FOOD INDUSTRY SUPER Highlights NNY GY Goovveerrnnoor Er Ennaacctts Ns Neeww AAnnttii--SShohoplpliiffttiingng L Laawwss New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined a coalition of frontline retail workers and small business owners to cele- brate new protections against organized retail theft that became law with the signing of the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget. 吀栀is comprehensive approach gives more power to law enforcement, prosecutors and business owners by targeting all areas of vulnerability. 吀栀e new protections include increased criminal penalties for anyone who assaults a retail worker, elevating it from a misdemeanor to a felony, and includes a $5 million tax credit to help small business owners invest in additional security measures. "I promised retail workers and small business owners that I would protect them, and that's exactly what we're doing," said Governor Hochul. NGA Honors Carlos Castro with the Spirit of America Award 吀栀e National Grocers Association (NGA) presented the Spirit of America Award to Carlos Castro, owner of the Hispanic supermarket chain Todos Supermarkets based in Woodbrige, Virginia. 吀栀e important recognition ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., during the NGA Fly-In for Fair Competition event in which NGA members visited with members of Congress to seek support for bills that bene昀椀t independent supermarkets. “Carlos is a pillar of his community and has been a tireless advocate for independent grocers, using his voice to bring commonsense solutions to the forefront. From his stores to the halls of Washington, D.C., Carlos’s persistent e昀昀orts ensure that policymakers recognize the vital role grocers play in communities nationwide. NGA is proud to honor Carlos with this award for his unwavering dedication to the independent supermarket industry,” said NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara. 吀栀e Spirit of America Award was established in 1982 to recognize key industry and community leaders for their exceptional contributions to community service and government relations on behalf of the independent supermarket industry. “Being bestowed with the prestigious Spirit of America Award by the National Grocers Association, it is a great honor for me, because it puts me in a group of leaders that have made the di昀昀erence in our communities and our country. In my case the honor is even greater because it gives me the opportunity to also receive the award in the name of the Hispanic community, which I gladly represent,” Castro told Abasto Media. 5858 JJUULLYY//AAUUGGUUSST 2T 200224 4 AABBAASSTOTO..CCOOMM