Prominent lawmakers, New Jersey business leaders and members of the state’s food industry gathered to mark the 51st annual “Good Government” Breakfast last week at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe.
Hosted by the Food Council Committee for Good Government, a political action committee representing the New Jersey food industry, the event was a key opportunity for the state’s top decision-makers and prominent industry leaders to discuss pressing issues as they shared breakfast, according to Linda Doherty, who serves as treasurer of the PAC and as the CEO of New Jersey Food Council.
The morning program honored retail food executives and state government officials who have made a significant, positive impact on the New Jersey food industry through strong advocacy and effective legislation.
“This morning’s breakfast is a celebration of the good government process and our commitment to working with government officials and business community leaders on sound public policy,” Doherty said. “I am thrilled we supported two pieces of important industry legislation that became law and will help advance our Food Council mission. I am grateful to all who helped us achieve these goals.”
Attendees heard about key legislative priorities impacting NJFC members, such as the recently signed organized retail crime legislation, food packaging mandates, SNAP choice restrictions and the ongoing tremendous success of the state’s reusable bag program.
Richard Saker, the chair of the Food Council Committee for Good Government and the CEO of Saker ShopRites, said the importance of the day cannot be overstated.
“We know our partners in Trenton understand that we are not just any industry — we’re the cornerstone of New Jersey communities,” he said. “Therefore, together, we will work to ensure that our member food retailers, suppliers and distributors can continue to keep our state strong, keep our shelves full and keep New Jersey families fed for generations to come.”
There were six honorees at the breakfast:
Good Government
- Tina-Marie Pilate, New Jersey division manager of asset protection, Wegmans Food Markets
- Jesse Levine, senior director and chief compliance officer, Ravitz Family Markets
In accepting their awards, Levine and Pilate shared their commitment and advocacy in promoting the organized retail crime bill, protecting businesses, employees and customers. Both recipients testified at every state legislative committee hearing to advocate for the bill (A4755/S3587), leading to unanimous support from the state Legislature.
Outstanding Legislators
- John Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro)
- Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-Somerset)
- Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-Cream Ridge)
The three state legislators, serving as prime bill sponsors on A4755/S3587, led an aggressive bipartisan effort to promote the organized retail crime bill and encourage widespread support among business and government leaders. As champions, they ensured expedient review from both the Senate and Assembly, with more than 50 legislative co-sponsors. The NJFC lauded these elected officials for their leadership and commitment to the security of New Jersey’s businesses and communities.
With this new law, New Jersey joins neighboring states in taking decisive action against organized criminal operations and sending a clear message that New Jersey communities and industries will not tolerate retail crime.
“We honored these three lawmakers for their steadfast efforts in fighting to protect businesses, store employees and shoppers who depend on affordable, quality products that should be purchased safely and confidently,” Doherty said.
Thomas W. Kelly Government Service
- Ed Wengryn, New Jersey secretary of agriculture
Ed Wengryn is New Jersey’s eighth secretary of agriculture since the Department of Agriculture was established in 1916. Prior to running the state department, Wengryn worked closely with the NJFC while serving at the New Jersey Farm Bureau.
His department also oversees vital food security programs and the Jersey Fresh program, which is the state’s agricultural marketing and quality grading initiative.
Wengryn has generously given of his time over the past two years to meet with the NJFC Leadership Development Class and discuss his role and the food industry’s relationship with the state Department of Agriculture.
As part of the program, the NJFC recognized the graduates of the 2025 Leadership Development Class. Jessica Scaduto of Foodtown/Food Circus serves as chair of the Leadership Development Program and Matthew Lipowski of J&J Snack Foods serves as vice chair; both are graduates of the program.
The program concluded with the featured speakers, Assembly Commerce, Economic Development & Agriculture Chair Bill Spearman (D-Woodbury), and Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio (R-Hackettstown).
The FCCfGG, a nonprofit political action committee, was formed in 1973 with the support of the New Jersey Food Council to aid those responsible elected state officials and candidates who share a common objective for good government. Learn more at FCCFGG.com.
