Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer has named the recipients of its 2022 Legacy Awards, recognizing seven people across the company for their impact on their teams, customers and communities. The company also announced recipients of its first Meijer Impact Award, which celebrates a team’s accomplishments and acts of service.
“While a lot about retail has changed since we opened our doors in 1934, our focus on our customers, team members and community has always endured,” said Hank Meijer, executive chairman.
“The Legacy Awards are the company’s highest honor, recognizing those individuals who are driving business results while living out the values our company was built on. These winners serve as role models for other team members now and in the future.”
Ben Negron received the 2022 Fred Meijer Award, the highest-level recognition a Meijer employee can receive. Negron serves as the store director for the Meijer location in Adrian, Michigan. Within Meijer, Negron serves as a member of the communication committee for one of its employee resource groups, called Mosaic, and drives participation at the store and market level. Mosaic supports advocacy and awareness for people of color, those with diverse backgrounds and those of different cultures and communities.
“Ben Negron is well-respected by his Meijer team and is a dedicated advocate for the people of Adrian,” Meijer said.
“Community members know Ben by name, and he never misses an opportunity to engage with people in meaningful ways. His natural abilities as a relationship-builder and the way he treats everyone he encounters with dignity and respect is very reminiscent of my father Fred’s legacy. It’s an honor to present Ben Negron with the Fred Meijer Award.”
The company also celebrated six winners of the 2022 President’s Award, which acknowledges their business contributions in the last year. The winners are:
- Carol Bork, cashier at the Washington Township Meijer in Washington Township, Michigan;
- Amy Chan, office manager in the Global Sourcing Office;
- Ben Hamlin, director of Own Brand food in Grand Rapids, Michigan;
- Dave Hoover, director of outbound logistics in Lansing, Michigan;
- Kyle Musser, director of distribution in Tipp City, Ohio; and
- Erik Petrovskis, director of environmental compliance and sustainability in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“What these individuals have in common is a commitment to living our company’s values every day, the earned respect of their peers and colleagues, and a passion for making a positive impact on our business. I’m honored to recognize their accomplishments,” said Rick Keyes, president and CEO.
A new recognition this year is the Meijer Impact Award. Separate from the Legacy Awards, the Meijer Impact Award recognizes team accomplishments and acts of service. The team at the Tipp City Distribution Center was recognized for its response to the June tornado that struck the facility.
Keyes recognized the team for its quick response; they only had 10 minutes to react to what became an EF-2 tornado. After everyone’s safety was confirmed, the team worked to minimize any disruptions and keep product flowing to stores. They also contacted local officials to offer support and resources toward local recovery efforts.
“Their quick activation of our severe weather protocols helped ensure everyone on the complex was safe from harm that day, and for that we are grateful,” Keyes said. “The Tipp City team’s focus on team member safety, commitment to customers and concern for the community all underscore why they are so deserving of this recognition.”
For additional information on Meijer, visit meijer.com.
