The National Grocers Association Foundation presented its inaugural Catalyst for Independence Award to Rudy Dory, executive chairman of Newport Avenue Market in Bend, Oregon, during the 2026 NGA Executive Conference in Chicago.
The award recognizes leaders within NGA member companies who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to mentoring, empowering and developing the next generation of independent grocery leaders. Dory was selected for his dedication to developing emerging leaders, advancing employee ownership and strengthening the future of the independent grocery industry.
Succession investment
Dory has spent more than 50 years in the grocery industry, beginning his career by building the first grocery store in La Pine, Oregon, from the ground up. He later helped guide Newport Avenue Market through its evolution into an employee-owned specialty grocery store.
“The future of independent grocery depends on leaders who are willing to invest in the next generation,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO. “Rudy Dory has spent more than five decades building a successful grocery business, but his greatest contribution may be the opportunities he has created for others to lead.”
A defining part of Dory’s legacy has been his investment in succession. By sharing ownership of the business with his daughter, Lauren G.D. Redman, he gave her the responsibility and opportunity to grow into a leadership role. Under her leadership, Rudy’s Markets grew from $20 million to more than $50 million in sales, expanded from one location to four and increased its workforce from 50 to 180 employees.
“A strong independent grocery industry depends on leaders who create pathways for the next generation to succeed, ensuring that independent businesses can continue to grow, serve their communities and remain independently owned for years to come,” said Chelsea Matzen, NGA Foundation VP. “Rudy Dory embodies the spirit of this award, and we are proud to honor him as its inaugural recipient.”
NGAF offers tools to help operators
The award was established as part of the NGA Foundation’s commitment to preserving independence for generations to come. The foundation, the charitable arm of NGA, invests in the independent grocery industry’s people and operations through programming that includes student outreach, leadership development, support for women in the industry, frontline worker training and succession planning.
NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers of the independent sector, which generates more than $250 billion in sales and 1.1 million jobs.