Michelle Harrington of Albrecht’s Sentry Market in Delafield has been named the 2026 Grocer of the Year, the Wisconsin grocery industry’s highest honor, by the Wisconsin Grocers Association. She was recognized during the association’s 2026 Awards Banquet on Aug. 18 at the Wilderness Resort Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
The award recognizes a Wisconsin grocer who exemplifies leadership, operational excellence, customer service and commitment to the community. This marks the 53rd year the WGA has presented the award, celebrating the individuals who have helped shape Wisconsin’s grocery industry.
“It is quite an honor, something I never expected. I am truly humbled and grateful,” Harrington said.
Harrington’s grocery roots run deep. Her parents, Jim and Nancy Albrecht, opened the family’s first store in Oconomowoc in 1994. Growing up in the business, Harrington worked in nearly every department, learning all aspects of the operation. She returned to the family business full time in 1999 and now serves as president of Albrecht’s Sentry Market.
“It takes a great team to do what we do every day, and I’m incredibly fortunate to work with an amazing group of people,” Harrington said.
Under Harrington’s leadership, Albrecht’s Sentry Market continues to emphasize quality, customer service and local products. The store carries more than 1,000 Wisconsin Proud products from more than 250 local vendors and supports local schools, youth sports, fundraisers and nonprofit organizations.
Harrington has also been a leader in Wisconsin’s grocery industry, serving as chair of the WGA board of directors from 2022 to 2024.
“I’m thankful for my parents who started the business and taught me everything I know,” Harrington said.
“Michelle represents the very best of independent grocery leadership in Wisconsin,” said Mike Semmann, WGA president and CEO. “Her commitment to her employees, customers, local businesses, and community makes her a deserving recipient of this honor.”
The WGA is a nonprofit trade association established in 1900 to represent independent grocers and grocery chains, warehouses and brokers, vendors, suppliers and manufacturers before all levels of government. It provides educational and networking opportunities, leadership training, public affairs and compliance information for its members.
The association represents almost 350 independent grocers with multiple locations across the state, along with more than 200 retail grocery chain stores, warehouses and distributors, convenience stores, food brokers and suppliers. Wisconsin grocers employ more than 30,000 people with more than $1 billion in payroll and generate more than $12 billion in annual sales in the state, resulting in about $800 million in state sales tax revenue, according to data from The Food Institute.