Washington Food Industry Association

“Officers are elected by the members on an annual basis.”

“The president and vice chair, finance review the tax return prior to filing with the irs.”

“Quarterly at each board meeting, each member acknowledges they have reviewed any conflicts of interest. Also at the annual meeting and new board member orientation, all board members are reminded of what a conflict of interest is and are asked to describe any conflicts they might have with the organization.”

“The executive committee reviews and approves the president's compensation.”

“The executive committee reviews and approves the other officers and key employee compensation.”

“Governing documents are available upon request.”

“(wfia) the only state-based organization dedicated to promotion and protection of the grocery industry since our founding in 1899. We are composed of independent retailers, meaning privately owned or controlled food retail companies operating in a variety of formats, and the many wholesale distributors, food vendors/manufacturers and service suppliers who support and work with their retailers. Independents are the true "entrepreneurs" of the grocery industry and are dedicated to their customers, associates and neighbors and are often the hearts of their communities. Wfia strives to protect and promote the independents and their suppliers through programs that save money in retrospective rating and reduces excessive burdens or barriers for employers by working with state legislature and local governments.”

“Returned record breaking 4 million retro refund to members: in 2014, wfia returned over 4 million in refunded premiums to members participating in our workers' comp program. Special congratulations to the closing of the 2010/11 program year which received a whopping 37.2% return of premiums through reduced injuries and return-to-work efforts. Great job more members than ever before stepped up to the pac: we topped another record with the number of members actively participating in our efforts to elect a more business-friendly and responsive government. The number of members participating in our political action committee increased from just 74 to 164 members in 2011 and raised over 81,000 - another great record. This commitment has allowed wfia to financially support every business-friendly candidate in all of the top competitive races in the state. Thank you for your generosity, participation, and commitment to good government. We defeated initiative 517 and stopped the illegal taking of retail store fronts: wfia members continue to support the citizens' right to initiative and referendum. In fact, wfia has been involved in a number of measures addressing increased taxes. However, initiative 517 (nov. 2013) attempted to say that a petition signature-gatherer had greater rights to the private property of a retail store operator than the retailer we went head-to-head with mr. Eyman and defeated his power grab by nearly 63%. Honored: 35 state legislators who had an excellent voting record on important grocery industry issues: wfia is grateful that so many state legislators really care about the prosperity of business and the expansion of jobs in the independent grocery industry. Wfia battled tough issues that would have increased costs of labor by mandating paid sick and vacation leave. In addition, increasing the rate of the state minimum wage, increased transportation taxes with no reforms, new taxes and unnecessary regulation on food, all would contribute to the increased cost of food to the consumer and reduced profits and jobs for the food industry. More than ever before, the independent grocers and their suppliers are forming important partnerships to stop punitive legislation. Wfia is consistently a leader in reforming workers' comp administration: there are so many important reforms that need to happen in order to assure appropriate care and compensation for workers who have legitimate workplace injuries, as well as to reduce l&i administrative waste and delays. After a three-year effort in the legislature, wfia achieved reforms to procedures for claims closure determinations utilizing timely independent medical exams. Wfia traveled to d.c. To advocate the interests of the industry before congress: it was a powerful team of independent owners of grocery stores, fms, and wfia who traveled to washington, d.c. To discuss important industry issues before congress. We received a warm welcome in most offices as our congressional delegation has long learned that we come equipped with facts to support the positions and requests we represent. In fact, wfia was featured before all attendees at the nationwide supermarket fly-in to share our process for preparing for dynamic and informed visits. Wfia educational foundation granted first scholarships: our new educational foundation received its federal non-profit designation this year and has already granted 11,600 in scholarships to grocery industry employees seeking advanced education in the industry. Sponsors of the best bagger battle proudly donated funds for future scholarships. Wfia celebrated its largest best bagger battle and industry awards reception: thanks to many generous sponsors, we are celebrating twelve best bagger contestants from around the state who reflect the quality of our industry's frontline employees and the important role they play in assuring a positive customer experience in our stores. Furthermore, we honored the 2014 grocer of the year, west seattle thri”

“Book / tax depreciation difference -35”

“Prior period adjustment 35”