Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) has elected Joe Polizzi to its board of directors.
Polizzi fills a seat previously held by Jim Brown, owner of Doc’s Food Stores, who served on AWG’s board for 24 years.
“Joe is an excellent addition to the board,” said Barry Queen, chairman of the board of AWG.
“His leadership within his company and his service across multiple industry and community organizations reflect the values and commitment that are central to our cooperative. We look forward to his contributions.”
Polizzi serves as president and CEO of Town and Country Supermarket Inc., a family‑owned company operated by the Gott family since 1962. Town and Country operates 28 grocery stores across south‑central Missouri and northern Arkansas, along with four ACE Hardware stores. The company’s home office is in Salem, Missouri.
Polizzi practiced law before joining the family business in 2011 as VP and general counsel, at the request of his late father‑in‑law, Dennis Gott. He succeeded Gott as president and CEO following Gott’s unexpected passing in 2016.
“Joe brings a unique combination of strategic insight, operational leadership and a deep understanding of independent retail grocers,” said Dan Funk, AWG president and CEO. “We are deeply grateful to Jim for his dedication to the cooperative. His leadership and insight will have a lasting impact on AWG and its members.”
Polizzi serves on the boards of Town and Country Supermarket (chairman), Town and Country Bank, National Grocers Association, Missouri Grocers Association (chairman), Harris Baking Company, Phelps Health Charitable Foundation, Phelps County Community Foundation, Rolla Board of Public Works and Rolla Knights Soccer Club.
“I am delighted to join the AWG Board of Directors,” Polizzi said. “I hope that my perspective will contribute to the ongoing innovation and growth of the cooperative.”
About AWG
AWG is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently-owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from nine wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2025 were $12.2 billion.