Certified Federal Credit Union CEO Steve Weakley is one to give credit where credit is due (no pun intended). He continues to recount the contributions of Donna Simpson, the late EVP and COO of Certified Federal Credit Union who passed away last August following a cycling accident in Idaho. She was like family to Weakley, […]
Category: Food Industry Hall of Fame
The Food Industry Hall of Fame was established to recognize men and women across the U.S. food industry who have provided leadership and fostered innovation over their careers.
These executives also have earned the respect of their industry peers for their dedication and the example they set, not only for those in their own companies but people across the industry’s many facets. Their families and communities also typically are beneficiaries of these executives’ time and attention, making them even more worthy of Food Industry Hall of Fame induction.
In these stories, the honorees’ work history and affiliations are chronicled along with their achievements and contributions to the industry.
Inductees prior to 2013 can be found here.
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, News, West
Weakley: CFCU Goal Is To Serve All Of California
Certified Federal Credit Union (CFCU) has grown by virtue of mergers over the years, typically when another credit union has sought them out. Along the way, CFCU added Auto Club Credit Union in Costa Mesa; Metropolitan Water District Credit Union, representing employees that supply water for Southern California; and just last year, Prospectors Federal Credit […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, Executive News, News, West
For CFCU CEO Weakley, ‘Real Success’ Lies In Helping Others
Steve Weakley had his first job in the grocery industry when he was 18, just before entering college. That was at Certified Grocers, unloading boxcars. After college, roles at Albertsons and Vons followed before he was able to merge two of his loves – grocery and numbers – with a role at the credit union […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, U.R.M. Stores, West
Culture Of URM Stores Inc. Built On Communication, Fairness, Respect
Having weathered challenging work environments in his career, Ray Sprinkle, CEO and president of URM Stores Inc., was determined to create a different kind of workplace when he joined the Spokane, Washington-based company – one characterized by positivity and support. Instead of micromanaging, Sprinkle prefers a hands-off approach, focusing on hiring highly qualified people, trusting […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, Executive News, West, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Sprinkle Hailed For Visionary Leadership, Strong Commitment To Mentorship
When he was 14, Ray Sprinkle was hired to sort soda bottles in the back of the grocery store his father ran in Kansas. Sprinkle didn’t know it at the time, but he would go on to spend the bulk of his 50-plus-year professional career – and make a name for himself – in that […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, Executive News, West
Superior Grocers CEO Wardwell Hailed For Exceptional Leadership, Dedication
There are words that come up frequently when people talk about Richard Wardwell, president and CEO of Superior Grocers. Driven. Intense. Hands-on. Aware. Friendly. Funny. Tireless. Good-hearted. Humble. Competitive. He doesn’t sleep much and works six 15ish-hour days a week, which would make most people unable to be any of those things. When he’s not […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, Coborn's, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Upper Midwest AWG Division Providing Opportunities For Growth
AWG’s Upper Midwest division opened in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in 2022. It is comprised of two facilities – a 300,000-square-foot dry facility and a state-of-the-art, 330,000-square-foot fresh/frozen facility. Emile Breaux, SVP, chief sales and support officer for AWG, said the expansion into the new geography just made sense. “We knew that there were a number […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, Midwest
Strong Executive Team Ready To Lead AWG To Future Success
When AWG President and CEO David Smith retires at the end of the year, his successor will step into the leadership role well prepared to steer the company into the future. Dan Funk, incoming president, has been working with Smith for several months preparing for the transition. Even before being named as Smith’s successor, the […]