Join TGCSA
TGCSA is constantly recruiting new members. Our organization is only as strong as its members and commitment from the food industry is vital. Your support as a member of TGCSA is invaluable, and our efforts rely on a strong member base.
Join the majority of retail grocery and convenience stores across Tennessee. There is power in numbers and when issues arise that affect our retailers daily business, the association provides a vehicle to share ideas and present them in a powerful and organized way. TGCSA is governed by a board of directors consisting of members from across the state just like you. Becoming a member opens up a network to receive critical information and also allows you a voice in decisions made by the board.
To join TGCSA click Membership Invitation below.
Membership Invitation
5 Reasons to Join Today…
- Don’t be left out when new laws affecting your business go into effect. TGCSA sends updates via email and newsletters throughout the year updating our members.
- Have questions about current laws you must follow? Give TGCSA a call. We can help explain the law and answer any questions you have. We also have contacts with government agencies to assist you with your concerns.
- Receive fraudulent coupon alerts by email and fax. Members are urged to take note of these coupons and distribute to their staff.
- Support the only retail association representing all of Tennessee's food market. With TGCSA, members have their own personal representative in Nashville and Washington monitoring retail food industry issues with the state legislature and Congress.
- Members receive member benefits such as discounts for Responsible Vendor certification through TopShelf, discounted phone service, payroll processing and eligibility for employees to win scholarships through the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation (TGEF). TGEF awards over $170,000 in scholarships annually.
TGCSA members are kept up to date and play an active role in the legislative process. Through newsletters, phone calls, emails and meetings, the association and its members make a difference in your business.
Working with Tennessee General Assembly
Did you know TGCSA tracks legislation daily that could affect your business? Not only do we track legislation, but we make you aware of the bills and speak to legislators about the legislation. It is important that legislators understand your business before making decisions. There is strength in numbers.
New Posting Requirements
Did you know during the 2006 legislative session a bill was passed imposing stricter penalties upon 18 to 20 year olds in possession of beer? The law also imposes responsibility on any beer retailer to post signs on the retailer's premises informing customers of the retailer's policy against selling beer to underage persons. The law went into effect July 1, 2006. TGCSA informed its members and has the required signs in static cling and laminated formats. TGCSA members can purchase these signs through TGCSA for $1.00 each.
Sale of Beer
Did you know there is a new law called the "Responsible Vendors Act" that went into effect July 1, 2007? It affects any retailer selling beer because it is now mandatory to card anyone purchasing beer no matter their age. TGCSA has info for its members and also had a question/answer session at its annual convention and World of Food and Fuel Expo in April 2007. More information is available to TGCSA members.
Bottle Bill
Did you know during the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 legislative sessions TGCSA was successful in defeating legislation that would have placed a mandatory deposit on beverage containers? That piece of legislation would have placed the burden on retailers to collect and hold used bottles and cans in their stores. Retailers would have also been responsible for collecting the deposit and returning the money to the state as a tax collector. Only 11 states have such a law (most passed in the 1970's) and the Delaware legislature recently voted to repeal its law because it is not working. It is an outdated concept and comprehensive litter programs are proven to be much more effecient. TGCSA continues working to defeat this legislation. Members receive updated information about this and other legislation throughout the year. There is power in numbers.
Receive Email Alerts
Did you know TGCSA sends email alerts on time sensitive information about such things as fraudulent coupons and a recent EBT scam? TGCSA members are notified immediately by email. There are fraudulent coupons identified weekly and if you are accepting them, you are losing money.
Wine in Retail Food Stores
Did you know TGCSA supports passing legislation to allow the sale of wine in retail food stores? Go to www.redwhiteandfood.com to learn more about TGCSA's campaign to change the law to allow wine sales in retail food stores.
Food Stamps
Did you know TGCSA is currently working with the state to lengthen the period of time that food stamps are released during the month? TGCSA would like to see the period extend from its current 10-day period so grocers can better serve their customers.
WIC
Did you know TGCSA communicates with Tennessee WIC about issues that affect you? It is important that retailers understand the WIC program and the rules associated with the program. It is also vital that Tennessee WIC hear from the food industry about their concerns.
Sales Tax
Did you know TGCSA sent critical information within days to its members specifying how the increased tax would affect them when the legislature increased the state sales tax on non-food items? TGCSA also responded to questions from retailers across the state and met with the Department of Revenue to discuss issues that had developed from the passage of the legislation.
Beer Sales Sitings
Did you know that during the 2003 legislative session the General Assembly passed legislation that allows retailers to conduct their own stings at their stores for illegal sales to minors of beer, tobacco and lottery tickets? This legislation enables retailers to find problems and correct them efficiently. It also states that law enforcement must follow the same rules that the merchant has to follow in conducting these stings.
Lottery
Did you know TGCSA lobbied for retailers selling lottery tickets to receive 6.5% of all lottery ticket sales instead of the 5% the legislature initially proposed? TGCSA was successful and because of these efforts, retailers across the state will receive and estimated 15 million dollars more from the sale of lottery tickets. TGCSA continues to monitor the lottery and notifies its retail members of any information they may need through its Lottery/C-Store committee.
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