Associations

Washington, D.C. -- Shop.org, the digital division of the National Retail Federation, on Tuesday announced the addition of new executives to its board of directors and welcomed back three incumbents.

Mike Kahn, director of Alpha Camera Systems for Sony Electronics was named special advisor to the board of PMA, the Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations.

The move is long overdue for an 86 year old organization focused on serving the needs of the imaging industry as Kahn’s appointment marks the first time a manufacturer representative was named to a PMA executive committee.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association inducted Richard Jurgens, chairman and CEO of Hy-Vee Inc. and Dean Pappas, CEO of Clement Pappas and Company Inc., into its Hall of Achievement.

The recognition came at a gala dinner Sunday night as GMA held its annual executive conference in Colorado Springs. The Hall of Achievement Award represents the highest honor given by the more than 100 year-old association.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and its Associate Member Council (AMC) have awarded E. & J. Gallo Winery and PepsiCo Inc. with the 2012 CPG Awards for Innovation and Creativity. The award is given annually to companies that have demonstrated creativity, innovation, and have made a significant impact on the industry knowledge base.
 

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association criticized the proposed swipe fee settlement and urged class plaintiffs to reject the proposal. Announced in July, the proposed settlement stems from lawsuits challenging the anticompetitive swipe fee practices of Visa and MasterCard.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Retail Industry Leaders Association criticized the proposed swipe fee settlement and urged class plaintiffs to reject the proposal. Announced in July, the proposed settlement stems from lawsuits challenging the anticompetitive swipe fee practices of Visa and MasterCard.

New York -- A group of Rona Inc.'s dealers on Wednesday released an open letter on Wednesday that criticized the proposed takeover of the Canadian home-improvement retailer and distributor by Lowe’s Cos., Reuters reported.

The letter, which was addressed to Lowe's CEO Robert Niblock, was signed by merchants that operate 164 affiliate or franchise Rona stores.

CHICAGO — SymphonyIRI Group Inc., a provider of innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail and healthcare companies, has named Beverly Grant as president of retail solutions. She will report to Mark Parise, president of IRI, SymphonyIRI.