Springfield, KC grocery associations combine under one umbrella

The Springfield-based Missouri Grocers Association has combined with the Retail Grocers Association of Greater Kansas City under one umbrella.

Dan Shaul, executive state director of the MGA, said the MGA and the RGA would keep their names under the Midwest Retail and Grocery Alliance umbrella organization. He said the combination was finalized Oct. 16 for undisclosed terms.

"Springfield won't see any change at all," he said. "We'll continue to have an office there as we've had since we moved from Sedalia in the '30s."

The MGA operates at 315 N. Ken Ave., where it shares offices with the Ozark Empire Grocers Association and American Coupon Services.

The MRGA does not have a specific headquarters, Shaul said, noting he's based in St. Louis and the organization also has a presence in Kansas City and Topeka, Kansas.

The nonprofit MGA's website lists more than 1,300 members who receive resources and advocacy. The RGA's website notes more than 300 signed stores, with similar offerings.

Shaul declined to disclose the operating budgets of the organizations.

Under the MRGA umbrella, the MGA and RGA would have expanded member programs and resources, additional networking and educational opportunities, a streamlined communication system and stronger legislative activity locally, statewide and federally, , according to a news release. MGA and RGA members will continue to receive their current benefits.

"Our shared mission has always been to help businesses succeed in an ever-changing marketplace," RGA President and CEO Jon McCormick said in the release. "As MRGA, we can do that more effectively – through unified leadership, combined expertise and a louder collective voice."