Editor’s note: This story is part of the Dakotas Market Profile, which can be found in the February 2018 print edition of The Shelby Report of the Midwest. by Terrie Ellerbee/editor—Midwest and Southwest The Cohn name likely is familiar to some in the Midwest, where Cohn Wholesale once operated 20 stores. The family business, however, began in […]
Category: Market Profile
Georgia Independent’s Own-Recipe Fried Peanut Clusters Spawn A Thriving Second Business
by Lorrie Griffith/editor–Southeast West Foods, an independent grocery store in the rural southwest Georgia town of Edison, has been making and selling fried peanuts to its customers for many years. The store’s owner, John West, who bought the store from his dad, Richard, back earlier in this decade, said the peanuts have always been a […]
New Maine Food Group Executive Director Working To Join Retailers And Producers
by Mike Berger/editor-Northeast Christine Cummings, new executive director of the Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association (MGFPA), will be returning to her position in January after maternity leave. She joined the association in 2017 and was promoted to executive director in June. She is excited about the growth of the association, the rise of Maine […]
Arizona Enjoying Economic Rebound, Business-Friendly Climate
by Lorrie Griffith/editor–West Arizona has rebounded strong economically over the past year, with its unemployment rate down to 4.5 percent vs. 5 percent the prior year and about 80,000 jobs added. Added fuel for optimism is a more business-friendly climate at both the state and federal government levels, Tim McCabe, president of the Arizona Food […]
Farmers Fresh Market Brings Value To Ignacio, Colorado, Community
by Terrie Ellerbee/editor-Southwest There are about 800 residents living in Ignacio, Colorado, a town that can be overshadowed by touristy Durango about 25 miles away. Now, Ignacio is trying to redefine itself. Locals who want to find out what is happening with that effort and give their own input can do so at their local […]
Family-Owned GES Has A Hit With Edwards Cash Saver
by Terrie Ellerbee/editor-Southwest When the ownership of longtime community grocer Knight’s Super Foods in Beebe, Arkansas, changed hands from one family to another early this year, there likely was some apprehension in the community. The Knight family had been very active in Beebe. People knew and trusted them. Paul Rowton was sensitive to those feelings. […]
Oliver’s Market Reaffirms Its Focus On Community With Launch Of ESOP
by Alissa Marchat/staff writer Oliver’s Market, Sonoma County’s largest locally owned and independent grocer, in early June celebrated the sale of 43 percent of the company to employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). The company also registered with the state of California as a social purpose corporation, allowing leadership to consider employees, the […]
Montana Community Comes Together To Build A Desperately Needed Store
by Alissa Marchat/staff writer Lodge Pole, Montana, located within the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, will have its own grocery store for the first time in decades when the Red Paint Creek Trading Post and Pantry, a nonprofit cooperative, opens this summer. Leslie “Josie” Cliff, GM and project manager, told The Shelby Report in late May […]
