The National Grocers Association has honored Karen and Kim Eskew of Harps Food Stores with NGA’s Thomas F. Wenning Pinnacle PAC Award.
The award, presented Oct. 26 during NGA’s Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit, recognizes the Eskews’ years of service to the independent grocery industry in government advocacy.
“Karen and Kim are longtime supporters of NGA’s Grocers PAC, an essential component to our efforts in fighting for policies that help independent grocery stores compete against their larger competitors,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO.
“From hosting congressional store tours to attending congressional meetings in Washington, their service to our industry has been invaluable. NGA is only as strong as our members, and Karen and Kim are the backbone of NGA’s government advocacy.”
Established in 2014 to honor Tom Wenning, retired NGA EVP and general counsel, for his years of service to the association and the independent grocery industry, NGA’s Pinnacle PAC Award is presented to members that help advance the role and presence of independent grocers in government and political affairs.
“Karen and Kim are strong advocates for independent grocers in Arkansas and across the U.S., working tirelessly to advocate for policies that create a level playing field for community grocers,” said Christopher Jones, SVP of government relations and counsel.
“They have both made countless trips to Washington, D.C., for events like Day in Washington, where they have met with members of Congress to advocate for policies that benefit independent grocers. I’m grateful for their leadership in the Grocers PAC and NGA.”
NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats.
The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district, as well as state grocers’ associations, manufacturers and service suppliers.
For more information about NGA, visit nationalgrocers.org.
