Since 1899, the Washington Food Industry Association has been dedicated to promoting and protecting the independent, community-focused grocery industry and its suppliers. (WFIA) THE ONLY STATE-BASED ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF THE GROCERY INDUSTRY SINCE OUR FOUNDING IN 1899. WE ARE COMPOSED OF INDEPENDENT RETAILERS, MEANING PRIVATELY OWNED OR CONTROLLED FOOD RETAIL COMPANIES OPERATING IN A VARIETY OF FORMATS, AND THE MANY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS, FOOD VENDORS/MANUFACTURERS AND SERVICE SUPPLIERS WHO SUPPORT AND WORK WITH THEIR RETAILERS. INDEPENDENTS ARE THE TRUE "ENTREPRENEURS" OF THE GROCERY INDUSTRY AND ARE DEDICATED TO THEIR CUSTOMERS, ASSOCIATES, AND NEIGHBORS, AND ARE OFTEN THE HEARTS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES. WFIA STRIVES TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE INDEPENDENTS AND THEIR SUPPLIERS THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT SAVE MONEY IN RETROSPECTIVE RATING, AND REDUCES EXCESSIVE BURDENS OR BARRIERS FOR EMPLOYERS BY WORKING WITH STATE LEGISLATURE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.