Last updated on December 20th, 2023
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. has announced the retirement of Don Woods Jr., vice chair of the AWG Board of Directors.
Woods, owner of Woods Super Markets Inc. based in Bolivar, Missouri, served on the AWG board for more than 38 years, serving as vice chair for 24 years. AWG board member Dale Trahan, owner of Dale L. Trahan Enterprises Inc., has been appointed to serve as vice chair.
With Woods’ retirement, the board elected Steve Clarke to fill the open board seat. Clarke serves as the VP of County Fair Inc., a family-owned and operated company operating six stores in Nebraska and South Dakota.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Don for his unwavering dedication to AWG and its members for nearly four decades,” said Barry Queen, chairman of the board for AWG.
“Throughout the years, his hard work, passion and expertise have left an indelible mark on AWG, creating a positive impact on our members and the community at large.”
Clarke is a fourth-generation grocer, growing up in the family business. County Fair has steadily grown over the years, with its newest store located in Wayne, Nebraska. The Clarke family has been part of the grocery cooperative for more than 80 years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Steve Clarke to AWG’s board of directors,” said Dan Funk, AWG president and CEO. “His hands-on experience as an operator of a successful, growing family business and his dedication to the industry and community involvement will make him a valuable member of the board.”
“Steve is a great addition to the AWG board,” Queen said.
“His perspective and expertise will represent AWG and the Upper Midwest and Nebraska divisions very well. I look forward to working with Steve and our other esteemed board members as we navigate the future of AWG.”
Involved in his local community, Clarke serves on the Sioux Falls Abbott House Bridges Committee and the Dell Rapids Economic Board and is the president of the Avera Dell Rapids Hospital Board. He also serves on the AWG Strategic Planning Committee.
“It is an honor to be chosen to serve on the AWG Board of Directors,” Clarke said. “I am looking forward to working with the current board of directors and AWG leadership to help continue AWG’s growth and success.”
About AWG
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently-owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 31 states from nine wholesale divisions.
In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide real estate and supermarket development services, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmaceutical products, specialty foods and natural and organic products.
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