Mark Brand: Out of the Box Solutions to End Hunger

Veronica Jimenez: An Eye for Design

Veronica Jimenez is VP of Construction & Maintenance for Cardenas Markets LLC. Veronica shares her background in interior design and how it led her to the world of grocery. She also reveals how store design—from lighting to layout— impacts the in-store experience for shoppers. Follow CGA: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-grocers-association/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-grocers-association/] Twitter @Calgrocers Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CAGrocers [https://www.facebook.com/CAGrocers] Visit our website cagrocers.com [http://cagrocers.com/]

Todd Linsky: What Local Intent Means to Consumers Today

Todd Linsky is Principal and Founder of Todd Linsky Consulting, and host of the TLC Todd-versations podcast. Continuing the conversation he started during his Whiteboard Session at the 2022 CGA Strategic Conference, Todd talks about local intent and why shopping local is important to customers today. He also gives us a snapshot of today’s organics industry. Follow Todd: Instagram @tlc_Toddversations Website tlcorganics.com Follow CGA: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-grocers-association/ Twitter @Calgrocers Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CAGrocers Visit our website cagrocers.com

Mark Brand: Out of the Box Solutions to End Hunger

Mark Brand is a Canadian Social-Impact Entrepreneur and Founder of A Better Life Foundation. Mark talks through his journey running Save on Meats in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community and creating his signature token initiative. He also discusses the power of food, his mission to end hunger and what grocers can do to help, reflecting on his workshop with independent California grocers at CGA’s 2023 Independent Operators Symposium.  Follow Mark:  * Twitter @RealMarkBrand, @abetterlifevan  * Instagram @mark.brand  Follow CGA:  * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-grocers-association/  * Twitter @Calgrocers  * Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CAGrocers  Visit our website cagrocers.com@

Levi Wingo: The Wicked Problem of Food Deserts

Levi Wingo is Raley’s Senior Vice President of Store Operations. He completed the USC Food Industry Management Program and holds a master’s degree in Food Industry Leadership from the USC Marshall School of Business. Levi explains the “wicked problem” of food deserts, what policies can be implemented at the state level to solve the issue, and how grocery stores anchor communities.  Follow CGA:   * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-grocers-association/  * Twitter @Calgrocers  * Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CAGrocers   Visit our website cagrocers.com!

Ron Fong: The Value of Education

Ron Fong is President and CEO of California Grocers Association and President of the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF). He also sits on the California State University Board of Governors. Ron dives into the inspiration behind his passion for higher education, CGAEF’s partnership with California State Universities, and the role food insecurity plays on college campuses.  Follow Ron:  * Twitter @_RonFong  * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronfong/  Follow CGA:  * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-grocers-association/  * Twitter @Calgrocers  * Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CAGrocers  * Visit our website cagrocers.com!