Shelby Publishing is accepting nominations for its third annual Exceptional Independents Awards program, which honors the role independent grocers play in the industry.
Independent grocers are “an integral part of the communities that they serve,” said John Ross, president and CEO of the Independent Grocers Alliance. “Without these independent grocers, many communities would not have access to fresh produce and proteins that these vital entrepreneurs provide.”
He added that Exceptional Independents award winners are “a prime example of what strong independents can and should be.”
Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association, said that independent grocers are “the nexus of life in so many neighborhoods around the country. They provide essential goods and services as well as employment and economic growth for multiple generations in their communities. They are leaders of innovation and creativity, setting high standards for quality, service and selection. Strong independent grocers help build strong communities.”
[RELATED: Independent Grocers ‘Critical To Success, Health, Well-being Of Communities’]
Ferrara noted that these grocers don’t just sell food, they establish relationships with the people in their communities.
“They’re a window into what’s new, what’s good, what’s fun and what’s wholesome. And independents are stalwart community partners, in times of celebration as well as crisis,” he said.
Ferrara pointed out that it is “essential to celebrate the success of retailers who move the bar beyond price to delivering value in the total experience they provide. They are innovators and the role models of our industry.”
Nominations for the Exceptional Independents Awards are open to independent and regional grocers. The program is Shelby Publishing’s “opportunity to highlight those companies that have demonstrated true, industry-changing innovations,” according to Maggie Kaeppel, VP publisher/Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
“Independent grocers are the lifeblood of the grocery industry, and we are thrilled to recognize them for their exceptional contributions,” she said.
“Independents are also an integral part of the communities that they serve and lead the way in caring for the health and well-being of their customers. We appreciate all that they do to help feed our communities nationwide.”
Coverage of the award winners will be featured in the March 2025 editions of The Shelby Report of the Midwest, The Shelby Report of the Southeast, The Shelby Report of the Southwest, The Shelby Report of the West and The Griffin Report of the Northeast. Winners also will be featured on theshelbyreport.com.
Entries must detail why the nominee is qualified for this recognition. Qualifications could be related to an independent or regional grocer’s investment in their stores or companies, commitment to supporting neighborhood charities and community involvement and investment in their employees’ training and advancement.
Nominations are free; there is no charge/fee to nominate. The deadline to submit entries is Jan. 10. The criteria include:
- All independent and regional U.S. grocery retailers.
- Information provided in the nomination form will be used in part for the narrative of the print and online stories.
- Limit up to six nominations per company.
- All nominees will be vetted by Shelby Publishing’s editorial staff and advisory board.
- Form must be completed in full to be considered.
All nominations must be submitted through an official online entry form, which may be found here.
