The Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based Giant Company recently celebrated the achievements of its team members at its annual business meeting. Seventeen awards were presented recognizing the recipients’ commitment to the company and their efforts to connect families for a better future.
“Over the past year, our team members once again went to great lengths to care for one another, their customers, and communities,” said Nicholas Bertram, president, The Giant Company. “It’s an incredible honor to celebrate these outstanding leaders who serve as role models for living The GIANT Company’s purpose, values and promises, through leadership, support and outstanding performance.”
The 2022 award recipients include:
- Store of the Year was awarded to two locations: in the Mid-Atlantic division, the Giant store at in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania led by Jill Gingrich and her team; in the Greater Philadelphia division, the Northern Liberties Giant Heirloom Market in Philadelphia led by Tom Gana and his team.
- Category of the Year was awarded to two teams: for center store, the beverage category led by Katie Cunningham, category manager, and for fresh, prepared foods led by Rob Palmeri, category manager.
- Retail Team Member of the Year was presented to Mary Marchiondo, bakery manager at the Giant in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
- Distribution Center Team Member of the Year was presented to two honorees at the company’s perishable distribution center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania: Ryan Finkey, selector, and Jeremy Zeigler, selector.
- E-Commerce Team Member of the Year was presented to Deitra Dandridge, team member relations coordinator, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania e-commerce wareroom.
- Transportation Team Member of the Year was posthumously awarded to Randy Smith, a tractor trailer driver for the company’s perishable distribution center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
- Support Center Team Member of the Year was awarded to Ron Hawes, director of store operations.
- Simplify Shopping was presented to Kim Taylor, manager of in-store brand integrity.
- Inspiring Fresh Ideas was presented to Mike Reedy, specialist of field merchandising.
- Creating Healthier Communities was presented to Leigh Shirley, director of pharmacy operations.
- Grow Through New Opportunities was awarded to Angel Cordero, e-commerce facility manager, Philadelphia.
- Make a Difference was presented to Richard Smith, center store merchandising manager.
- The Be You award was presented to Deavan Ebersole, assistant store manager of fresh, at the Martin’s in Charles Town, West Virginia.
Rounding out the company’s awards program, the Presidents’ Award was presented to Jessica Fischer, store manager at the Giant store at Riverwalk in Philadelphia. The award recognizes a person who consistently delivers exceptional performance, contributes to the organization’s success in countless ways, is a role model for the company’s values and brings the company’s purpose to life in all that they do.
“I couldn’t be more honored to present this year’s Presidents’ Award to Jessica for her many contributions to The Giant Company over the past year and her more than 20 years with the company,” Bertram said. “Last year, despite facing challenge after challenge, she never once gave up; in fact, it was during those times she shined the brightest. Her care and courage really stood out to all of us. Jessica doesn’t just care for her team; she puts her team as the most important part of her work.”
For more information, visit giantfoodstores.com.
