Breaking News and Events

Congress completed action on the financial reform legislation, which is expected to be signed into law next week by President Obama. Included in the bill was an amendment initially offered by Senator Durbin that will regulate debit card interchange fees, allow discounting and other incentives for lower cost forms of payment (cash, checks or debit cards) and allow merchants to set minimum purchase requirements up to $10 for credit card purchases.

Vermont Congressman Peter Welch and Senator Pat Leahy played key roles getting the amendment included in the final bill. Welch, Leahy and Sanders all supported the legislation.

Overview of Card Networks Reforms from NACS
FAQ on Card Networks Reforms from NACS
FMI Guidance on Implementing Card Network Reforms

The Spirit of 76, VGA's annual convention & expo will be held September 24-26 at the Sheraton Burlington and Miller South Centre at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, VT. Rusty DeWees as The Logger will highlight the Saturday Banquet. Registration is now open.
Brochure
Registration Form
Hotel Reservations
Exhibit Information
Sponsor Opportunities

 VGA is pleased to offer a special introductory offer to new retail and associate members this summer. Just $89 for retail stores and $129 for associates. For more information.

Another full filed of over 250 golfers participated in the annual Grocers Scholarship Golf Outing on June 9 at the Green Mountain National Golf Course in Killington, VT. The overall low gross team was from P & H Trucking, led by Gene Pushee.

Program guide from event. Photos

Vermont Grocers' Association is pleased to announce its scholarship winners chosen for the 2010-2011 academic year. Thirteen high school graduates were selected to receive grants to be applied to their college education expenses. The awards totaled $21,500, the largest in the program's history.

VGA's Scholarship Program was established to provide financial assistance to promising students to further their education. Funds are raised through a June golf tournament and several events at the organization's fall conference.
2010 - 2011 Scholarship Recipients and their affiliated stores/companies.

This session focused on data security requirements - card companies and regulatory - and how the smaller retailer can cost effectively improve data security. The session slides.

The Putney Historical Society (PHS) is seeking viable proposals from qualified operators for the Putney General Store in Putney, Vermont. PHS is seeking potential proprietors who are excited by the opportunity to operate a community market. For more information.

We are pleased to bring members a daily news service from morningnewsbeat.com through an RSS feed on our website. It is posted daily under News & Events tab. Also posted is a RSS feed from the Food & Drug Administration on Food Safety Alerts & Recalls.

Pay your membership dues online with PayPal, Department of Liquor Control Training Sessions, Becoming an authorized retailer for 3SquaresVT (formally food stamps), Vermont Specialty Food Association, Vermont Alliance of Independent Country Stores, Vermont Food Stores, Online Training Courses, Vermont Farm to Plate Initiative and more.

2010 Vermont Changes to Unemployment Fund for Employers, Liquor Control Rule Changes, Federal HIRE Act to hire the unemployed, Buy Local info, Draft Bottle Bill Rule Changes, Stage II, COBRA subsidary extension, Special Excess Weight Permit for Interstate & More