Food Marketing Institute on Thursday presented its state-focused public affairs award, the Donald H. MacManus Association Executive Award, to Jarron Springer, past president of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA).
Springer received the highest recognition for a state affairs executive at an awards ceremony during FMI’s “Day in Washington” fly-in, in which industry leaders from around the country visit with members of Congress.
“The MacManus Award was created in 1990 as a means of recognizing the valued efforts of association executives and honoring those demonstrating extraordinary leadership in public affairs, industry relations and community relations,” said FMI president and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin at the award ceremony. “Jarron is a middle Tennessean who has dedicated himself to being in the middle of every state battle impacting our industry.”
During his tenure as president of TGCSA, Springer designed and implemented a campaign to advocate for the sale of wine in food stores that became known as “Red, White and Food.” After seven years of work on the issue before the Tennessee General Assembly, a bill was enacted in March 2014 that will allow for local referendums to permit Tennesseans to decide if wine can be sold in food stores.
The association also spearheaded a seven-year effort to extend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) distribution dates from 10 to 20 days, which diminished stocking issues and labor concerns for retailers.
In addition, Springer was the principal contact for the Tennessee Grocery Access Task Force that developed recommendations for state leaders to reduce “food deserts” across Tennessee.
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