group photo of Fareway leaders with Shelby's Publishing Exceptional Independents Award
Fareway received Shelby Publishing's Exceptional Independents Award.

Fareway Stores has wrapped up a successful trip to the National Grocers Association Show, which ran Feb. 23-25 at the Ceasars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas.

For the second year in a row, Fareway received an Exceptional Independents Award from The Shelby Report. The honor showcases the grocer’s commitment to community, bringing people together through food that reflects the local area served.

The Exceptional Independents Awards program shines a light on businesses that help feed communities.

Jeff Stearns, SVP of marketing and advertising, pictured during his championship performance in the Best Bagger competition.

In other news, Fareway Stores SVP of Marketing and Advertising Jeff Stearns lived up to his Hall of Fame pedigree by winning the executive round of the NGA Best Baggers competition. Stearns was crowned National Best Bagger champion in 1994.

Fareway ended the three-day show with an NGA Creative Choice Award, which recognizes the best marketing and merchandising programs in the grocery industry.

The “Frank of Dreams” commercial advertisement was awarded top honors in the category of Traditional Media – TV, Radio & Print.

“Our spot ‘Frank of Dreams’ was a take on the iconic 1989 movie ‘Field of Dreams.’ There is an exact replica field built just north of Ankeny, Iowa, and has hosted a high school baseball game,” Stearns said. “The spot features our official mascot, Fareway Frank, and the recently crowned state champions, North Polk High School baseball team.

“Our advertising and marketing team focused on what Fareway Meat & Grocery has been known for since 1938, our famous fresh meat counter with a play on words from the movie “If you build it, they will come” to “If you grill it, they will come.”

Fareway staff accepting the Creative Choice Award are Mike McCormick, chief retail officer; Jeff Stearns, SVP marketing and advertising; Rob Stevenson, assistant VP employee engagement; and Matt Elthon, senior category director.

“Frank of Dreams” also received Gold and Judges’ Choice honors from the American Advertising Awards, where it competed against over 100 entries.

“We are incredibly honored and humbled to receive multiple awards at the National Grocers Association Show in Las Vegas,” said Mike McCormick, chief retail officer. “These accolades are a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our entire team at Fareway. We are committed to providing exceptional service and quality to our customers, and it’s rewarding to see that recognized by our peers in the industry.”

[RELATED: Fareway To Purchase Brothers Market Locations In Iowa]

For More Fareway News, View Our Fareway News Page

Senior Content Creator After 32 years in the newspaper industry, she is enjoying her new career exploring the world of groceries at The Shelby Report.

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