15 years old. My, how we’ve grown. As we embark on our 15th year of service, the Neighborhood Market Association is the strongest it has ever been. Who would have thought that in 15 short years, the NMA would become the Largest Independent Grocers Association in California, Nevada, and Arizona? Who would have thought, that we would represent 2,000 members, employ over 21,000 employees, and be responsible for over $3.6 Billion dollars to the State of California? Who would have thought, the Neighborhood Market Association would become the unified voice of small business? Who would have thought, the NMA would go beyond advocacy and begin negotiating vendor programs by pooling our retailer members’ buying power to get them the best absolute price? Who would have thought, the NMA would expand its geographic footprint into Nevada to protect the small business community? With the grace of God and with the help of our wonderful board of directors and staff, with the support of our retailers and suppliers, and with the unwavering support of the community; the Neighborhood Market Association has blossomed into a powerful organization that represents the spirit of the small business community. With our perseverance, our strength, our accolades; we know in our hearts, we are nothing, if we lose our spirit of giving back and serving the community. Serving the community is at the core of the Neighborhood Market Association. Service takes many forms, but regardless of the form, everything makes a difference. Start your calling of service, tutor an underprivileged youth, mentor an at-risk child, coach a local sports team, join the PTA, and help your fellow churches, seminary and diocese. Earlier this year, the Neighborhood Market Association celebrated our Annual Black Tie Statewide Awards banquet. This magnificent event attracted over 700 attendees to honor individuals, organizations, public officials, and community leaders who serve the community on an everyday basis. Congratulations to all the award winners that were recognized. They are perfect examples of how individuals could serve the community. Congratulations to the Director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control, Stephen M Hardy, Assemblyman Isadore Hall III, Chief of Police of the San Diego, William Lansdowne, Assistant Executive Chief Police Department, David Ramirez, the Alvarez family, Ramzi Murad, MillerCoors, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the San Diego Police … [Read more...]