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Podcast: NGA’s Greg Ferrara takes the reins

National Grocers Association’s new president has advice for independent retailers

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

September 23, 2019

2 Min Read
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Welcome to SN Off the Shelf, a podcast series from Supermarket News.

In this twice-monthly feature, presented in a conversational format, SN editors will talk with industry executives, experts and other grocery players about the news, trends and issues that matter most to retailers and their business partners.

In this edition SN talks with Greg Ferrara, the new president and CEO of the National Grocers Association. Earlier this month, Ferrara stepped into the role being vacated by Peter Larkin, who is scheduled to retire at the end of the year after serving in an advisory role through the transition. NGA is the only trade association exclusively focused on representing the independent sector of the food industry.

In his previous role as executive VP, Ferrara was NGA’s chief lobbyist and oversaw the Arlington, Va.-based organization’s advocacy and lobbying efforts, public relations, industry relations, and retail and wholesale membership. He has represented NGA and its membership before members of Congress and federal agencies as well as directed the association’s political and grassroots affairs, including the NGA Grocers PAC, and relationships with state trade association partners.

Ferrara’s years of independent grocery experience include managing his family’s century-old supermarket in New Orleans, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

In SN Off the Shelf, Ferrara breaks down some of the key challenges facing today’s independent grocer, including critical labor issues.

“I think overall as an industry, we really need to look at how we hire and how we attract the best workers to our businesses,” he told us. “Sometimes when I visit our members’ stores while I’m out traveling around, I’ll see a sign in the door that says, ‘Now Hiring,’ ‘Must be able to work all nights and weekends.’ Well, what are you telling that prospective employee? You’re telling them, ‘I’m going to work you every night and every weekend and you’re going to have no personal time for your family.’ And what’s going to happen is they’re going to walk down the street to the four other employers that are hiring as well and they’re going to go work for them because they’re more forward thinking.”

Listen to our conversation with Greg Ferrara for more of his insights, as well as what we can expect from NGA going forward.

 

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

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