and Kyle Julseth. 2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 29

Foundation,2 0 1 7 Y E A R A N D R E V I E W cont.

send them to class in 2018. from Supervalu, Steve Loehr Insurance, Patrick O’Brien and to the future leaders of the
Applications will be available from Kwik Trip, Bob Heck Adam Olijnyk from Society grocery industry.
in January 2018 and class size from Piggly Wiggly Midwest, Insurance and Brandon Scholz,
will be limited to 20. Kerry Jeanpierre from Michelle Kussow, Dave The 2018 Leadership Institute
Albrecht’s Delafield Market, Kotwitz from the WGA. registration is $99 per student
Let’s look at the faculty: Chelsea Gallagher and Zoe plus a free two-day pass to the
Inderrieden from Baker Tilly, We can’t thank them enough Innovation Expo.
Marlin Greenfield and Steve Jerry Leemkuil from Federated for taking the time to put
Burkhardt from Skogen’s together classes and teach them It’s all about leadership at your
Festival Foods, Tom Schaefer store.

Wisconsin Grocers Foundation Leadership Institute Graduates

Congratulations to the inaugural class of the WGA’s new Leadership Institute!

Wisconsin Grocers Association Taylor Zach Eric Hill, Sarah
Albrecht, Chandler, Festival Schmidt,
EdSuchcaotliaornshainpd Metcalfe’s Metcalfe’s Foods Metcalfe’s
FOUNDATION Market Market Market

Peter Nichole Bryce Justin
Ballweg, Day, Haessly, Witzeling,
Metcalfe’s Cambridge Main Street Metcalfe’s
Market Piggly Piggly Wiggly Market
Wiggly
Michelle Brian Brian
Baxter, Deanna Kenner, Wohlfeil,
Fox Drost, Metcalfe’s Watertown
Brothers Watertown Market Piggly
Piggly Piggly Wiggly
Wiggly Wiggly Tegan
Krueger, Veronica
Joseph Heathy Main Street Zinkle,
Burns, Halgestad, Piggly Zinkle’s
Festival Main Street Wiggly Piggly
Foods Piggly Wiggly
Wiggly Kayla
Kameron Rohrpasser, Patrick
Casper, Mykaela Metcalfe’s Zwank,
Cowley’s Harrington, Market Metcalfe’s
Piggly Albrecht’s Market
Wiggly Delafield
Market

30 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

2017 YEAR AND REVIEW

“When can we enroll our staff in the next set? How can I be more
involved with the WGA?

~Tegan Krueger, Main Street Market Lodi

“I was very excited to be part of the very first class. It was very pertinent
information about the grocery business…. I enjoyed coming back and
implementing ideas I got from the classes.”

~Heather Helgestad, Main Street Market, Lodi

“The classes were great! The interaction with the others was informative
and interesting.”
~Deanna Drost -Watertown Piggly Wiggly

Brandon Scholz & Dave Kotwitz, WGA; Peter Ballweg, Metcalfe Markets; Michelle Baxter, Fox “The WGA leadership program is a great way for management from all
Bros Piggly Wiggly; Zach Chandler, Metcalfe Markets; Nicole Day, Cambridge Piggly Wiggly; types of stores from around Wisconsin to come together to discuss and
Deanna Drost, Watertown Piggly Wiggly; Veronica Zinkle, Zinkel's Piggly Wiggly; and Marlin share ideas in a non competitive setting.”
Greenfield, Festival Foods
~Zach Chandler, Metcalfe’s Markets
Here’s what the Institute students said:
“This class is a great experience for anyone in retail business and at any
“It was a great learning experience with many new ideas. The Delafield level looking to become a more effective leader.”
Sentry tour was the highlight of the program. It is an amazing store and
a must see for anyone in the grocery business.” ~Brain Wohfeil, Watertown Piggly Wiggly

~Joseph Burns, Skogen’s Festival Foods “The instructors of the WGA Leadership Institute were wonderful. They all
“I would recommend this class to other future leaders in the grocery had vast amount of knowledge to share and seemed happy to do so. It
industry. We were able to learn a lot from successful professionals in the helped that the instructors are active in the grocery business.”
industry and it was very interactive so were able to learn using real
examples from our stores.” ~Nicole Day, Cambridge Piggly Wiggly ~Eric Hill -Skogens Festival Foods
“As someone relatively new to ownership the classes were a great
opportunity to learn more about the state of the industry form
likeminded leaders who share the same passion for the grocery
business.”

~Bryce Haessly, Main Street Market Lodi

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 31

BRONZE SPONSORS

ACE Equipment Company Since 1961, Dawn’s Foods has been producing high
quality salads, dips, and side dishes designed to
Manufacturer of Trash Compactors, Apartment Compactors, delight the taste buds of the sophisticated palette.
Self Contained Compactors, Front Load Compactors and
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American Foods Group is in your backyard. ECRS’ CATAPULT® enables you to

We’re in your neighborhood and we proudly support the meet all of your customers’ expectations with
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employ over 4,000 employees, are privately held and family run for over 60 years. a shared business logic solution to efficiently manage everything from
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At American Foods Group, we conduct ourselves as a trusted partner so that our
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Green Bay, WI 54304
Toll Free: 800-400-9635
Fax: 920-494-8588
Email: sales@johnsrefrig.com
www.johnsrefrig.com

Bring Home 507 Pine Street • PO Box 529
Old-Fashioned
Malted Milk Powder Colfax, WI 54730
P 715-962-3121
Wisc on sin R F 715-962-4030

1-800-962-5227

ctlcolfax.coVmISIT
for recipes

32 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

BRONZE SPONSORS

At Upper 90 Energy, out main focus is centered around
bringing high-quality lighting solutions to our clients
with respect to an overall Return on Investment.

We understand what is most attractive to our buyers and aim to
develop solutions that complement their business model.

(414) 303 3770 | info@upper90energy.com

Distributors of scales, food
processing equipment, label printers,

and labels for all applications.

Making Solar Simple & Affordable Valley Scale is celebrating 52 years of • Wausau (715) 675-0222
service to the retail industry. Call us to • Green Bay (920) 434-3300
(715) 416-3022 see what we can do for your business. • Rice Lake (715) 234-9100

954.321.5305 | Toll free: 855.663.2328 www.valscale.com
onebeatcpr.com
Look for new products Wisconsin’s #1 Cheese Wholesaler
16655 W. Bluemounds Road, Ste. 390 • Brookfield, WI 53005 available!
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Toll free: 888-857-5144 Third Generation Family Run Since 1964.
As independent agents and a total of 50+ years of grocery store experiences, we have access to
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Scratch Ice Cream is a small batch 312 W. Main, Chilton, WI 53014 • Fax: (920) 849-7883 • E-mail: info@vernscheese.com
wholesale ice cream producer in
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Phone: (920) 849-7717 • www.vernscheese.com
We make as much of our ice cream from
Scratch as possible. We specialize in homemade brownies, cookie dough, salted Z.T. Distribution, Inc. is a Direct Store
caramel, and so much more. All our ice cream is hand packed and made in small Distribution company with 98 years of
batches for the most amazing ice cream experience on earth. experience in the Grocery Industry.
We service in excess of 450 fine retailers in the
SERV-ICE Wisconsin and northern Illinois markets using our four
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(262) 347-4180
2175 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54904
www.ZoneMechanical.com

We Focus On Your Success

• Refrigeration/HVAC Installation and Service
• Construction Sales and Installation • Complete Turn Key
Master Service Technicians on call 24 hours/7 days a week

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 33

2017 BUYERS GUIDE Anheuser-Busch Baxter’s Hollow Blends
Heidi Hudziak Edward & Donna Ziegler
Ace Equipment Company One Busch Place, St. Louis, MO 63118 E10603A County Road C, North Freedom, WI 53951
Chuck Oelig (312) 623-0792 (608) 393-9691
W9112 Cherry Road, Antigo, WI 54409 Heidi.Hudziak@anheuser-busch.com eziegler@baxtershollowblends.com
(715) 627-2400 www.Anheuser-Busch.com www.BaxtersHollowBlends.com
chuck@aceequipmentcompany.com
www.AceEquipmentCompany.com AppCard Beechwood Sales & Service
Merrick Rosen Ruben Rendon
Acuity Insurance 90 John St. Suite 601, New York, NY 10038 5350 E. Emmer Drive, New Berlin, WI 53151
Sarah Borkenhagen 201.878.4824 (262) 717-2831
2800 South Taylor Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53081 grocery@appcard.com ruben.rendon@beechwoodsales.com
(800) 242-7666 www.AppCard.com
sarah.borkenhagen@acuity.com Bernatello’s Pizza
www.Acuity.com Arctic Glacier Ice Luke Van Handel
Gary Moilanen 200 Congress St. W, Make Lake, MN 55358
Advanced Wireless Communications N60 W16280 Kohler Lane, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 (715) 220-1191
Kent Pearson (262) 345-6984 lvanhandel@bernatellos.com
10809 Kensington Blvd., Lakeville, MN 55944-8353 gmoilanen@ArcticGlacier.com www.Bernatellos.com
(952) 469-5400 www.ArcticGlacier.com
kpearson@advancedwireless.com Berres Brothers Coffee
www.AdvancedWireless.com Avalara Dan Lauersdorf
Tracy Jones 202 Airpark Dr., Watertown, WI 53094
Albert’s Fresh Produce 1100 2nd Ave., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98101 920.261.6158
Scott Schaeppi (253) 275-8114 dan@bbcoffee.com
1000 Eagle Ridge Drive, Prescott, WI 54021 tracy.jones@avalara.com www.BerresBrothers.com
(877) 241-3030 www.Avalara.com
sschaeppi@albertsfreshproduce.com BevMitt
www.AlbertsFresh Produce.com Badger Inventory Sandi VonEschen
Heidi Kraemer 520 Vine Street, Reedsburg, WI 53959
Alpha Baking Company 213 W. Cottage Grove Road, Cottage Grove, WI 53527 (608) 669-6159
Dennis Barth (608) 839-5441 sandivone@gmail.com
1920 E. College Ave., Cudahy, WI 53110 badger@badgerinventory.com
(920) 758-3516 www.BadgerInventory.com Biro of Chicago Inc. (BCI)
dbarth@alphabaking.com Chris Maestranzi
www.AlphaBaking.com Badger Popcorn 463 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
Tim Virnoche (773) 486-9420
Altria Client Services 2914 Latham Drive, Madison, WI 53713 chris@bci-midwest.com
Garth Alston (800) 962-6227 www.BCI-Midwest.com
33 E. Main Street, Suite 420, Madison , WI 53703 getpoppin@badgerpopcorn.com
www.Altria.com www.BadgerPopcorn.com BPI Color
Steve Mueller
American Foods Group Baker Tilly 11331 W. Rogers St., Milwaukee, WI 53227
Alan Smith Todd Bernhardt (414) 327-5010
500 South Washington St., Green Bay, WI 54301-4219 Ten Terrace Ct., Madison, WI 53718 smueller@bpicolor.com
(800) 345-0293 (608) 240-2654 www.BPIColor.com
asmith@americanfoodsgroup.com todd.bernhardt@bakertilly.com
www.AmericanFoodsGroup.com www.BakerTilly.com

Ameritas Group
Jeremy Earp
1110 Fourier Drive, Ste 120, Madison, WI 53717
(888) 895-7800
jearp@ameritas.com
www.Ameritas.com

Allied Members are listed in red along with their logo.
34 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

2017 BUYERS GUIDE

Bunzl Chicago Chillin’ Products Inc. Designer Greetings
Andy White Valerie Witt David Krueger
(800) 482-4300 1039 Railroad Street, Rockdale, IL 60436 11 Executive Ave., Edison, NJ 08817
andy.white@bunzlusa.com (866) 932-4455 (732) 662-6700
www.BunzlUSA.com valerie@chillinproducts.com david.krueger@designergreetings.com
www.ChillinProducts.com www.DesignerGreetings.com
Case Installation & Sales
Jerry Hardy Commercial Testing Laboratory, Inc. Distilled Spirits Council
420 Trowbridge Dr., Fond du Lac, WI 54937 Linda Schwend George Klaetsch
(920) 517-7056 514 Main Street, Colfax, WI 54730 10 E. Doty Street, Suite 523, Madison, WI 53703
jhardy@CaseSalesandInstall.com (800) 962-5227 (608) 283-2587
www.CaseSalesandInstall.com lindas@ctlcolfax.com gklaetsch@kpasllc.com

Cedar Crest Ice Cream Commercial Waste Systems E3 Coalition, LLC
Luke Kohlwey Amy Wellman Erika Broser
7269 Hwy 60, P.O. Box 260, Cedarburg, WI 53012 P.O. Box 435, Crown Point, IN 46308 304 S. Main St., Viroqua, WI 54665
(800) 877-8341 (219) 663-5678 (608) 637-2499
Luke.Kohlwey@cedarcresticecream.com amywellman@commercialwastesystems.com erika@e3coalition.org
www.CedarCrestIceCream.com www.E3Coalition.com
Croix Valley Foods
Centec Security Systems Inc. Damon Holter Ecolite International
Michelle Strunsee 265 Mound View Road, Suite 7, River Falls, WI 54022 Devlin Holt
W228 N727 Westmound Drive, Waukesha, WI 53186 (612) 756-4985 10 Rylant Circle, Madison, WI 53719
(262) 349-6000 info@croixvalleyfoods.com (608) 358-9752
mmstrunsee@centecsecurity.com www.CroixValleyFoods.com devlin@ecoliteinternational.com
www.CentecSecurity.com www.EcoliteLed.com
Crystal Farms
Central City Distribution Steve Fish ECRS
Michael Dahlke 450 N CP Ave, Lake Mills, WI 53551 Hannah Voso
3029 N. 112th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53222 (800) 472-8240 277 W. Howard Street, Boone, NC 28607
262-373-1170 steve.fish@crystalfarms.com (828) 265-2907
mike.dahlke@centralcitydist.com www.MichaelFoods.com hvoso@ecrs.com
www.CentralCityDist.com www.ECRS.com
Dawn’s Foods
Certified Refrigeration & Ron Rehlinger eGrowcery
Mechanical Inc. 1530 La Dawn Drive, Portage, WI 53901 Pat Hughes
Warren Graham (608) 745-5301 912 N. Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
5817 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718 rrehlinger@dawnsfoods.com (248) 417-0470
(262) 339-5384 www.DawnsFoods.com pat.hughes@egrowcery.com
wgraham@crmwi.com www.eGrowcery.com
www.CRMWI.com DBS ROUP
Emil’s Frozen Pizza
Chicago Baking Co. Design-Build Solutions Dick Thompson
Kevin Maly 1020 S. 12th, Watertown, WI 53094
1415 W. 22nd St. Tower Floor, Oak Brook, IL 60523 DBS Group (920) 262-9756
(630) 684-2335 or (262) 227-3249 Chris Walters dthompton@emilspizza.com
kmaly@lewisbakeries.com 2700 National Drive, Suite 101, Onalaska, WI 54650 www.EmilsPizza.com
www.LewisBakeries.com (608) 881-6007
cwalters@dbsg.com Engine House 19
www.DBSG.com Bill Klar
3144 S. 47th St., Milwaukee, WI 53219
Dean Foods (414) 881 - 8505
Mike DeWitt info@STFSeasonings.com
405 6th St., Waunakee, WI 53597
(608) 849-7505
mike_dewitt@deanfoods.com
www.DeanFoods.com

Allied Members are listed in red along with their logo.

2017 Year En2d01R7eEvxiepwo IIssssuuee WWIISSCCOONNSSIINN GGRROOCCEERR 35

2017 BUYERS GUIDE Grassland Dairy Products Indianapolis Fruit Company
Shawn Kolano Daniel Corsaro
Faith Technologies N8790 Fairground Avenue, Greenwood, WI 54437 4501 Mass Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218
Tim Rankin (715) 267-7767 (317) 546-1275
2662 American Drive, Appleton, WI 54914 shawn.kolano@grassland.com danielc@indyfruit.com
(920) 915) 8717 www.Grassland.com www.indyfruit.com
timothy.rankin@faithtechnologies.com
www.FaithTechnologies.com Great Lakes Coca-Cola International Dairy Deli Bakery
Rick Roth Association (IDDBA)
Federated Insurance 11800 W.Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53224 Eric Richard
Becky Rauen (262) 236-8201 P.O. Box 5528, Madison, WI 53711
8030 Excelsior Drive #302, Madison, WI 53717 richard.roth@glccd.com (608) 310-5000
(608) 831-9697 erichard@iddba.org
brrauen@fedins.com Grebe’s Bakery www.IDDBA.com
Bill Harvey
Feeding America 5132 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis, WI 53219 J & B Group
Ross Younger (414) 543-7001 Tim Spiegelhoff
1700 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53205-1299 info@grebesbakery.com 13200 43rd St. NE, St. Michaels, MN 55376
(414) 831-6335 www.GrebesBakery.com (888) 254-9462
ryounger@feedingamericawi.org tim.spiegelhoff@jbgroup.com
www.FeedingAmericaWI.com H. Brooks & Company www.JBGroup.com
Nina Brooks - Haag
FMS Solutions 600 Lakeview Point Drive, New Brighton, MN 55112 John’s Refrigeration Inc.
P.O. Box 334, Novi, MI 48376 (651) 635-0126 Craig Genske
(248) 756-3750 nina.brooks@hbrooks.com 838 Borvan Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304
www.FMSSolutions.com www.HBrooks.com (920) 494 - 9635
sales@johnsrefrig.com
Focus on Energy Hausmann - Johnson Insurance www.JohnsRefrig.com
Sarah Speck Leslie Osman
12071 Corporate Pkwy, Suite 100, Mequon, WI 53092 700 Regent St., Madison, WI 53715 Jones Dairy Farm
(262) 240-0672 ext. 4127 (608) 257-3795 Tim Rundle
sspeck@franklinenergy.com leslie.osman@hausmann-johnson.com 800 Jones Avenue, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
wwwFocusOnEnergy.com/business www.Hausmann-Johnson.om (847) 922-6328
timr@jonesdairyfarm.com
General Beverage Hunting Works for Wisconsin www.JonesDairyFarm.com
Jeff Calder Nate Prouty
P.O. Box 44326, Madison, WI 53744-4326 c/o Public Affairs Company, 333 South Seventh Street, KeHE Distributors
(608) 271-1234 Suite 2250, Minneapolis, MN 55402 Donovan Dettling
jcalder@genbev.com 612-313-2620 1245 E. Diehl Road, Ste. 200, Naperville, IL 60563-4816
General Business Services NProuty@pubaffairsco.com (701) 793-9395
Chris Apel donovan.dettling@kehe.com
N50 W13916 Overview Drive, www.KeHE.com
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
(262) 781-1630 Kemps Dairy
ChrisA@countinv.com Keith Zuehlke
W55 N155 McKinley Blvd., Cedarburg, WI 53012
GNP Business Unit/Pilgrims (262) 993-2222
Jeff Stuczynski keith.zuehlke@kemps.com
S108 W37145 Draper Road, Eagle, WI 53119 www.Kemps.com
(262) 594-3958
jeff.stuczynski@pilgrims.com

Allied Members are listed in red along with their logo.
36 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

Klondike Cheese Co. Luxury Linens USA 2017 BUYERS GUIDE
Stan Woodworth Richard Gergis
W7839 State Road 81, Monroe, WI 53566 4290 Foxpoint Drive, West Bloomfield, MI 48323 MillerCoors
(608) 328-9247 (773) 868-9393 David Hervey
stan@klondikecheese.com LuxuryRichard@gmail.com 3939 Highland Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53208
www.KlondikeCheese.com (414) 732-4815
Mad Dog & Merrill Brands David.Hervey@millercoors.com
KRS Inc. Rod Kolash www.MillerCoors.com
Keith Schaetz 1258 Robin Street, DePere, WI 54115
2244-B West Blue Mound Road, Waukesha, WI 53186 (920) 230-6002 Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co.
(262) 798-8900 rod@lashbro.com Rick Breeden
keith@krsinc.com www.Lashbro.com 330 N. US Hwy. 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
www.KRSInc.com (847) 533-1553
Manzana Products Co. rbreeden@oijc.com
Krueger Wholesale Florist Paul Pearson www.oijc.com
Jeffrey Rindfleisch 9141 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472
10706 Tesch Lane, Rothschild, WI 54474 (414) 755-9007 Newark Group / Recycled Fiber
(715) 359-7202 ppearson@manzanaproductsco.com Dan Silva
jeffr@kruegerwholesale.com www.NorthCoast.Organic 940 Prairie Ave., Green Bay, WI 54303
www.KruegerFloral.com (920) 432-8005
Mason Brothers dsilva@tngus.com
Lee Enterprises Murlyn Kreklaw www.TNGUS.com
Eugene Uehling 222 4th St. NE, Wadena, MN 56482
1901 Fish Hatchery Rd., Madison, WI 53713 mkreklau@masonbros.com Next Energy Solution
(608) 252-6245 www.masonbros.com Foley Quinn
euehling@madison.com 461 Hwy 63, Shell Lake, WI 54871
www.Madison.com Mehmert Store Service (715) 416-3022
Steve Mehmert foley@nextenergysolution.com
Lipari Foods N27 W23588 Paul Road #100, Pewaukee, WI 53072 www.NextEnergySolution.com
Don Symonds (800) 273-0755
26661 Bunert Road, Warren, MI 48089 Steve.Mehmert@mehmert.com North Country Business Products
(586) 447-3500 www.Mehmert.com Ana Versaggi
don_symonds@liparifoods.com N922 Towerview Drive #e, Greenville, WI 54942
www.LipariFoods.com Midwest Best Water (800) 937-4140
Pat McKasy info@ncbpinc.com
Logical Green Solutions 532 Apollo Drive #10, Circle Pines, MN 55014 www.NCBPinc.com
William Fuchs (888) 644-4016
237 Harrison Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186 pmckasy@aol.com Old Dutch Foods
(262) 547-1111 Janet Brobjorg
wfuchs@logicalgreensolutions.com Midwest Perishables Inc. (MPI) 2375 Terminal Road, Roseville, MN 55113
www.LogicalGreenSolutions.com Dan Roberts (800) 989-2447
4850 Helgesen Drive, Madison, WI 537018 janet.brobjorg@olddutchfoods.com
Luige’s Pizza (800) 750-1810 www.OldDutchFoods.com
Connie Schwibinger droberts@mpi1.com
W3830 County K, Belgium, WI 53004 www.MidwestPerishables.com One Beat CPR + AED
(920) 377-6375 Danny Howard
luiges@live.com 4350 Oakes Road, #500, Davie, FL 33314
(954) 321-5305
danny@onebeatcpr.com
www.OneBeatCPR.com

Allied Members are listed in red along with their logo.
2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 37

2017 BUYERS GUIDE

Palermo’s Pizza The Potato King Retail PlanIt
Mark Schaller Scott Herlitzke Kim Harder & Karla Krueger
3301 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53204 N1078 Justin Rd., La Crosse, WI 54601 308 Pine Street, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
(920) 634-9473 (608) 788-2576 (920) 467-9558
m.schaller@palermospizza.com scott.h@thepotatoking.com info@theretailplanit.com
www.PalermosPizza.com www.ThePotatoKing.com www.TheRetailPlanIt.com

Pan O Gold Baking Prairie Farms Risk Management LLC
Jeffrey Nutt Stacy Wand Toan Ly
1000 Wilburn Road, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 3510 Central Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001-9477 16655 W. Bluemound Road, Ste. 390, Brookfield, WI
(608) 834-1816 (800) 397-9477 53005
jnutt@panogold.com swand@prairiefarms.com (262) 785-8930
www.PanOGold.com www.PrairieFarms.com tly@risk-managementllc.com
www.Risk-ManagementLLC.com
Patrick Cudahy, Smithfield Foods Professional Supply
J.E. (Bud) Matthews Shawn Sizonen RJ Schinner Company
One Sweet Apple-wood Lane, Cudahy, WI 53110 4828 Professional Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53083 Mike Thompson
(414) 918-3363 (800) 236-8675 N59 W14700 Patrita Drive, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
jmatthews@smithfield.com shawn@cleaningstuff.biz miket@rjschinner.com
www.PatrickCudahy.com www.CleaningStuff.com www.RJSchinner.com

Pep’s Drafthaus Pizza Promotions Unlimited RP’s Pasta Company
Michelle Geiger Diane Taleck Steve Ciurczak
930 Goddard Way, Green Bay, WI 54311-8334 7601 Durand Ave., Mt. Pleasant, WI 53177 1133 E. Wilson St., Madison, WI 53703
(800) 236-1022 (262) 681-7000 (608) 257-7216
Mgeiger@hansenfoods.com diannat@promot.com steve@rpspasta.com
www.HansenFoods.com www.RPsPasta.com
Quaker Bakery
Pepsi - Cola Jeff Pearcy Russ Davis Wholesale
Bob Rauner P.O. Box 1016, Appleton, WI 54912 Mark Maloney
6176 Pepsi Way, Windsor, WI 53590 (877) 450-1725 P.O. Box 737, Merrill, WI 54452
(608) 846-1200 jhpearcy@quakerbakery.com (715) 539-2800
brauner@wpbpepsi.com www.QuakerBakery.com mmaloney@russdaviswholesale.com
www.RussDavisWholesale.com
Pinpoint Software Racine Danish Kringles
Rob McDonald Tom Reuteman S & R Egg Farms
1810 Walton Commons W. Suite 118, 2529 Golf Avenue, Racine, WI 53404 Bill Remiker
Madison, WI 53718 (262) 633-1819 N9416 Tamarack Road, Whitewater, WI 53190
(262) 458-2470 tomr@kringle.com (262) 495 - 6220
rob@pinpointsoftware.com www.Kringle.om bremiker@sreggfarm.com
www.PinpointSoftware.com www.SREggFarm.com
Retail Data Systems of Wisconsin
Bill Hughes San-A-Care
1900 Pewaukee Rd., Suite M, Waukesha, WI 53188 Matt Mirenda
(262) 896-2600 W223 N605 Saratoga Drive, Waukesha, WI 53186
bhughes@rdspos.com (414)303-6958
www.RDSPOS.com matt@san-a-care.com
www.San-A-Care.com

Allied Members are listed in red along with their logo.
38 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

SASid Shelby Publishing 2017 BUYERS GUIDE
Andy Murray Geoff Welch
462 Midland Road, Janesville, WI 53546 517 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501 Sumpter Sales
(608) 314-2107 gwelch@shelbypublishing.com Jeff Sumpter
andy@sasid.com www.ShelbyPubishing.com 3137 East Country Road S, Beloit, WI 53511
www.SASid.com (608) 362-2820
Sherwood Foods sales@sumptersales.com
Saz’s BBQ Products Steve Dugan www.SumpterSales.com
Jeff Gudex 2202 West 166th St., Suite 101, Markham, IL 60428
5539 West State St., Milwaukee, WI 53208 (262) 412-5769 SVA Certified Public Accountants
(414) 704-5593 sdugan@sherwoodfoods.com Bonnie Bailey
jeff@sazs.com www.SherwoodFoods.com 1221 John Q Hammons Dr., Madison, WI 53717
www.Sazs.com (608) 831-8181
Shullsburg Creamery BaileyB@SVA.com
Schoep’s Ice Cream Scott Stocker www.SVA.com
Jeff Helf 208 W. Water Street, Shullsburg, WI 53586
P.O. Box 3249, Madison, WI 53704 (800) 533-9594 talentReef
(800) 236-4050 sstocker@shullsburgcreamery.com 210 University, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80206
jhelf@schoeps.us www.shullsburgcreamery.com (303) 974-4835
www.SchoepsIceCream.com www.TalentReef.com
Simply Incredible Foods
Sconnie Foods Jonathan Smith Temperature Monitoring
Tracy Fick Lundberg 140 Market Ave., Port Edwards, WI 54469 Solutions (TMS)
2322 Alpine Road, Suite 5, Eau Claire, WI 54703 (715) 213-2764 Jeff Thomas
(715) 874-4671 jonathan@simplyincrediblefoods.com 5685 Trenton Lane N., Plymouth, MN 55442
tlundberg@sconniefoods.com www.SimplyIncredibleFoods.com (612) 743-9519
www.SconnieFoods.com jeff@tms-temperatures.com
Society Insurance www.tms-temperatures.com
Scratch Ice Cream Rebecca Loehr
Ryan Povlick 150 Camelot Dr., Fond du Lac, WI 54936 ThinkItThenInkIt
1349 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53216 (888) 576-2438 Kelly Williams
(262) 505-5244 rloehr@societyinsurance.com 515 Commerce Parkway, Verona, WI 53593
ryan@scratchicecream.com www.SocietyInsurance.com (608) 220-6229
www.ScratchIceCream.com kwilliams@thinkitmail.com
Sparboe Companies
Sellers Publishing Tom Droege Towsleys Inc.
Karen Wicks 1907 E. Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 300, Wayzata, MN 55391 Terry Bosch
161 John Robert Road, South Portland, ME 04106 (952) 221-0569 P.O. Box 2140; 1424 Dewey Street, Manitowoc, WI
(515) 491-9421 tom.droege@sparboe.com 54220
kwicks@rsvp.com www.Sparboe.com (920) 482-1156
www.RSVP.com terry.bosch@towsleys.com
Stark Agency (The) www.Towsleys.com
Serv-Ice Jack Femyer
Tom Leske P.O. Box 45710, Madison, WI 53744-5710 Trustwave
2175 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54904 (608) 274-7764 ext. 1979 Jim Frainey
(920) 231-7784 jfemyer@hestark.com 70 W. Madison St., Suite 1050, Chicago, IL 60602
laurie@serv-ice.com (312) 873-7669
JFrainey@trustwave.com
Shazam www.Trustwave.com
Dan Kremer
6700 Pioneer Pkwy., Johnston, IA 50131 Upper 90 Energy
(515) 288-2828 Mario Millonzi
dkramer@Shazam.net 3102 Nottingham Way, Madison, WI 53713
www.Shazam.net (414) 303-3770
millonzim@upper90energy.com
www.Upper90Energy.com

Allied Members are listed in red along with their logo.
2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 39

2017 BUYERS GUIDE

US Foods Wells Enterprises Inc. Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable
Brian Anick Tom Cronin Growers Association
9399 West Higgins Road, Ste. 500, Rosemont, IL 60018 P.O. Box 1310, Le Mars, IA 52031 Dana Rady
(612) 986-8366 (712) 546-4000 ext. 4830 P.O. Box 327, Antigo, WI 54409
Brian.Anick@usfoods.com trcronin@bluebunny.com (715) 623-7683
www.USFoods.com www.BlueBunny.com drady@wisconsinpotatoes.com
www.EatWisconsinPotatoes.com
UW Provisions Westby Creamery
Ron Krantz Kevin Gittens Wisconsin Souvenir Milk Caps
P.O. Box 620038, Middleton, WI 53562-0038 615 N. Main Street, Westby, WI 54667 Wally Bohrer
(608) 836-7421 (608) 406-0230 1860 Executive Drive, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
ron.krantz@uwprovision.com kgittens@westbycreamery.com (414) 217-1731
www.UWProvision.com www.WestbyCreamery.com wbohrer@wi.rr.com

Valley Cooperative Association Wisconsin Bakers Association Wisconsin Wins /
Mike Sprang Jessica Hoover WITobaccoCheck.org
W6470 Quality Drive, Greenville, WI 54942 2514 S 102nd St. #100, Milwaukee, WI 53227 Nancy Michaud
(920) 560-3200 (414) 258-5552 P.O. Box 2659, Madison, WI 53701-2659
mikes@valleybakers.com jessica@wibakers.com (608) 266-0181
www.ValleyBakers.com www.WIBakers.com nancy.michaud@dhs.wisconsin.gov
www.WITobaccoCheck.org
Valley Scale Service Inc. Wisconsin Food Hub
Scott Miller Sarah Lloyd Yodelay Yogurt
2299 Woodale Ave., Green Bay, WI 54313 16 N. Carroll St., Suite 810, Madison, WI 53703 Markus Candinas
(920) 434-3300 (608) 844-3758 3309 Latham Drive, Madison, WI 53713
smiller@valscale.com slloyd@wifoodhub.coop (608) 335-0688
www.ValScale.com www.WIFoodHub.com mcandinas@yodelayyogurt.com
www.YodelayYogurt.com
Vern’s Cheese Wisconsin Lift Truck
Vern Knoespel Shanna Plenke Z.T. Distribution Inc.
312 W. Main St., Chilton, WI 53014 3125 Intertech Dr., Brookfield, WI 53045 Scot Trojanowski
(920) 849-7717 (262) 781-8010 5441 South 9th St., Milwaukee, WI 53221
info@vernscheese.com shanna.plenke@woltergroupllc.com (414) 483-7733
www.VernsCheese.com www.WolterGroupLLC.com scot@ztdist.com
www.ZTDist.com
Volm Companies Wisconsin Lottery
Michael Levis Karis Finley Zone Mechanical North Inc.
1804 Edison St., Antigo, WI 54409 P.O. Box 8941, Madison, WI 53708 Deb Yerkes
(715) 216-5007 (608) 267-7180 9645 South 54th Ave., Suite N, Franklin, WI 53188
mike.levis@volmcompanies.com karis.finley@wisconsin.gov (262) 347-4180
www.VolmCompanies.com https://retailer.wilottery.com/ deb.yerkes@zonemechanical.com
www.ZoneMechanical.com
Wasmer Company Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
Dan Steinhardt Don Hornung
2400 Plymouth St., New Holstein, WI 53061 8418 Excelsior Drive, Madison, WI 53717
(877) 413 - 6379 (608) 836-8820
dsteinhardt@wasmerco.com dhornung@wmmb.com
www.WasmerCo.com www.WMMB.com

Allied Members are listed in red along with their logo.
40 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

Alphabetical by Service/Product 2017 BUYERS GUIDE

Accounting Services Bread Deli Products Equipment Service &
Baker Tilly Pan O Gold Baking American Foods Group
SVA Certified Public Chicago Baking Co. Badger Popcorn Repair
Quaker Bakery Dawn’s Foods Ace Equipment Company
Accountants GNP Business Unit/Pilgrims Professional Supply
Advertising & Marketing Bulk Dry Goods Grassland Dairy Products Wisconsin Lift Truck
AppCard Valley Cooperative Association H. Brooks & Company
KeHE Distributors Floor Cleaning Equipment
Advertising and Business Partner Lipari Foods Professional Supply
Marketing Services DBS Group Russ Davis Wholesale
Lee Enterprises Sumpter Sales Floral Services
Candy & Snack Foods UW Provisions Indianapolis Fruit Company
Associations Badger Popcorn Valley Scale Service Inc. Krueger Wholesale Florist
Feeding America Old Dutch Foods Vern’s Cheese
Hunting Works for Wisconsin Shullsburg Creamery Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board Frozen Foods
International Dairy Deli Bakery Cash Registers, Bernatello’s Pizza
Association (IDDBA) Computers & Scanners Direct Store Distribution Emil’s Frozen Pizza
Shelby Publishing North Country Business Products Central City Distribution Schoep’s Ice Cream
Wisconsin Bakers Association Retail Data Systems of Wisconsin Z.T. Distribution Inc. Scratch Ice Cream
Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Wells Enterprises Inc.
Association Check Collection Display Case Management
Stark Agency (The) UW Provisions Full Fleet/
Bags Dual Temp Distribution
Volm Companies Cheese Eggs Service
Crystal Farms S & R Egg Farms UW Provisions
Bakeries & Baked Goods Klondike Cheese Co. Sparboe Companies
Alpha Baking Company Shullsburg Creamery Games of Luck
Badger Popcorn Vern’s Cheese Electrical Services Wisconsin Lottery
Chicago Baking Co. Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board Case Installation & Sales Wisconsin Souvenir Milk Caps
Grebe’s Bakery E3 Coalition, LLC
Pan O Gold Baking Coffee, Tea & Herbs Emerson Commercial & Residential General Merchandise
Quaker Bakery Berres Brothers Coffee Solutions Luxury Linens USA
Racine Danish Kringles Shullsburg Creamery Faith Technologies Krueger Wholesale Florist
Valley Cooperative Association Logical Green Solutions Promotions Unlimited
Communications Wasmer Company Sellers Publishing
Advanced Wireless Communications Next Energy Solution BevMitt

Bank and Financial Containers, Packaging Electronic Funds Transfer Gluten Free Products
Institution & Labels Shazam Berres Brothers Coffee
Ameritas Group Bunzl Chicago Jones Dairy Farm
Shazam Lipari Foods Manzana Products Co.
Valley Cooperative Association
Banners & Posters Employee Benefits Greeting Cards
BPI Color Dairies & Dairy Products SASid Designer Greetings
Crystal Farms
Beer, Wine & Spirits Dean Foods talentReef Sellers Publishing
Anheuser- Busch Kemps Dairy
Beechwood Sales & Service Klondike Cheese Co. Energy Saving Services Health Foods
General Beverage Prairie Farms E3 Coalition, LLC Russ Davis Wholesale
MillerCoors S & R Egg Farms Ecolite International
Scratch Ice Cream Focus on Energy HVAC Equipment
Books, Magazines, Sparboe Companies Next Energy Solution & Services
Newspapers Vern’s Cheese Upper 90 Energy Zone Mechanical North Inc.
Lee Enterprises Westby Creamery Wasmer Company
Yodelay Yogurt Wisconsin Lift Truck Ice & Ice Equipment
Grassland Dairy Products Zone Mechanical North Inc. Arctic Glacier Ice
Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board Serv-Ice

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 41

2017 BUYERS GUIDE

Ice Cream Manufacturer Private Label Signage
Cedar Crest Ice Cream Ace Equipment Company American Foods Group BPI Color
Dean Foods Retail PlanIt
Kemps Dairy Grassland Dairy Products Racine Danish Kringles
Prairie Farms Software Services
Schoep’s Ice Cream Klondike Cheese Co. UW Provisions AppCard
Scratch Ice Cream Avalara
Wells Enterprises Inc. Old Dutch Foods Old Dutch Foods ECRS
eGrowcery
Insurance Marketing/Sales/Packaging Produce North Country Business Products
Acuity Insurance UW Provisions Albert’s Organics Pin Point Software
Ameritas Group H. Brooks & Company Retail Data Systems of Wisconsin
Federated Insurance Meat, Poultry & Seafood Indianapolis Fruit Company Retail PlanIt
Hausmann - Johnson Insurance American Foods Group Krueger Wholesale Florist
Risk Management LLC GNP Business Unit/Pilgrims Russ Davis Wholesale Solar Energy
SASid Jones Dairy Farm The Potato King Next Energy Solution
Society Insurance Lipari Foods Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers
Midwest Perishables Inc. (MPI) Association Specialty Foods
Inventory Services Patrick Cudahy, Smithfield Foods Berres Brothers Coffee
Badger Inventory Sumpter Sales Promotions Indianapolis Fruit Company
General Business Services UW Provisions ThinkItThenInkIt KeHE Distributors
Pinpoint Software Towsleys Inc. Racine Danish Kringles
Merchant Services
Janitorial Equipment Shazam Recycling & Waste State Agency
& Services Programs Wisconsin Lottery
Professional Supply Milk Ace Equipment Company
San-A-Care Dean Foods Commercial Waste Systems
Prairie Farms Newark Group / Recycled Fiber
Juices, Soft Drinks & Water
Great Lakes Coca-Cola Novelty & Specialty Items Refrigeration Equipment Store Construction
Midwest Best Water Luxury Linens USA & Service & Design
Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co. Case Installation & Sales DBS Group
Pepsi - Cola Organic Products Certified Refrigeration & Mechanical Inc. John’s Refrigeration Inc.
Scratch Ice Cream Albert’s Fresh Product John’s Refrigeration Inc. Mehmert Store Services
GNP Business Unit/Pilgrims Zone Mechanical North Inc. Retail PlanIt
Lighting Equipment H. Brooks & Company
& Service KeHE Distributors Risk Management Store Décor
Ecolite International Manzana Products Co. Acuity Insurance DBS Group
Upper 90 Energy One Beat CPR + AED Mehmert Store Services
Wasmer Company Pet Food & Supplies Temperature Monitoring Solutions (TMS) Retail PlanIt
Baxter’s Hollow Blends Trustwave
Loss Prevention Store Equipment
Acuity Insurance Pizza Scales John’s Refrigeration Inc.
Advanced Wireless Communications Bernatello’s Pizza Retail Data Systems of Wisconsin
Badger Inventory Emil’s Frozen Pizza Valley Scale Service Inc. Tobacco Prevention
Centec Security Systems Luige’s Pizza Wisconsin Wins /WITobaccoCheck.org
PinPoint Software Palermo’s Pizza Security
Stark Agency (The) Pep’s Drafthaus Pizza Advanced Wireless Communications Toys, Games & Seasonal
Quaker Bakery Centec Security Systems Inc.
Loyalty Programs UW Provisions North Country Business Products Items
AppCard Luxury Linens USA
Poster Printers Service Distribution
BPI Color Central City Distribution Unpaid Invoice
Z.T. Distribution Inc.
Collections
(The) Stark Agency

42 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

Zone Mechanical North
9645 S 54th Avenue, Suite N
Franklin, WI 53132-9179

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 43

M E M B E R E V E N T S A N D H A P P E N I N G S See more events and happenings each week in the President’s Letter, the weekly WGA e-newsletter. Sign up at wisconsingrocers.com.

WGA Members Step Up for Hurricane MobCraft and Fox Bros. Create Craft Beer
Harvey/Maria/Irma Relief
Milwaukee’s MobCraft Beer and the Fox Brothers
Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market locations Piggly Wiggly teamed up this fall to create a
across the state of Wisconsin are now unique craft beer “Foxtoberfest”. Foxtoberfest,
accepting donations to benefit the American released in September, is a traditional Oktoberfest-
Red Cross to help those affected in Texas by style Lager featuring an amber color with a sweet
Hurricane Harvey. Customers were able to donate at the registers as malty backbone and mild hop profile. Earlier this spring, MobCraft
well as customer service desks across all Pick ‘n Save’s close to 100 Beer and Fox Bros. realized the similarity between the MobCraft
store network. Roundy’s parent company, Kroger, also announced crowdsourced model and Fox Bros. People’s Choice Brat Contest. It
its foundation committed $100,000 to the Houston Food Bank. was decided to partner up to create a unique Craft Beer Contest. Fox
Bros. President Pat Fox, added, “This has been a fun process with
A Hurricane Harvey relief effort was MobCraft and we are looking forward to having Foxtoberfest
organized by two Nilssen’s Foods available exclusively at Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly!”
employees in Baldwin, Wisconsin.
Joni Deck and Julie Stoddard, along Gas Stations Coming
with owner Jason Nilssen’s assistance,
lined up a semi-trailer and tractor Pick’n Save, recently purchased by Kroger, has
and driver from SpartanNash. announced that it is adding gas stations to
Collection efforts started on some of its stores in Wisconsin, according to
September 8th in Nilssen’s Foods Baldwin parking lot and the next the Wisconsin State Journal. “Fuel stations are a go-to market strategy
day, the truck returned to SpartanNash distribution center in St. for Kroger, and it is our intent to continue to pursue and develop a
Cloud with 11 pallets of product and then was loaded with an fuel program at select Pick’n Save locations throughout Wisconsin,”
additional 11 pallets of products funded by cash donations collected said James Hyland, Roundy’s vice president of communications and
at Nilssen’s. Items collected included water, bleach, toilet paper, public affairs. Pick ‘n Save announced plans for a fuel station at its
brooms, mops, vinyl gloves, diapers and lots of food. The truck store in the Milwaukee suburb of Menomonee Falls, but it is not
departed St. Cloud for the Beaumont Texas distribution center, known if any of the stores in Madison or the surrounding suburbs are
coordinated by the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. being eyed for gas stations. Kroger operates more than 1,400 grocery
stores with fuel stations and also has a fuel rewards program that ties
Frank’s Piggly Wiggly in in grocery discounts.
Elkhorn and East Troy, teamed
up with Medplast, a custom Z.T. Distribution, Inc. is a
rubber molding manufacturer in the medical device industry to help Direct Store Distribution company with
the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. “Medplast has a 98 years of experience in the Grocery Industry.
sister company in Puerto Rico and we have reports that the sister
plant is up and running, but that several of the team members have We service in excess of 450 fine retailers in the Wisconsin and northern Illinois
lost their homes or had significant damage to their property or markets using our four distribution facilities and our team of knowledgeable
household goods, some losing everything,” said Dawn Soto, human representatives. Z.T. partners with quality brands from the Snack, Beverage,
resources manager at Medplast. “Thanks to the generosity of local
store owners Frank and Stephanie Lueptow and patrons of the store, Specialty, and local “Wisconsin Made” categories.
we a sending a very large shipment of necessities to the Medplast
plant in Puerto Rico.” The donations from both stores totaled more 5441 South 9th St., Milwaukee, WI 53221 | (414) 483-7733
than $1,600 worth of goods.
www.ZTDist.com
Mother Nature has hit the southern United States
with a number of hurricanes this season, the worst of
which was Hurricane Irma which struck the Florida
Coast, leaving thousands without everyday essentials.
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers
Association (WPVGA) sent a large truckload of
potatoes and onions to the Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers,
Florida. Hurricane Irma did considerable damage to crops in
Florida. A recent article in The Packer newspaper stated: “Hurricane
Irma left Sunshine State citrus groves with dropped fruit, standing
water and dashed hopes.” The following Wisconsin potato farms
made generous donations of potatoes: Wysocki Produce Farm/RPE
of Bancroft, Bushmans’ Inc. of Rosholt, Okray Family Farms of
Plover, Alsum Farms of Friesland, and Worzella & Sons of Plover.
All told, over 30,000 pounds of potatoes were donated.

44 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

MEMBER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

Aldi Continues to Expand that would add 900 stores. The store Congratulations!
at 1399 Highway 51 in Stoughton will
The become the fifth location for Aldi in • Bill Smits, 15 years at Supervalu
Wisconsin Dane County, joining two in Madison
State Journal and one each in Fitchburg and Sun Prairie. • Terry Tryggeseth, 24 years at Trig’s
recently reported that the Aldi footprint The Stoughton store presents a new look
continues to grow in southern Wisconsin as for the company and includes more of a • Mary Gaiche, 20 years at
the grocery retailer has reopened its store in focus on fresh items like produce, dairy a Crossroads County Market
Baraboo, as well as the new store in nd bakery, and a more modern design
Stoughton this week. The stores are part of with open ceilings, natural lighting and Community Service Award:
an aggressive $3.4 billion investment plan environmentally-friendly building
Aldi announced earlier this year to expand materials, such as recycled materials, Brian Conrad
to 2,500 stores nationwide by the end of energy-saving refrigeration and LED
2022. Aldi has nearly 1,700 stores in the lighting, the company said. The Lake
U.S. and 70 in Wisconsin. In June, it Mills Area
announced a $3.4 billion expansion plan School
District has named longtime
Lake Mills grocer, Brian
Conrad, as their 2017
Community Service Award Recipient. “He
never said no to anyone who asked for a
donation.” This simple statement embodies
Conrad’s humble commitment to the Lake
Mills community and beyond. From school
groups, to clubs, to churches, Conrad has
donated food and time. Whether it was
donating sandwiches for firefighters,
supporting a mission trip or contributing to
local athletics, Conrad’s generosity shows no
boundaries. As the owner of Lake Mills
Sentry for 40 years, Conrad was infamous
for hiring the youth of Lake Mills for their
first job and even created a scholarship to
support employees moving on to post-
secondary education. He has been active in
community groups including the Chamber
of Commerce, American Legion, EMS
Board of Directors and the Lions Club,
where he started and chaired the White
Elephant Sale for 28 years. Conrad has
always declined being nominated for this
prestigious award, but this year, he humbly
allowed the school district to honor him and
thank him for all he has done for the Lake
Mills Community. Congratulations, Brian!

Baryenbruch Awarded

On September 12, 2017,
retailers, Board of
Directors, and employees
of Certco Inc.
recognized Jerry
Baryenbruch for his “sincere devotion and
dedication” serving 34 years on the Certco
Board of Directors, with 17 years serving as
Chairman. Jerry recently retired and sold his
store Hometown Grocery in Spring Green to
his sons.

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 45

MEMBER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

The WGA Congratulates Metcalfe’s
on Their 100 Year Anniversary!

Wisconsin’s #1 Cheese Wholesaler

Serving all your grocery department needs with
good products and services.

• LARGE VARIETY OF CHEESE—IMPORTED & DOMESTIC
• MEAT & SAUSAGE PRODUCTS FROM SILVER CREEK,

OLD WISCONSIN & NUESKE
• GOAT CHEESE, MILK & YOGURT
• SODA WATER, JUICES, SOUPS, CANDY, PICKLED ITEMS,

SNACK ITEMS
Vern’s Cheese Inc.
312 W. Main, Chilton, WI 53014

Phone: (920) 849-7717

Fax: (920) 849-7883

www.vernscheese.com

E-mail: info@vernscheese.com

Third Generation Family Run
Since 1964

46 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

MEMBER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

IN MEMORIAM He was a lifetime resident of Burlington where Paul was the owner of Spiegelhoff Grocery
he graduated from St. Mary High School. Stores for many years. He was a member of
A. Paul Spiegelhoff Following high school he joined the Navy where St. Charles Catholic Church and the Knights
A. Paul Spiegelhoff, 91, of he proudly served his country as a Radioman of Columbus. He was also honored to be one
Burlington, passed away at aboard USS LSM 440, from 1944 to 1946, of the veterans chosen to participate in the
his home, surrounded by during World War II. Honor Flight.
his family, on Sunday,
October 1, 2017. On June 14, 1950, at St. Charles Catholic He enjoyed golf, fishing, traveling, bowling
Church, he was united in marriage to Marion and a good cigar. He was also a current member
Born in Burlington on Huening. They made their home on Conkey of the Breakfast Club. He called his family his
November 17, 1925, he was the son of Albert Street before moving to Peters Parkway where “olive branches” and cherished spending time
T. and Elizabeth (nee Hemling) Spiegelhoff. they raised their family. with them.

PROFESSIONAL
CARDS

Heidi Bruning CRYSTAL FARMS
Distributor of fine refrigerated products to
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER supermarkets in over 40 states, including:
• Crystal Farms Cheese • Better ‘n Eggs
CELL 312-623-0792 • Simply Potatoes • All Whites
Heidi.bruning@anheuser-busch.com • David’s Deli Bagels

Contact Steve.Fish@crystalfarms.com
(920) 648-3466

ED WHOLESALEA S S OCIAT Associated Wholesale Grocers, 2700 National Drive, Suite 101
TAIL E R O W NE D Inc. (AWG) is the nation's Onalaska, WI 54650
GROCERS largest cooperative food
RE wholesaler to independently DBS ROUP Chris Walters,
owned supermarkets. President
Design-Build Solutions
awginc.com
cwalters@DBSG.com |
www.DBSG.com

Get a free “proof of concept” review. Call 804-515-0359

1-800-359-1032

badger@badgerinventory.com • www.badgerinventory.com

Madison Office 608-839-5441 Brookfield Office 262.786.3446

PO Box 8456 Madison, WI 53708-8456

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 47

1270 Energy Lane PROFESSIONAL CARDS
St. Paul, MN 55108
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
www.Kemps.com
Brick Hopkins

BRANCH MANAGER, LA CROSSE PRODUCE DIVISION

bhopkins@russdaviswholesale.com

800-214-4981 DIRECT (715) 379-5455

2967 Airport Road, La Crosse, WI 54603

www.russdaviswholesale.com
Merrill, WI • Wadena, MN • Jamestown, ND
• St. Paul, MN • LaCrosse, WI

1-800-533-9594 www.shullsburgcreamery.com

Mike Mules Your association-endorsed insurance provider for workers compensation.

Lipari Foods Inc. We also offer GRO-SURE, an outstanding

26661 Bunert Road property/casualty program available specifically for
Warren, MI 48089
food retailers. So whether you own a neighborhood
414.234.9867
convenience store or are part of a supermarket chain,
mike_mules@liparifoods.com
WGA it’s worth checking out what Society has to offer!
www.LipariFoods.com
ENDORSED
VENDOR 150 Camelot Drive, PO Box 1029, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1029
888-5-SOCIETY (888-576-2438) societyinsurance.com

David Hervey St. Cloud Division Office

Chain Account Manager – Wisconsin 360 Hoffman Court • St. Cloud, Minnesota 56303
320•251•3961
3939 W. Highland Blvd., Building 35, Milwaukee, WI 53201
The Right Partner Makes All the Difference
414.931.4952 C: 414.732.4815 F: 414.342.1437
Thomas Branta, Market Development Manager 262-308-7548
Hervey.David@millercoors.com Brad Miller, Vice-President Market Development 630-743-9226

Bakers of Country Hearth and Village Hearth Breads and Buns Jeff McClure, Director of Sales & Operations 920-436-1509

PAN-O-GOLD Baking Co. Green Bay Distribution Center Pleasant Prairie Office
1000 Wilburn Road • Sun Prairie WI 53590 • (608)834-1816 451 Joannes Ave., Green Bay WI 54304 8401 West 102nd St., Ste. 300

www.countryhearthbreads.com Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158

jnutt@panogold.com Master Service Technicians on
call 24 hours/7days a week
3510 Central Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52001-9477 We Focus On Zone Mechanical North
Your Success 9645 S 54th Avenue, Suite N
(800) 397-9477 Franklin, WI 53132-9179
www.PrairieFarms.com ZoneMechanical.com (262) 347-4180

48 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com

2017 Year End Review Issue WISCONSIN GROCER 49

50 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com