The Independent Grocers Alliance has selected eight stores as IGA USA Retailers of the Year, the highest honor it bestows upon its members.
The awards are presented annually to grocers who have best provided leadership and excellence in their communities. Each store was nominated by its licensed distribution center (LDC).
The retailers, who will be recognized Feb. 24 during the IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony in Las Vegas, are:
- Melissa Anderson | Hometown IGA | Albany, Kentucky | LDC: Houchens Food Group
- Dave Cesario and William Hogan | Dave’s Fresh Marketplace | East Greenwich, Rhode Island | LDC: Bozzuto’s
- Bob Craft and David Pike | Orono IGA | Orono, Maine | LDC: C&S Wholesale Grocers
- Todd and Sarah Daniels | Todd’s IGA Express | Trenton, Ohio | LDC: Laurel Grocery Co.
- Jorge Evans | KJ’s Market | Waynesboro, Georgia | LDC: W. Lee Flowers
- Nick, Greg, and Kari Hansen | Hansen’s IGA Markets | Elkhorn, Wisconsin | LDC: Associated Wholesale Grocers
- Yong Kim | Nam Dae Mun Farmers Market | Duluth, Georgia | LDC: MDI
- Brian and Julie Krueger | Save More Marketplace | Minocqua, Wisconsin | LDC: UNFI
“We’re very proud of these forward-thinking grocery store operators and their teams, who are leading innovation in the independent grocery industry,” IGA CEO John Ross said.
“This group is made up of exceptional entrepreneurs who have cultivated strong community connections while showcasing outstanding leadership as employers, exemplifying the essence of success in independent grocery businesses.”
[RELATED: IGA Acquires Inmar’s Scanner Applications Co.]
This month, Ross and SVP of Retail and Business Development Doug Fritsch visited each of the nominated stores to get a firsthand look at how the retailer interacts with employees, customers and the community.
Based on information gathered during the store visits, each IGA USA Retailer of the Year will receive additional recognition for their innovations, community service, etc. on stage at the awards ceremony.
Held during The NGA Show, the Awards of Excellence Ceremony also will recognize IGA Retailers of the Year from other countries, as well as select Red Oval partners and wholesalers. At the ceremony, one of the top U.S. retailers will be named IGA USA International Retailer of the Year.
Add Comment