Wesson Kingma, Fareway’s regional supervisor, has been named the 2025 Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) Volunteer of the Year, recognized for his commitment to service, leadership and community involvement across the state. Kingma’s journey with the Johnston, Iowa-based retailer began at age 16 when he started as a courtesy clerk at the store in Pella. […]
Category: Midwest
Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Midwest, News
Fareway Shares Leadership Transitions, Promotes 2 Executives
Fareway has shared several leadership transitions, as well as the promotion of two employees to officer roles. The personnel moves come as the company honors the retirements of executives who made lasting contributions to Fareway’s legacy. Mark DeYoung has been promoted to VP of retail construction and maintenance, while Roger Wirtz has been promoted to […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
DCEO Official Discusses Illinois Grocery Initiative’s Efforts To Strengthen Food Systems
As Illinois continues its efforts to ensure every resident has access to fresh, affordable food, the Illinois Grocery Initiative is leading the way in revitalizing communities and combating food insecurity statewide. Established in 2023, the program takes a multipronged approach to addressing food deserts – areas where residents face barriers to accessing fresh groceries – […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Midwest, News
Fareway Opens First Full-Service Meat, Grocery Store in KS
Fareway Meat & Grocery recently held a grand opening for its first full-service meat and grocery store in Kansas – a 21,000 square foot location at 15790 State Ave. in Basehor, Kansas. “We are thrilled to open our doors in Basehor and continue growing in the great state of Kansas,” said Fareway CEO Reynolds Cramer. “This […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Meijer Names Six Employees 2025 Legacy Award Recipients
Meijer has named the winners of its 2025 Legacy Awards, the retailer’s highest internal honors recognizing employees who demonstrate exceptional leadership and community service. The awards comprise the Fred Meijer Award, given annually to one person, and the Earl Holton President’s Award, which recognizes up to five employees. Toledo Market Director Randy Lewis received the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Grocers Face Headwinds Amid Economic Uncertainty In Illinois
The Illinois economy may be “chugging along a little bit,” but uncertainty remains high – and retailers, especially grocers, are feeling the strain. “I think I would call it shaky, but we’re certainly not in a recession,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “But as it relates to retail, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News, Sustainability News
Meijer Marks 90th Anniversary With Corporate Impact Report
Meijer surpassed its 2025 carbon emissions target a year ahead of schedule, according to the retailer’s latest Corporate Impact Report released to mark the company’s 90th anniversary. The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based chain achieved a 57 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2018 levels, exceeding its original 50 percent goal. […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG Best Choice Wins Big During PLMA Salute To Excellence Awards
Best Choice, the flagship private brand of Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), received four 2025 Salute to Excellence Awards from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA). The awards, which recognize innovation and quality in private label products, were announced Nov. 16-18 during PLMA’s 2025 Private Label Trade Show in Chicago. The four items are: Best Choice […]