Madison, Wisconsin (July 31, 2024) – State Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) was presented with the “Friend of Grocers” award from the Wisconsin Grocers Association. The award was presented to Rep. Born at the Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly in Mayville on July 31st. The “Friend of Grocers” award is given to legislators who receive a five-star rating on the WGA Legislative Report Card – an extensive study of all legislators’ performance in the 2023-24 Legislative Session. Lawmakers are scored according to their actions on certain issues that are especially important to the grocery industry, including: personal property tax repeal, sales tax discount for retailers, alcohol reforms, electric vehicle legislation, and several other key business issues. Key elements of the award:
Advocacy for Legislative Items: Efforts in authoring, co-sponsoring, and voting for key legislative items that significantly impact the grocery industry.
Engagement with the WGA Community: Participation in WGA advocacy days, meetings with our members, public statements about retail food issues, and store tours
underscore the commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by grocery retailers.
Leadership and Strategy: Strategic leadership through research, speaking with other legislators, drafting and promoting legislation, coupled with an active role in discussions
both on the floor and in committees.
Rep. Born has won the Friend of Grocers award numerous times over the past ten years. “Representative Born has been an advocate for all small businesses within his caucus, and as the co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee, understands the fiscal policy from a unique perspective,” said Mike Semmann, WGA President & CEO. “In addition, specific to the grocery industry, Rep. Born supported legislation related to eliminating the personal property tax, increasing the sales tax discount, and reforming Wisconsin’s alcohol laws. These actions are important to the association, and we appreciate Rep. Born’s leadership.” The award was presented to Representative Born by Michael Fox of Fox Bros., Mayville Piggly Wiggly Store Director Tyia Kemnitz, and WGA President & CEO Mike Semmann at the Piggly Wiggly in Mayville, WI.
