CGAEF Elects New Board Officers

Posted on April 21, 2025April 29, 2025 by Brianne Page

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Adam Salgado, President and Executive Director for Heritage Grocers Giving Foundation, was elected Chair of the CGA Educational Foundation Board of Trustees on April 11, 2025. He succeeds Jacquie Slobom, Gelson’s Markets, who served as Chair since 2019. Salgado previously held the position of Vice Chair.

In addition to Salgado’s appointment, Joan Dobias-Davis of The Save Mart Companies has been elected Vice Chair. Erika Skaar of Stater Bros. Markets will serve as Secretary, succeeding Jeremy Cullifer of C&S Wholesale Grocers, who held the role since 2019. Kelly Smith of United Markets will continue in her role as Treasurer, a position she assumed in 2024.

The night prior to the election, outgoing CGAEF Chair Jacquie Slobom was honored for her years of service as Board Chair.

In Memory of Bill Roulette

Posted on October 29, 2024October 30, 2024 by Brianne Page

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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Bill Roulette, former Senior Vice President of Operations for Gelson’s Markets, who passed away peacefully on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the age of 90.

Bill dedicated 37 years to Gelson’s Markets, retiring in 2006, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Known as both a friend and an advocate to many, Bill was a tireless champion of people. He challenged those around him to reach higher while maintaining the highest standards that became hallmarks of Gelson’s. His attention to detail and pursuit of excellence shaped every aspect of the company’s operations and embodied what became known as “The Gelson’s Way.”

Though he could present a tough exterior, Bill had a deep care for others and made a lasting impact on countless lives. A passionate supporter of education, Bill was among the first USC Food Industry Management and Executive Programs graduates. His commitment extended to the broader grocery industry, where he served on the Board of Trustees for the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation.

Bill will be remembered as a firm but fair leader whose loyalty and integrity were unmatched. If you ever needed someone in your corner, Bill was the one to have by your side. His influence and legacy will remain a part of Gelson’s and the many lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on through the values and standards he championed.

CGAEF Celebrates $10 Million in Scholarships

Posted on September 6, 2024September 6, 2024 by Brianne Page

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The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF) is thrilled to announce it has reached a significant milestone of awarding $10 million in college scholarships to grocery industry employees and their dependents.

Thanks to the grocery industry’s incredible generosity and commitment to education, CGAEF has awarded 6,571 scholarships to California Grocers Association member company employees and their dependents since the Foundation’s inception in 1998. This exciting achievement reflects the grocery industry’s investment in the future of its workforce.

Through our scholarship program, CGAEF helps nurture and retain industry talent to shape the next generation of grocery leaders. This $10 million landmark has already made a lasting impact on thousands of industry employees striving to achieve their dreams.

On behalf of the CGAEF Board of Trustees and staff, we extend our gratitude to the hundreds of individuals and companies who have contributed to this milestone. Your support has made all the difference in molding our industry’s future leadership. CGAEF is proud to support the personal and professional ambitions of hardworking grocery employees.

CGAEF scholarships are open to high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate students who are employees of, or the dependent sons or daughters of employees of, a CGA member company. For more information on the CGAEF scholarship program, click here.

Store Leaders Training Programs Announced

Posted on June 8, 2023April 21, 2025 by Brianne Page

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California Grocers Association and the CGA Educational Foundation are pleased to announce the return of the single-day regional seminars customized for store-level supervisors interested in growing their management skills and developing their careers. The agenda offers a blend of inspiring keynote presentations and hands-on, retail-specific trainings that will provide the inspiration, practical tips and relevant examples to develop your leadership acumen and techniques to succeed with today’s employees.

Featured Sessions

Go Beyond Dollars to Drive Employee Engagement – Stan Phelps
Principles of Retail Management – John Ciraulo, Cerritos College/Janel Carrigan, Fresno City College
Workplace De-escalation Training – Christopher Norris, CFI, Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc.

Who Should Attend?

Store Directors
Assistant Directors
Department Managers

Seminar Dates

Southern California
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
8:00 – 4:00 pm
Hilton Costa Mesa

Northern California
Thursday, July 27, 2023
8:00 – 4:00 pm
Walnut Creek Marriott

Cost

CGA Members: $125/person
Non-Members: $250/person
Registration includes lunch and full-day educational program.

Questions?

For more information, click here or contact CGA at (916) 448-3545.