Madison, WI — You might spot her in the dairy aisle searching for Wisconsin cheese or in the snack section looking for traditional and new dip flavors. Now, you’ll officially find Michelle Stangler working as Member Engagement Coordinator with the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA), as announced last week.
Since joining the association in August, Stangler has been stocking up on new ideas, strengthening communication efforts, and connecting with retailers across the state. Going forward in this new role, she will continue to build connections, share information, and support opportunities that help grow Wisconsin’s grocery industry.
“Michelle has a remarkable ability to connect with WGA members by sharing stories that reflect the heart of Wisconsin’s grocery industry,” Mike Semmann, WGA president/CEO, said. “We’re excited to see how her storytelling blends with new communications channels to strengthen engagement and help build stronger relationships throughout the grocery industry.”
Stangler supported the association’s annual event this September, which saw a notable increase in attendance compared to recent years. She has also contributed to producing the Wisconsin Grocer quarterly magazine.
Her roots run deep in Wisconsin agriculture, having grown up on her family’s dairy farm in Watertown, where she developed a love for storytelling and community. She was active in 4-H and FFA and gained professional experience working with state checkoff programs, agricultural businesses, and media outlets across television, radio, podcasting, and print. Stangler is an alumna from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls earning a degree in agricultural marketing communications and journalism and a minor in agricultural business. She also has experience in the retail industry, previously working at Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
“Connecting with grocery industry leaders and this community has been so special,” Stangler said. “My roots are in agriculture, community, and Wisconsin, the same values that fill the aisles of grocery stores across our state. That’s what makes this association so committed to serving the industry.”
When not working with the WGA and its members, Stangler enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and contributing writing and broadcast work to various agricultural outlets nationwide.
CAPTION: Michelle Stangler, the Wisconsin Grocers Association newest staff member, often shops at WGA member stores across Wisconsin. Growing up, she frequently visited Piggly Wiggly (pictured) and Pick ’n Save in Watertown, where she enjoyed the variety of local and essential products.
ABOUT THE WISCONSIN GROCERS ASSOCIATION (WGA)
The Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) is a non-profit trade association established in 1900 to represent independent grocers and grocery chains, warehouses and brokers, vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers before all levels of government. The WGA provides educational and networking opportunities, leadership training, public affairs, and compliance information for its membership.
WGA and its membership have significant economic impact in the state of Wisconsin. The WGA represents nearly 350 independent grocers with multiple locations across the state, more than 200 retail grocery chain stores, warehouses and distributors, convenience stores, food brokers and suppliers. Wisconsin grocers employ over 30,000 people with over $1 billion in payroll and generate more than $12 billion in annual sales in Wisconsin resulting in approximately $800 million in state sales tax revenue (data provided by The Food Institute).
