Houchens Food Group continued its Store Manager Appreciation Award banquets into the latter part of 2024.
Consisting of 18 lunch banquets divided by region and banner, the events included individual recognition of store managers as well as a selection of other awards. In addition, a Store Manager of the Year was named.
In a statement, HFG said its store managers “have the most important job but don’t always feel they get credit for all they do.”
“They are more than the friendly faces that greet our customers with a smile every day, the problem-solvers who ensure the shelves are stocked and the leaders who inspire their teams to deliver exceptional customer service,” the statement continued.
“They sacrifice their weekends with their families and are always available when something goes wrong. Most importantly, they are the backbone of our community grocery stores that serve small-town America, where our independent grocers are needed the most.”
Decatur, Alabama
Cook Museum of Natural History – Oct. 2
- Tim Lindsey, Hometown Hero Award;
- Tyler Harris, Leadership Award;
- Karla Hargrove, Local Social Champion Award;
- Bart Cannon, Merchandising Award;
- Tyler Harris of Price Less Foods in Russellville received the Store Manager of the Year Award;
- Tyler James, Perishable Merchandising Award; and
- Hunter McLaughlin, Safety Award.
Cook Museum of Natural Science – Sept. 10
- Brett Gentle, Leadership Award;
- Chris Cooper, Lifetime Achievement Award;
- Larry Brownlee, Safety Award;
- The Store Manager of the Year Award went to Jimmy Winchester of Food Giant (Store 539) in Medina, Tennessee;
- Lowry Pearson, Perishable Merchandising Award; and
- Van Pierce, Rising Star Award.
Saltillo, Mississippi
The Hall at Rogues and Rebels – Sept. 5
- Derrick Simpson, Hometown Hero Award;
- Barry Weaver, Safety Award;
- Enoch Smithey of Cash Saver (Store 594) in Tupelo, Mississippi, was presented with the Store Manager of the Year Award;
- Danny Samples, Lifetime Achievement Award;
- Dwayne Jackson, MVP Award; and
- Sam Issac, Rising Star Award.
Monticello, Kentucky
HFG Regional Office – Sept. 18
- Alisha Jones, Leadership Award;
- Cameron Whitcomb, Emerging Leader Award;
- Jennifer Lamance, People Development Award;
- Kevin Watkins, Safety Award;
- Melissa Anderson of Hometown IGA (Store 17) in Albany, Kentucky, received the Store Manager of the Year Award; and
- Misty Stone, Hometown Hero.