Last updated on December 7th, 2023
The 81 recipients of Shelby Publishing’s inaugural Exceptional Independents Awards were recognized Feb. 27 during a reception at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Most of the honorees attended in person. Joined by friends and family, they formed a festive crowd that filled the Thought Leadership Theater on the show floor.
In her opening remarks, Shelby President Stephanie Reid thanked the program’s sponsors – ECRS, LOC Software, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Storewise, Southern Champion (BuzzBallz) and BJ Orchid – and reminded the gathering that independents are “the backbone of our industry…a vital part of their communities and lead the way in caring for their customers.”
She also expressed gratitude for the company’s relationship with NGA, which gave Shelby the platform to host. The awards program, Reid said, is Shelby’s way of shining a light on these businesses that “continue to help feed our communities.”
The reception was part of the 2023 NGA Show, which continues at the convention center through Feb. 28 with some 60 educational sessions and workshops featuring more than 150 speakers.
All of the recipients of the Exceptional Independents Awards were retailers, though they ranged in size from single-store operators to regional chains. And they represented all corners of the country, from Delaware to California and Louisiana to Wisconsin and seemingly everywhere in between.
After Reid’s welcome, the sponsors took turns calling the individual honorees to the stage to receive their awards. Photos and fellowship followed.
To view the full photo gallery of recipients, click here.
“We are thrilled with the turnout at today’s event, as well as the response to our first EIA program,” Reid said. “We look forward to growing this initiative and continuing to be a voice for independent grocers nationwide.”
Coverage of the award winners will be featured in the March 2023 editions of The Shelby Report – Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, West and Northeast. Awards winners also will be featured on theshelbyreport.com.
