The Giant Co. celebrated the achievements of employees March 26 during its annual business meeting, presenting 28 awards recognizing commitment to outstanding performance and leadership while embodying the company’s purpose, values and team and customer promises.
“Each team member and store team recognized this year illustrates their dedication every day to exceeding our customers’ expectations no matter where, when or how they need us,” said John Ruane, president, The Giant Co.
The awards included:
- Store of the Year: In the Mid-Atlantic division, the Giant at 850 East Main St. in Ephrata, Pennyslvania, led by Sherry Beitler; and in the Greater Philadelphia division, the Giant at 173 Holly Road, Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, led by Brenda Brown.
- Category of the Year: In fresh, the bakery team led by Taneya Clark; and the health and beauty care team led by Kerri Quigley.
- Retail Team Member of the Year: In the Mid-Atlantic division, Wendy “Chili” Beckner, deli associate, from the Giant at 455 Eisenhower Drive in Hanover, Pennsylvania; and in the Greater Philadelphia division, Ronnie Bari, produce manager, at the Giant at 141 E. Swedesford Road in Exton, Pennsylvania.
- Distribution Center Team Member of the Year: Steve Simpson, selector.
- Transportation Team Member of the Year: Michael Weaver, driver.
- Support Center Team Members of the Year:
- Commercial – Steve Allison, director of category management;
- Greater Finance – Kyle Taylor, analyst, business intelligence;
- HR – Josh Hudock, human resources business partner;
- Store Support – Justin Hadwin, director of store support; and
- Marketing Team – Robert Welsh, director of brand and creative.
- Living Our Customer Promises Award: Phyllis Smith, customer service specialist.
- Living Our Team Member Promises Award: Morgan Shreiber, director of distribution operations.
- Top Associate Engagement Score: In the Mid-Atlantic division, the Giant at 200 S. Dorcas St. in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and in the Greater Philadelphia division, in a three-way tie, the Giant stores at 300 Lincoln Ave. in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, 2670 Egypt Road in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and the Giant Heirloom Market at 1004 N. 2nd St. in Philadelphia.
- Most Improved Associate Engagement Score: In the Mid-Atlantic division, the Giant at 360 South 2nd St. in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, and in the Greater Philadelphia division, the Giant Heirloom Market at 1004 N. 2nd St. in Philadelphia.
- Top Net Promoter Score: In the Mid-Atlantic division, it was a tie with the Giant at 1241 Blakeslee Blvd. in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, and the Martin’s at 1000 Logan Blvd. in Altoona, Pennsylvania; and in the Greater Philadelphia division, it was also a tie, with the Giant at 200 Town Center in New Britain, Pennsylvania, and the Giant Heirloom Market at 1004 N. 2nd St. in Philadelphia.
- Most Improved Net Promoter Score: The Giant at 3985 Columbia Ave. in Columbia, Pennsylvania, in the Mid-Atlantic Division and the Giant Heirloom Market at 1004 N. 2nd St. in Philadelphia.
- President’s Award: Rebecca Lupfer, chief merchant. This award is The Giant Co.’s highest honor and recognizes an employee who consistently delivers exceptional performance, contributes to the organization’s success , is a role model and brings the company’s purpose to life.
“Rebecca’s handprints and impact can be found across The Giant Co.,” Ruane said. “With her vast experience spanning two-plus decades, it’s no wonder Rebecca is a trusted resource for so many across The Giant Co.
“Yet despite her unmatched level of expertise, she is an avid student on a quest for self-improvement, pushing herself to learn and grow. As noteworthy and numerous as her accomplishments are, it’s how she goes about her work that sets Rebecca apart. She is the kind of leader everyone should be fortunate enough to work for and learn from.”
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