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CDA Releases Updated Guide to Federal and State Laws Governing Hemp and Hemp-Derived Products

HempCover With laws and policies constantly changing, CDA is pleased to share an updated Guide to Federal and State Laws Governing Hemp and Hemp-Derived Products. This updated guide also includes information related to Delta 8/9/10 THC. We hope this resource serves as a valuable guide for CDA members.

This memorandum, prepared by Lange Kim & Dowell LLP for CDA members, addresses hemp-derived products only. CBD and other cannabinoids may be derived from marijuana. While many states have legalized marijuana recreationally and/or for medical purposes, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal as a matter of federal law, and that possession, distribution or sale of marijuana constitutes a federal crime. The most up-to-date information should be obtained from the reader’s state regulatory agency and local counsel. The guide is intended to serve as a resource and is not intended to constitute specific legal advice. Businesses should consult local counsel in their state regarding any specific legal questions.


Marketplace 2023 Exhibit Space is Selling Fast! Reserve Your Space Now!


CDM23video Register online or via the exhibit space reservation form.

Register early to increase your opportunity of being assigned a preferred booth location through the CDA priority point system. The CDA priority point system expires July 31. Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come first-served basis after July 31.

Marketplace’s focus is bringing together distributors and their top trading partners and suppliers in a unique boutique experience. Marketplace also offers education sessions and plenty of networking opportunities.

Learn more about Marketplace 2024, including sponsorship opportunities, in the official exhibitor prospectus. View the trade show floor plan here.

Visit the Marketplace website for more information (attendee registration opening late summer).

By attending Marketplace 2024, you agree to the COVID Notice and Disclaimer.


FDA Conducts Retailer Inspection Blitz, Cracks Down on Illegal Sales of Popular Disposable E-cigarettes

On May 31, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to 30 retailers, including one distributor, for illegally selling unauthorized tobacco products. The unauthorized products were various types of Puff and Hyde brand disposable e-cigarettes, which were two of the most commonly reported brands used by youth e-cigarette users in 2022. The Puff products include Puff Bar. The action underscores the agency’s commitment to addressing the role retailers and distributors of unauthorized tobacco products play in this public health issue facing America’s youth.

“Since becoming director of CTP, I’ve been crystal clear that FDA will not stand by while retailers and distributors seek to profit off illegally selling products that are well-known to appeal to youth,” said Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). “Retailers and distributors play a key role in keeping unauthorized tobacco products off the shelves, and if they fail to do so, we’re committed to taking appropriate action.” Read more here.


CDA Welcomes New Member: BTC Wholesale Distributors, Inc.

BTC Wholesale Distributors, Inc. is a family-owned distributor of convenience food products serving the southeast. BTC aspires to create an outstanding culture for everyone, no matter who they are or what they do for its organization. The company supplies over 8,500 items in the categories of cigarettes, candy, snacks, tobacco, groceries, automotive, beverages, health and beauty, food service, paper, ice cream, chemicals, supplies and convenience foods.

Your contact information for BTC Wholesale Distributors, Inc. is as follows:

BTCWholesaleLogo Chris D’Amico
Sales@btcwholesale.com
BTC Wholesale Distributors, Inc.
100 Airview Lane
Alabaster, AL 35007
1 (800) 443-4128
www.btcwholesale.com


House Passes Debt Ceiling Deal

Negotiators for President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) struck an agreement late Saturday, May 27 on legislation that would suspend the debt ceiling until Jan. 1, 2025, while administering limits on discretionary government spending for two years, new work requirements for certain federal aid recipients and cancellations of unspent COVID-19 funds. On Friday, May 26, Treasury Secretary Yellen notified lawmakers that the U.S. is expected to have until June 5 until it risks defaulting on its debt. The bill, called the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 3746), will need to be passed by both chambers of Congress by June 5 to avert default.

House members voted 314-117 on Wednesday evening to pass the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). The bill now goes to the Senate, where lawmakers in both parties have raised questions about the deal. A section-by-section summary of FRA can be viewed here. If enacted, the bill would:

  • Establish fiscal year (FY) 2024 and FY2025 defense and non-defense discretionary (NDD) spending caps.
  • Rescind $27 billion of unobligated funds that were provided to address COVID-19.
  • End the suspension of federal student loan payments.
  • Expand work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
  • Expedite the permitting process for certain energy projects.
  • Extend the debt ceiling through January 1, 2025.

Read more here.


Southco Distributing Co. to Acquire Home Folks Wholesale

Southco Distributing Co., Goldsboro, NC, has entered into an agreement to acquire Home Folks Wholesale, Augusta, GA. “We are excited to add Home Folks as our second distribution center," said John Garver, president, Southco Distributing Co. "Their management team and staff mirror the culture and core values that have made Southco successful over the years.” For more details, read the official release.

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Tom Briant, NATO Executive Director, to Retire

The Board of Directors of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) has announced that Tom Briant will be retiring from his position as NATO executive director. Tom was instrumental in founding NATO 23 years ago and has grown the association to be a leading voice in the industry.

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of those NATO members that I have worked with over the years and who supported the association since it was formed in 2001, and I look forward to seeking new challenges in the industry,” said Briant.

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Campbell Soup Company Sells Emerald Nuts

Flagstone Foods announced it has acquired Emerald Nuts from Campbell Soup Company, adding one of the leading snack nut brands in the U.S. to Flagstone's portfolio. Over its almost 20-year history, Emerald has built a reputation for quality and innovation, known for items such as grab-and-go 100 calorie packs and assorted glazed nut products. For more details, read the official release.

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Altria Completes Acquisition of NJOY Holdings, Inc.

Altria Group, Inc. announced it has completed its acquisition of NJOY Holdings, Inc. “The completion of this transaction is a transformative step in our goal of Moving Beyond Smoking,” said Billy Gifford, Altria’s CEO. “We are pleased to have received antitrust clearance and we are now fully focused on responsibly accelerating U.S. adult smoker and adult vaper adoption of NJOY ACE, currently the only pod-based e-vapor product to receive marketing authorization from the FDA.” For more details, read the official release.

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Conagra Brands Named as One of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S.

Conagra Brands, Inc. has been named an honoree of The Civic 50 for the fifth consecutive year, which recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation. An initiative by Points of Light, the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, The Civic 50 provides a national standard for corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills and resources to drive social impact in their communities and company. For more details, read the official release.

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House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Approves Bills to Address Supply Chain Issues

On May 23, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a mark-up, approving 17 supply chain-related bills. The bills now move toward consideration on the House floor. CDA weighed in with Members of Congress and the T&I Committee to support H.R. 2367, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, H.R. 3013, the LICENSE Act, and H.R. 3408, the DRIVE Safe Integrity Act. Provisions of H.R. 2367 and H.R. 3013 were among the issues that CDA members advocated for in their recent Day on the Hill and CDA has long supported the DRIVE Safe Act legislation as a member of the DRIVE Safe Coalition. A copy of the letter sent to Committee leadership can be found here.

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act and the LICENSE Act were both favorably reported while the DRIVE Safe Integrity Act was pulled from consideration before votes were held due to concerns from a few Republican offices related to speed limiters. In the interest of moving the committee mark-up forward, Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) chose to pull back the DRIVE Safe Integrity Act to resolve those issues before advancing the bill. Chairman Graves is committed to sorting out this temporary hiccup and including DRIVE Safe Integrity in the Committee’s to-be-scheduled second supply chain mark-up.


Marketplace 2024 Exhibit Space is Selling Fast! Reserve Your Space Now!


CDM23video Register online or via the exhibit space reservation form.

Register early to increase your opportunity of being assigned a preferred booth location through the CDA priority point system. The CDA priority point system expires July 31. Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come first-served basis after July 31.

Marketplace’s focus is bringing together distributors and their top trading partners and suppliers in a unique boutique experience. Marketplace also offers education sessions and plenty of networking opportunities.

Learn more about Marketplace 2024, including sponsorship opportunities, in the official exhibitor prospectus. View the trade show floor plan here.

Visit the Marketplace website for more information (attendee registration opening late summer).

By attending Marketplace 2024, you agree to the COVID Notice and Disclaimer.


'Social Sourcing' Program from We Card

WeCard We Card is rolling out a new program to address the problem of “social sourcing” of tobacco and vaping products (adult purchases on behalf of those underage.) CDA is a founding board member of the We Card Program and strongly supports this new effort. We are asking you to help spread the word utilizing your resources.

For many years now, retailers have improved compliance with age-restricted product laws (to 80-90%) while “social sourcing” - the gifting, proxy purchase by another, or transfer from one to another, such as “bumming” or “borrowing” - continues to rise unchecked.

CDA Distributor members can help drive retailer participation in this industry-wide campaign by encouraging your retail customers to order a FREE Kit of campaign materials for use in-store by going to www.wecard.org/Free-Kit.

CDA strongly urges your company to get-the-word-out to your retail accounts by utilizing these turnkey Distributor Campaign Support Resources by taking these actions:

Please contact Kimberly Bolin with any questions.


FDA Posts Small Entity Compliance Guide for the FSMA Food Traceability Rule

On May 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Food Traceability Rule. The compliance guide describes the requirements of the Food Traceability regulation to assist small entities, including farms and small businesses, in complying with the applicable recordkeeping requirements. The FSMA Food Traceability Rule was issued in November 2022 and the compliance date for recordkeeping requirements is Jan. 20, 2026. Read more here.


Debt Limit Talks Show Progress

Ahead of the June 1 deadline by which the Treasury Department anticipates potentially defaulting on our national debt, top leaders have made significant strides on the elements of a bill which would increase the debt limit and include a number of spending restrictions. Negotiators for President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) held what both sides called productive talks on May 24. Negotiators are moving close to a deal which would include the following major provisions:

  • Increase the debt limit until after the 2024 elections
  • Rescind any unobligated COVID funds
  • Set FY24 and FY25 spending levels at a topline somewhere above FY22 and below FY23

Additional matters that are still being discussed include work requirements for many federal assistance programs, including Medicaid, food assistance and unemployment aid. The other major matter still being discussed is the energy permitting reform proposed by the House which would reduce elements of review before federal agencies approve energy production projects. House Republican leaders said they would adjourn on Thursday for the week-long Memorial Day holiday recess but would call lawmakers back if needed for any votes. Read more here.


House Appropriators Postpone Full Committee Markups

The House Appropriations Committee canceled planned markups this week of four FY2024 draft spending bills, the panel announced at midnight on May 22. Markups for the FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; Legislative Branch; Homeland Security; and Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bills will be marked up at a later date.


Senator Daines Introduces Main Street Tax Certainty Act

Last week, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced a bill to make the 20% pass-through business tax deduction (Section 199A) permanent. His bill, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act - S. 1706 - will support small businesses, help create jobs and strengthen the U.S. economy. Without congressional action, the tax deduction will expire at the end of 2025. CDA has signed onto a letter in support of the bill.


FDA Denies Marketing of 250+ Flavored and Tobacco-Flavored E-Liquids

On May 18, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued marketing denial orders to the firm Mothers Milk WTA for more than 250 flavored and tobacco-flavored e-liquids. After completing initial acceptance review and subsequently proceeding to and completing a substantive scientific review of the company’s premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs), the FDA determined that the applications lacked sufficient evidence to show the products are appropriate for the protection of public health. For example, among other things, the applications did not provide sufficient evidence to show comparative health risk data relative to other tobacco products on the U.S. market, information assessing the abuse liability of the new products, or that the new products could be manufactured consistently. Read more here.


Convenience Store News Unveils 2023 Top Women in Convenience

Convenience Store News has announced its tenth class of the Top Women in Convenience, which is comprised of five Women of the Year, 40 Senior-Level Leaders, 35 Rising Stars and seven Mentors from across the industry’s retailer, distributor and supplier communities. CDA congratulates all the honorees, with special congratulations to the several CDA members honored, which include:

TWIC22logo Women of the Year:
• Kellie Janssen, Henry's Foods, Inc.

Senior-Level Leaders:
• Bethany Allee, PDI Technologies Inc.
• Jacinta Carter, Swisher
• Molly Grisham, Core-Mark International, Inc.
• Shannon Leistra, Altria Group Distribution Company
• Marisa Magnotta, The Hershey Company
• Stephanie Nelson, ITG Brands, LLC
• Tracy Schmitt-Winters, Mars Wrigley
• Milinda Sill, McLane Company, Inc.
• Gina Simmons, Cheyenne International, LLC
• Cheryl Stinchfield, Premier Manufacturing, Inc.
• Jennifer Treasone, Altria Group Distribution Company
• Holly Veale, Core-Mark International, Inc.

Rising Stars:
• Alexandria Deal, Swisher
• Maggie Hart, McLane Company, Inc.
• Jami Johnson, Swisher
• Tove Korth, General Mills Convenience
• Christina Kozuh, BIC USA Inc.
• Lisa Krone, Ferrara Candy Co.
• Sandi Santa Ana, Ferrara Candy Co.
• Machaela Wilson, Reynolds American Inc.

Mentors:
• Kelly Haseotes, Altria Group Distribution Company
• Lauren O’Malley, Swedish Match - North America
• Susan Smith, Core-Mark International, Inc.

The Top Women in Convenience awards gala will take place during the 2023 NACS Show the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at the CNN Center. For more details and to view the full list of honorees, read the Convenience Store News story.


Scott Erickson, Harbor Foods, Passes Away

Scott Erickson, CTO and 4th generation owner of Harbor Foods, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on May 24 in his home. Scott was 52.

He began working in the family-owned distribution business back in high school and worked at Harbor in many capacities along with his cousin, Justin Erickson – currently CEO of Harbor Foods. Scott was instrumental in taking Harbor from a small, local Aberdeen, WA company to a thriving business across the entire west coast.

Scott will be remembered for many things, but by using his own words, we can understand him better. He described being friendly, one of Harbor Foods’ core values, by saying, “FRIENDLY means being humble, warm and approachable in the dedication to the well-being of others.” That was who Scott was, and he will be remembered for living his life that way.

CDA extends its sincere condolences to the Erickson family and to all at Harbor Foods during this difficult time.

ScottErickson

Hershey No. 3 on 'Top 50 Companies for Diversity' List

The Hershey Company announced it has ranked number three on DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity annual list, which assesses the performance of companies in six key areas of workplace fairness. The rankings provide a trusted measure of employer and investor data transparency, equitable human capital outcomes for U.S. employers and the effectiveness of fairness strategy, policies and practices. For more details, read the official release.

VargheseHeadshot

New 'Social Sourcing' Program from We Card

WeCard We Card is rolling out a new program to address the problem of “social sourcing” of tobacco and vaping products (adult purchases on behalf of those underage.) CDA is a founding board member of the We Card Program and strongly supports this new effort. We are asking you to help spread the word utilizing your resources.

For many years now, retailers have improved compliance with age-restricted product laws (to 80-90%) while “social sourcing” - the gifting, proxy purchase by another, or transfer from one to another, such as “bumming” or “borrowing” - continues to rise unchecked.

CDA Distributor members can help drive retailer participation in this industry-wide campaign by encouraging your retail customers to order a FREE Kit of campaign materials for use in-store by going to www.wecard.org/Free-Kit.

CDA strongly urges your company to get-the-word-out to your retail accounts by utilizing these turnkey Distributor Campaign Support Resources by taking these actions:

Please contact Kimberly Bolin with any questions.


Marketplace 2023 Exhibit Space is 50% Sold Out! Reserve Your Space Now!

CDM23video Register online or via the exhibit space reservation form.

Register early to increase your opportunity of being assigned a preferred booth location through the CDA priority point system. The CDA priority point system expires July 31. Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come first-served basis after July 31.

Marketplace’s focus is bringing together distributors and their top trading partners and suppliers in a unique boutique experience. Marketplace also offers education sessions and plenty of networking opportunities.

Learn more about Marketplace 2024, including sponsorship opportunities, in the official exhibitor prospectus. View the trade show floor plan here.

Visit the Marketplace website for more information (attendee registration opening late summer).

By attending Marketplace 2024, you agree to the COVID Notice and Disclaimer.


House Ag/FDA Spending Bill Cuts SNAP and Prohibits FDA from Acting on Nicotine and Menthol/Flavors

This week, the House Appropriations Committee released the Fiscal Year 2024 bill for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. The draft legislation proposes mandatory funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $32 billion and echoes House Republican efforts to cut spending for nutrition programs in exchange for an increase in the debt ceiling. The Republican-led bill also prohibits funding to be used to set a maximum nicotine level or to prohibit menthol cigarettes or flavored cigars. The bill would also claw back billions of dollars in clean energy funds from Democrats’ climate and tax law (Public Law 117-169) and millions of dollars in unobligated Covid-19 funds. Read more here.


FDA Issues MDOs for Approximately 6,500 Flavored E-cigarette Products

On May 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) to 10 companies, which collectively manufacture and market approximately 6,500 flavored e-liquid and e-cigarette products. The companies may not market or distribute these products in the U.S., and retailers who sell these illegal products risk FDA enforcement action. The premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs), which were for a variety of flavored e-cigarette products, did not provide sufficient evidence to show that permitting the marketing of these products would be appropriate for the protection of the public health. Flavors of some of the products denied include Citrus, Strawberry Cheesecake, Cool Mint and Menthol. Read more here.


House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to Consider Bills to Address Supply Chain Issues

House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) published an opinion piece outlining the bills that the Committee will soon put forward to strengthen the U.S. supply chain and alleviate the disruptions that have burdened American families, workers, businesses and the economy as a whole for the last two years. The T&I Committee has held hearings to develop solutions to cut red tape from supply chain operations, allow infrastructure funds to be used to increase efficiency at our nation’s ports, expand vital streamlining reforms, address the trucker shortage that’s holding the supply chain hostage in many cases and prioritize critical supply chain projects for grants and infrastructure funding.


Debt Limit Negotiations Continue

President Biden and congressional leaders said they were optimistic a bipartisan deal to raise the debt ceiling could be possible within days, even as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) cautioned that the two sides remained far apart after a meeting Tuesday at the White House. The meeting yielded agreement on a new system for staff-level negotiations, and lawmakers from both parties said they hoped to avert an unprecedented U.S. default during the meeting. Biden also announced he cancelled a visit to Australia and Papua New Guinea following his travel Wednesday to Japan so that he can return to Washington in hopes of closing a deal. Read more here.


Distributors Return to D.C. for CDA's Day on the Hill

AltriaOffices

Above, attendees pose in front of the Capitol building at the Altria offices in D.C. after breakfast and a presentation by Andrew Freedman from the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education and Regulation (CPEAR), hosted by Altria.

DOH23thumb CDA distributor members from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C. last week (May 9-10) for CDA’s annual Day on the Hill event, the first in-person Day on the Hill event since 2019. Members attended meetings with legislators and staff during a busy two days. “Day on the Hill provides our members with the opportunity to speak directly to their elected officials in Washington on critical issues facing our industry," explained Kimberly Bolin, CDA president and CEO. "Building relationships with our congressmen, senators and staffers in D.C. is crucial for our industry and our members’ businesses. Day on the Hill creates an opportunity for distributor members to do that, even if they’ve never engaged in this way before.” Watch the video to the right for a recap of the event.

briefingCDA prepared attendees for meetings with a session on how to lobby, presented by Kathee Facchiano, vice president at Van Scoyoc Associates, and Mary Ellen Richardson, Chief of Staff, Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL). Facchiano and Richardson shared tips for effective advocacy and the importance legislators place on in-person visits from their constituents. Following the session on how to lobby, attendees heard from Doug Anderson, president of the We Card Program, Inc. on social sourcing and how distributors can help their retailers. Then, attendees reviewed the issue briefs provided by CDA with Shannon Campagna, CDA’s policy advisor.

Above, Day on the Hill attendees prepare for their meeting with the session on how to lobby.

“CDA does not only a great job organizing the event, but they also do a great job preparing you for successful meetings. They coach you and provide you with all the important detailed information and legislative issues; giving you all the tools you need for successful meetings,” said Kathy Gunlock, Core-Mark Midcontinent and CDA Government Affairs Committee Co-Chair.

ComerMeeting At this year’s Day on the Hill, attendees sought support for two bills. The SHIP It Act would increase safety and shipping capacity for truckers; provide recruitment and retention incentives for drivers; and include flexibility during times of emergencies or black swan events. The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023 would permanently repeal the estate tax, eliminating the see-saw of policies that have created uncertainty from year-to-year. Permanent repeal of the estate tax will ensure the vitality of America’s small businesses – the backbone of our nation’s economy.

To the right, Rep. James Comer (R-KY) hears the issues brought to Capitol Hill by Day on the Hill attendees.

Mullin CDA Chair Corey Cooper, Stephenson Wholesale Co., Inc., shared, “We are very well prepared, we have all the talking points, we understand what to ask for, what to leave behind and it has been very effective.”

Cooper continued, “You only get to vote once every other year for people that come to Washington, but you have issues that come up every day. Coming here allows you to build a relationship with them so you can reach out to their office and ask for their assistance at any given time.”

Above (l-r), Kimberly Bolin, CDA; CDA Chair Corey Cooper, Stephenson Wholesale Co., Inc.; Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK); and Ross Haynes, Mydad, LLC bda Hardec's, Inc. pose after a meeting.

GlidewellWomack Additionally, members requested support with unclear tobacco regulatory programs, including supporting the Congressional oversight investigation to bring transparency to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products' (CTP) unclear policies that have resulted in market uncertainty, unregulated products and enforcement failures. The FDA failed to meet the court-mandated timeline for the PMTA process and is still completing the process of reviewing PMTAs for both tobacco-derived nicotine and synthetic nicotine products. Additionally, an illicit marketplace of unauthorized, untaxed, unregulated and unsafe products has proliferated and is not being addressed.

To the right, Paula Glidewell, Glidewell Distributing Company, Inc., explains industry issues to Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR).

“They don’t know your interests unless you tell them about it. They don’t know how bills or regulations affect your business until you tell them. They don’t know what your problems are. So, if you are in business, this is part of your business,” said Paula Glidewell, Glidewell Distributing Company, Inc.

Jennings Day on the Hill is generously sponsored by Altria Group Distribution Co. and Reynolds. On Tuesday evening, attendees enjoyed dinner sponsored by Reynolds at the Capitol Hill Club. Attendees were welcomed by Matt Domingo, Reynolds’ senior director of external relations, and enjoyed hearing from CNN on-air contributor Scott Jennings. Jennings' comments ranged from the 2024 Presidential election, key Senate races, and what we can expect to see reflected in down-ballot races next year to potential candidates in the Republican primary and which issues voters will be reflecting on as they cast their ballots.

Above, Scott Jennings, CNN on-air contributor, speaks to Day on the Hill attendees.

Altria hosted breakfast for attendees at its offices overlooking the Capitol prior to Hill meetings on Wednesday morning. The group was welcomed by Danielle Holloway, Altria’s senior director, industry engagement. During breakfast, Andrew Freedman, executive director of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education and Regulation (CPEAR), led a discussion with members on the current Cannabis regulatory environment and what to expect in 2023 and beyond.

Freedman Ross Haynes, Mydad, LLC dba Hardec's, Inc., shared, “This is a chance to be our voice, and I wish more people would get involved. The people that we meet with don’t take it lightly that we are here.”

"The issues we raised with federal elected officials were critical for CDA members' businesses," said Bolin. "We advocate every day for CDA members and will continue to weigh in with Members of Congress and the federal agencies that regulate our businesses."

To the right, Andrew Freedman, CPEAR, speaks to attendees during breakfast.

CDA would like to thank all Day on the Hill attendees, with special thanks to both Altria Group Distribution Co. and Reynolds for supporting this important event.


CHC

A Special Thanks from CDA to All that Attended Day on the Hill

Above, attendees gather before dinner at the Capitol Hill Club, featuring a conversation with CNN on-air contributor Scott Jennings, hosted by Reynolds.

Atlantic Dominion Distributors
Kevin Barney

Chambers & Owen
Chad Owen

Core-Mark International, Inc.
Bill Stein

Core-Mark Midcontinent
Kathy Gunlock

Glidewell Distributing Company
Paula Glidewell

Grocery Supply Company
John Prickette

Mydad, LLC dba Hardec's, Inc.
Ross Haynes

Lyons Specialty Co., LLC
Jodi Buckner

McLane Company, Inc.
Monica Maciag

N Ali Enterprises Inc.
Rahman Lakhani

National Convenience Distributors (NCD)
Kyle Feldman

Stephenson Wholesale Co. Inc.
CDA Chair Corey Cooper

Texas Wholesale
Farooq Wazirali

Zuma and Sons Distributors Corp
Carlos Zumarraga


House Oversight Committee Questions FDA on Formula Shortage

Last week, lawmakers were highly critical of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) handling of the infant formula shortage. The hearing of the U.S. House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services was one of several Congress has held to better understand what contributed to the recent formula shortage and to understand how to prevent more problems down the road. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) said that the FDA has not been fully forthcoming with Congress and the public. Read more here.


Scholarship Applications Due Monday, May 15

Each year, the CDA Distributors Education Foundation awards four $5,000 scholarships to applicants from distributor member companies or immediate family members (spouse or child) of an employee from a CDA Distributor member company.

scholarship The CDA Distributors Education Foundation Ray Foley Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of the late National Candy Wholesalers Association executive vice president, Ray Foley, and the impact he had on the convenience distribution industry.

Using an anonymous judging process, scholarship winners are chosen on academic achievements, extracurricular activities, two recommendation letters and a personal essay. Click here to learn more details and eligibility requirements.

The scholarship program is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year!

Share Details with Your Team:

  • Print and share this flyer with your team.
  • Announcement at company meetings.
  • Post on company intranet and/or in company breakrooms.

All applications must be received by Monday, May 15, 2023. Submit your application now!


Deadline Extended: HIPA Report Participation Due Friday, May 19

HIPA2023

The Hershey Company and the Convenience Distribution Association (CDA) continue to deliver a top-tier comprehensive benchmarking report that remains a crucial key to understanding the convenience distribution financial and operating metrics.

With an increase in interest to participate in this year’s HIPA Report, we are extending the deadline until May 19, 2023. Please submit your survey as soon as possible.

How do I participate?

  1. Download the HIPA survey today to complete by Friday, May 19, 2023, or forward this email to the person best suited in your company to complete the survey.
  2. Complete the survey and send responses directly to Benchmarking Analytics (to maintain confidentiality).
  3. Reach out to Hannah Rice at hannahr@cdaweb.net or (703)-208-1640 with any questions.

Exhibit Space at Marketplace 2024 is Selling Fast!


CDM23video Reserve your space today! Register online or via the exhibit space reservation form.

Register early to increase your opportunity of being assigned a preferred booth location through the CDA priority point system. The CDA priority point system expires July 31. Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come first-served basis after July 31.

Marketplace’s focus is bringing together distributors and their top trading partners and suppliers in a unique boutique experience. Marketplace also offers education sessions and plenty of networking opportunities.

Learn more about Marketplace 2024, including sponsorship opportunities, in the official exhibitor prospectus. View the trade show floor plan here.

Visit the Marketplace website for more information (attendee registration opening late summer).

By attending Marketplace 2024, you agree to the COVID Notice and Disclaimer.


Supply Chain Challenges for Trucking Industry Highlighted at Hearing

On May 10, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing on the trucking industry’s role in overcoming supply chain challenges. Trucking industry representatives and other highway infrastructure stakeholders testified, identifying potential legislative solutions to alleviate supply chain problems.

During his testimony, David Fialkov, representing the National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) and Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA), pointed to the truck parking shortage as a cause of supply chain disruptions and highlighted the need to attract more men and women to truck driving careers. Fialkov noted concerns that the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program is not being implemented as Congress intended as a method for growing and sustaining the trucker workforce. Fialkov said, “NATSO and SIGMA supported the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program, which was a carefully crafted bipartisan compromise included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The pilot program looks to address the historical driver shortage by enabling 18- to 20- year-old drivers to join the professional driver workforce and drive in interstate commerce after receiving rigorous training and certification. NATSO and SIGMA, however, are concerned that DOT is implementing the program in a manner that is not aligned with Congressional intent.” Other witnesses reiterated Fialkov’s remarks that shortages of truck parking locations have exacerbated U.S. supply chain problems.


Debt Ceiling Negotiations Continue

President Biden met with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on May 9 to discuss the debt limit. The meeting yielded no breakthrough, with Biden insisting on a clean debt limit increase while McCarthy held that it needs to be paired with spending cuts. Biden and the same congressional leaders plan to hold another meeting on Friday, May 12. Read more here.


Altria Announces Agreement to Resolve Majority of JUUL-Related State and Federal Litigation

On May 10, Altria Group, Inc. announced they have reached agreement on terms to resolve at least 6,000 JUUL-related state and federal cases for $235 million. This settlement does not apply to three cases brought by attorneys general, 35 cases brought by Native American tribes, 17 antitrust cases or three Canadian cases. Murray Garnick, Altria’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel, stated, “While we continue to believe the claims against us are meritless, we believe this settlement avoids the uncertainty and expense of a protracted legal process and is in the best interest of our shareholders. This settlement brings to a close the vast majority of our pending JUUL-related litigation.”


UniPro Foodservice Adds New Member

UniPro Foodservice, a foodservice distribution cooperative, has announced the addition of a new member company: Premier Product, based in Dania Beach, FL. For more details, read the official release.

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BIC Special Edition Supercar Series Lighters

Unveiling the perfect lighter for your car enthusiast customers – the BIC Special Edition Supercar Series! Now consumers can show off their passion for cars with lighters featuring vibrant futuristic concept or smoke cloaked muscle cars. This line is sure to get consumers’ engines revving. The lighters in this series have a suggested retail price of $2.29 per lighter. For more details, visit the BIC website.

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