Author: Barbara Fanning

WGU Announces New Scholarships as Part of Ongoing WAFC Partnership

Posted on by Barbara Fanning

Our partner’s at Western Governors University (WGU) recently announced a new scholarship opportunity for eligible Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) employees.

WGU will award five WGU Western Association of Food Chains Scholarships to employees of WAFC companies for any of its College of Business or College of Information Technology bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. The scholarships, each valued at up to $2,500 ($625 per six-month term renewable for up to four terms), will be applied toward WGU’s already-low tuition of $3,000 per term for most business and IT programs. Applications are currently being accepted at www.wgu.edu/WAFCscholarship.

Additionally, applicants who are WAFC Retail Management Certificate graduates can benefit from the partnership with a five percent tuition discount, as well as, generous transfer credits for their Retail Management Certificate credits.

“WGU’s partnership with WAFC centers on providing affordable and accessible degree programs and these scholarships will help open the door for more students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree or further their career by adding a master’s degree,” said Dr. Eric Goodman, WGU’s National Director of College of Business.

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be newly enrolling students who have been officially admitted to the university and complete an interview with a scholarship counselor. Special consideration will be given to graduates of the WAFC Retail Management Certificate Program. This is a competitive process and scholarships will be awarded based on the student’s academic record, readiness for online study, and current competency, as well as other considerations. To learn more about WGU and the WGU WAFC scholarship, visit www.wgu.edu/WAFCscholarship.

Find out if your employer is a WAFC member

Retail Management Certificate formally recognized at the White House

Posted on by Barbara Fanning

Last Friday, April 24th, 2015, our industry-driven Retail Management Certificate was formally recognized at the White House, during an important convening on Upskilling America.

The WAFC’s recognition was predicated on the 2015 commitment our partner companies made to support of the Retail Management Certificate with specific enrollment and completion goals.  The WAFC Board of Directors represent a significant “employer voice”, and our commitment is directly in line with the President’s call to action in January to equip front-line workers with the skills they need to advance in their careers.

The event was presided over by Vice President Joe Biden, with added remarks from the Secretaries of Commerce, Education, and Labor.

“It is quite an honor to have our Nation’s capital shine such a spotlight on the Retail Management Certificate that you all have worked so diligently to build. We are grateful for your tireless efforts to help build education depth throughout our Industry,” said Cherie Phipps, WAFC Director, Retail Management Certificate.

“Congratulations to all who have worked in elevating our efforts in “Advancing the Food Industry through Education and Leadership,” said Carole Christianson, WAFC Chief Operating Officer.

For more information, see the White House Fact Sheet.

 

Laura Bush and Magic Johnson to Keynote WAFC Annual Convention

Posted on by Barbara Fanning

We are looking forward to this year’s WAFC annual convention with Laura Bush, Magic Johnson, and many other inspiring presenters and food retail industry leaders. This year’s event is on track to be the most attended convention to date. Come experience this unique forum for learning, networking, and business collaboration.

May 2-6, 2015
JW Marriott Desert Springs
Palm Desert, CA

MainCollage

Register Online

First Superior Markets Cohort Completes Retail Management Certificate

Posted on by Barbara Fanning

Superior Markets’ first cohort of Retail Management Certificate graduates, were honored earlier this month at an awards luncheon. The first cohort was comprised of 30 graduates.

superior1

Congratulations to all graduates and a special thanks to instructors, Sharon Fantroy and Mike Acheson, who shepherded this first cohort through the program.

Brookshire Grocery named Employer of Excellence in ETX by Workforce Commission

Posted on by Barbara Fanning

Brookshire Grocery Company (Brookshire’s) received the Local Employer of Excellence Award for the Workforce Solutions East Texas area in November 2014. The Local Employer of Excellence Award honors private-sector employers that are actively involved with their local workforce board and have made a positive impact on employers, workers and the community.

Brookshire’s has been part of the East Texas community since 1928. In 2012, Brookshire’s partnered with Tyler Junior College and the WAFC to develop a Retail Management Certificate program with the potential to positively impact hundreds of regional employers.

The program offers face-to-face, online, and hybrid classes to prepare students for career opportunities and upward mobility in the retail industry.

Read the Full Article

94th Annual WAFC Convention

Posted on by Barbara Fanning

Join us for the 94th Annual WAFC Convention on May 2-6, 2015 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California. The WAFC convention brings together retailers, wholesalers, brokers, manufacturers and suppliers from all sectors of the food industry together.   We have an exciting line-up of speakers and opportunities to network, conduct a little business and have fun.

More Information/Registration