Believe it or not, but the seemingly decade-long episode of the 2016 elections is coming to an end next week as the nation heads to the ballot box on November 8. Early voting is already under way in several states. While a significant portion of the attention has been focused on which candidate will be sworn into the Oval Office in January, there is a great deal more at stake this election outside of the presidential race. We compiled an FMI Guide to the 2016 Elections to help everyone better understand what is being decided on Election Day. The guide gives an overview of the current political landscape in the Senate and the House in addition to information on some of the closer races.

Recently Cynthia Brazzel, director of member relations and advocacy for the western region at FMI met with Bill Weymer, CEO and Susan Allen, Director of Town & Country Markets (Central Market) to tour their Bainbridge Island’s Town & Country Market in Washington.

On November 8, in addition to choosing the next President, voters in 35 states will consider a variety of ballot initiatives, referendums, or other measures. Over 150 total initiatives qualified to appear on state ballots this November.

While bolstering and building bonds within their communities is in the very fabric of a food retailer’s being, there are times when it is appropriate to celebrate that which grocers do so naturally and quietly.The Food Marketing Institute is excited to kick-off the 2016 Community Outreach Awards as a way of tipping our hat to the longstanding food retailer tradition of serving as cornerstones in their communities and noted supporters of neighborhood civic action.