The Minnesota Grocers Association presented its 2026 industry awards and inducted a new Hall of Fame member July 26 at its annual conference in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame inductee Mike Miller was honored for a lifetime of leadership, service and dedication to Minnesota’s grocery industry. Miller began his grocery career as a teenager at Lanning’s Red Owl in Plainview before purchasing his first grocery store in St. Charles at age 23. Over the next 40 years, he built an independent grocery business known for its commitment to its customers and the St. Charles area, mentoring hundreds of young people who got their start in the workforce through his store.
Miller served 18 years on the MGA board of directors after being named Grocer of the Year in 2005. He also devoted decades to civic service in St. Charles, supporting community organizations, local development projects and charitable initiatives. His leadership has been guided by a simple philosophy: to leave his community better than he found it. Miller considers his greatest accomplishments to be his family, the employees he mentored and the impact he made in his hometown. His son, Jon, now operates the family business.
Outstanding Grocer
Mike Oase, chief operating officer of Kowalski’s Companies Inc., received the 2026 Outstanding Grocer Award. Pat Miller of Russ Davis Wholesale was named the 2026 Outstanding Vendor Award winner, and Mike Miller of Miller’s Market was inducted into the MGA Hall of Fame.
The Outstanding Grocer Award recognizes Oase’s 40 years of leadership, service and dedication to Minnesota’s grocery industry. Oase joined Kowalski’s in 1993 and served in a variety of leadership roles before becoming chief operating officer in 2017. During his tenure, he has helped guide the company’s growth while fostering a culture focused on employees, customers and community.
In addition to his work at Kowalski’s, Oase has supported the MGA and numerous community and industry organizations. He has championed initiatives that support local nonprofits, food shelves, workforce development and civic engagement. Oase credits his success to the mentors, colleagues and team members who have supported him throughout his career.
Outstanding Vendor
Pat Miller was recognized for more than two decades of service, industry leadership and commitment to building retail partnerships. He began his career in family-owned grocery stores and spent more than 10 years as a produce manager before joining Russ Davis Wholesale in 2003, where he has become a trusted partner to retailers across the Midwest.
Miller has helped strengthen relationships between retailers and suppliers while contributing to the continued success of Russ Davis Wholesale. He also has dedicated his time to community organizations and charitable initiatives.
The MGA represents the food industry of Minnesota from farm to fork. Celebrating more than 125 years, the association has more than 300 retail, manufacturing and wholesale members supporting almost 1,300 locations statewide. Member companies employ more than 150,000 Minnesotans.
Related: MGA’s 2025 Bag Hunger Campaign Raises 1.9M Meals Statewide