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Niman Ranch Calls Prop 12 Ruling ‘Watershed Moment for Animal Welfare’

Chipotle Young Farmers Initiative full rights photography

Niman Ranch, the humane animal care leader, today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Proposition 12.

“This is a truly watershed moment for animal welfare. Since day one, Niman Ranch has been one of the only companies to ban the use of crates for raising hogs and today our more than 500 independent family farmer partners proudly raise their pigs 100 percent crate free. We applaud the Supreme Court’s decision and this historic moment for humane animal care.”

Chris Oliviero, General Manager, Niman Ranch

California’s Proposition 12, passed in 2018, requires farmers to provide more space for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs and calves raised for veal including that these animals be able to stand up, lie down, turn around and extend their limbs. It would also ban the sale of products in the state that do not meet the new standards. On May 11, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Proposition 12 as constitutional.

Niman Ranch is a network of independent family farmers and ranchers raising pork, beef and lamb humanely and sustainably, with no antibiotics or added hormones—ever. Niman Ranch is the largest farmer and rancher network in North America to be Certified Humane, an animal welfare certification considered rigorous and meaningful by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The company has always been 100 percent crate free and goes much further with animals raised outdoors or in deeply bedded pens, with no tail docking, teeth clipping or other standard industry practices.

Niman Ranch is the only pork company to submit an Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court in support of Proposition 12. Its  products are available at values driven restaurants and grocers across the country. Customers include Shake Shack, Chipotle and ButcherBox.

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SEG Celebrates Leader for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is commemorating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by celebrating the achievements and contributions of one of its leaders.

Raymond Rhee began his career with SEG nearly 35 years ago as a bagger at Winn-Dixie and has held various positions of increasing responsibility in retail operations, accounting, strategic planning and finance. Since he assumed the role of SEG’s chief people officer, Rhee has made significant contributions to the grocer’s people team, spearheading efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, and implementing initiatives to support Asian American and Pacific Islander associates.

Anthony Hucker, president and CEO for Southeastern Grocers, said, “As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re honored to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our Chief People Officer Raymond Rhee. Raymond personifies our people-first culture with his dedication to being a Reliable, Empathetic, Accountable Leader, along with his steadfast commitment to developing associates to be R.E.A.L., too. His leadership, diligence, unique perspective and unwavering efforts to support our associates and strengthen our company have been instrumental to the enrichment of our workplace culture.”

As chief people officer, Rhee leads SEG’s human resources strategy with proven results in building a winning culture that fosters belonging, inclusion and diversity. He oversees talent acquisition and management, organizational development, training, leadership development, associate relations, compensation and benefits. Rhee also serves as the president of SEG’s charitable arm, the SEG Gives Foundation. He is committed to driving SEG’s culture of giving back and supporting local communities within the grocer’s five-state footprint and beyond. Additionally, Rhee is the executive sponsor to the grocer’s associate resource group Asians and Pacific Islanders for Resource and Education (ASPIRE).

Rhee said, “As an Asian American, I am proud to be part of a company that celebrates diversity. As a people-first organization, we are committed to ensuring every associate feels seen, heard and supported in their professional journey. Our unique experiences and perspectives are valuable assets, and by embracing diversity and equity, we can create a more vibrant and dynamic workplace. It is an honor to work alongside a team that shares this vision and recognizes the importance of celebrating our differences.”

As a company committed to cultivating belonging, inclusion and diversity in its workplace, SEG is honored to observe Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by commemorating the rich cultures and traditions of these communities, while promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of their collective histories.

In addition to recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, SEG also annually observes and celebrates Black History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth and Veterans Day. Many celebrations are led and organized by one of SEG’s eight associate resource groups which include: Women’s Development Network, Emerging Leaders, SEG Pride, Pa’lante, African Americans FOCUS, ASPIRE, Military Families and Working Parents Network.

Through Rhee’s leadership, guidance and commitment to belonging, inclusion and diversity, SEG’s people-first, inclusive culture earned recognition by top media outlets including: Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for the second year in a row; Newsweek’s 2023 list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity; Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Loved Workplaces; Fortune’s 2022 Best Workplaces in Retail; The Silicon Review® as one of the 30 Fabulous Companies of the Year; and certification as a Great Place to Work® for the third year in a row.

SEG believes its team should mirror the diversity of its unique customers and communities in order to provide exceptional service and promote inclusivity. Those interested in joining SEG’s award-winning workplace and family of more than 37,000 dedicated associates are encouraged to visit segrocers.com/careers or a local Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket or Winn-Dixie grocery store for more information.

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Ole Smoky Hosts National Moonshine Day on June 1

Ole Smoky Distillery, home of the most visited distillery in the world and #1 moonshine brand in the United States, is once again bringing National Moonshine Day to life with a 360 degree marketing campaign and its second annual “Shine Fest” on June 1. This year, the bestselling moonshine brand will host celebrations in its hometown of Gatlinburg, Tenn., as well as five additional markets around the United States.

“National Moonshine Day is the perfect occasion for Ole Smoky to celebrate the legacy of moonshine and share the spirit with the world. We were proud to have brought the holiday to life last year and are excited to share the spirit’s rich American history with everyone again in 2023 and for years to come,” said Joe Baker, founder of Ole Smoky.

Moonshine is one of the most storied spirits in the United States. Production of the notoriously incendiary spirit dates to the late 1700s when Irish and Scottish immigrants settled in the Southern Appalachian area, bringing with them their home distilling practices and their recipes for what is typically a white whiskey derived from corn, yeast, sugar, and water. Although the practice was illegal, moonshiners continued to provide the spirit to hooch seekers in dry counties after Prohibition, and distillation and consumption became more of a pastime, especially in Southern Appalachia.

Fast forward to 2010 when Baker and his partners, using a fine-tuned, century-old family recipe, launched the brand shortly after Tennessee legalized the distillation of moonshine in 2009. As the first legal moonshine in East Tennessee, the brand has grown exponentially over the past 13 years. The company now employs more than 800 people, makes a wide range of moonshines and whiskeys in four distillery locations across the state, and hosted more than 5.3 million visitors in 2022 alone.

“The Ole Smoky team will be encouraging everyone to celebrate National Moonshine Day at local bars and restaurants, our distillery locations, and retail markets throughout the country,” says Robert Hall, CEO, Ole Smoky Distillery. “Everyone deserves the chance to be a part of this special day that’s a nod to our rich history, which is why we are thrilled to expand our Shine Fest style celebration to additional markets this year.”

The most notable celebration will be Ole Smoky’s Shine Fest hosted in their hometown of Gatlinburg as well as in five additional markets for the first time, including: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. The 2nd Annual Shine Fest in Gatlinburg will kick off with a DJ and be followed by performances from country artists Julia Cole and Canaan Smith. There will be food, giveaways and exclusive National Moonshine Day cocktails to bring an Ole Smoky spin to the festivities. Shine Fest will be held on June 1 at 120 Historic Nature Trail in Gatlinburg starting at 5 p.m.

For those looking to celebrate at home, enjoy Ole Smoky’s National Moonshine Day signature cocktail, Blackberry Lemonade, featuring Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine, lemonade and muddled mint. For more recipes and ways to celebrate, click here.

Fans can visit nationalmoonshineday.olesmoky.com to enter for a chance to win a grand prize trip to Tennessee for a Moonshine & Music Adventure, featuring roundtrip airfare for four, three-night accommodations and a private VIP Moonshine Experience at 6th & Peabody. First prize winners will take home the Ole Smoky Porch Party Bundle, a complete kit to throw a neighborhood party with Ole Smoky products, yard games, branded patio furniture and plenty of Shine Merch for the neighbors such as Ole Smoky t-shirts and hats.

Second Prize winners will receive Shine Merch, including custom Ole Smoky National Moonshine Day T-shirts. The website also features a C’mon & Celebrate National Moonshine Day Curated Playlist along with cocktail recipes to help fans celebrate National Moonshine Day at home.

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