In an industry defined by change, Affiliated Foods Inc. in Amarillo, Texas, has spent the last 80 years anchoring independent grocers with a simple promise: integrity, innovation and a shared sense of ownership. This year, that legacy is honored on a larger stage. The Shelby Report of the Southwest has named AFI its Wholesaler of […]
Category: Bonus Content
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, News, Southeast
Russell’s Food Center Marks 90 Years In ‘Heart Of Acadiana’
Russell’s Food Center describes itself as a small family-run business that “continues to thrive in downtown Arnaudville, Louisiana, the heart of Acadiana.” The store, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in September, is owned and operated by the fourth- and fifth-generation descendants of George and Nora Coles, who acquired what was then a dry goods […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Midwest, News
Moose’s Market Owner Enjoys Freedom Of Being An Independent Grocer
For Amy Parnell, being an independent grocer isn’t just a business model – it’s her passion. As owner of Moose’s Market in Higginsville, Missouri, she has spent the past nine years shaping the store on her own terms, guided by lessons learned growing up in the grocery business and her love for serving people. “I […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Anniversary Issues, Associated Grocers, Inc., News, Southeast
With New Leadership Team At Helm, AG Has ‘Same Goal In Mind’
In announcing David Politz’ appointment this spring as president and CEO of Associated Grocers Inc. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Daphne Lamendola, who chairs AG’s board of directors, cited his “unwavering dedication, strategic vision and forward-thinking leadership” that will continue to guide the company toward sustained growth and success. Politz has been with AG since 1985, […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National, News
Leadership: Disruptive Kindness
It’s been an interesting journey since publishing my book on “The 5 Rules” in January of 2024 and speaking and coaching on these rules across many organizations since then. There has been one question that comes up on many occasions that I’d like to expand on for this month’s leadership teaching. But first, just as […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National, News
What Does Future Of Independent Grocery Hold?
Editor’s note: This is the first of a three-part series of articles intended to provide a view of the path to a brighter future for independent grocery as a whole and for independent grocers individually. As president of the Business Service Resource Group, I’ve spent over three decades working directly with family-owned businesses in the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Grocers In Missouri Navigating Uncertainty, Regulation And Market Shifts
Missouri’s grocery retailers are navigating a period of uncertainty shaped by federal trade disputes, state-level legislation, labor shortages and shifting consumer demand. “I would say we’re pretty much like the rest of the country, in that we’re a little nervous,” said Dan Shaul, executive state director of the Missouri Grocers Association. “Everybody wants it to […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Anniversary Issues, Associated Grocers, Inc., News, Southeast
Outgoing EVP: From Get-Go, Associated Grocers Has Been ‘All About Service’
Carl Marks, EVP and chief strategy officer at Associated Grocers, will retire in October, marking the close of 27 years with the company across two distinct tenures. Marks initially joined Associated Grocers in 1988, having started his career in the grocery industry “sort of accidentally” at a small wholesaler in Alexandria, Louisiana, followed by a […]