As some of the most resilient business owners in the country, independent community grocers know they don’t thrive by working in a vacuum. The strength of our industry comes from its robust sense of unity. Few organizations embody that sense better than the National Grocers Association and the California Grocers Association. By bringing independent retailers […]
Category: Bonus Content
Posted inSnacks Brands, Feature, National, News
Hershey Expands Innovation With New Flavors, Formats And Technology
Hershey is keeping its focus on consumer demand with a lineup of new innovations across confections, snacks and better-for-you products. Lindsay McCabe, manager of corporate communications and brand PR for Hershey, recently spoke with The Shelby Report about some new offerings from the company. “One area that we were missing within our confection space was […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Affiliated Foods, Anniversary Issues, News, Southwest
Manufacturing Subsidiaries Fuel AFI Membership’s Success, Growth
At Affiliated Foods Inc. (AFI), a member-owned cooperative headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, the value of community-focused manufacturing is front and center. Noma Burr, the company’s chief financial officer, has seen that impact firsthand since joining the organization in 1996. Burr highlighted how AFI’s manufacturing subsidiaries – which include a bakery, dairy, meat processing plant and […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Affiliated Foods, Anniversary Issues, News, Southwest
Affiliated Foods At 80: Cooperative’s Legacy Remains Rooted In Family
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 […]
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 […]