Following the retirement of David Smith in December, Dan Funk has now assumed the role of president and CEO of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG). Smith joined AWG in 2003 and became president and CEO in 2015. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth and success. Smith was instrumental in steering the company through […]
Category: Midwest
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Midwest
Fareway CEO: Customer Experiences, In-Store Interactions Key To Building Trust
by Carol Radice A reputation of offering top-notch customer service is important for most retailers, but for Fareway this the heart of what makes it stand apart. From its famous meat counter with packaged and cut-to-order meats to car carryout service and everything in between, Fareway focuses on making the customer experience a special one. […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Independent Store News, Midwest
Train And Retain – Fareway Investing ‘In Our People’
By Carol Radice Throughout its many years in business, Fareway has worked hard to establish a culture that encourages and motivates employees to do well. One could say, in fact, that being an employee-focused company is a central part of Fareway’s overall store mission. According to Garrett Piklapp, president, Fareway’s people, extensive training programs and […]
Posted inFestival Foods, Independent Store News, Midwest
Festival Foods Hailed As Top Disability-Friendly Employer In WI
Festival Foods has been named a 2023 Top Disability-Friendly Employer in Wisconsin, a first-time honor presented by Disability:IN Wisconsin. “The Top Disability-Friendly Employer in Wisconsin Award is a testament to companies genuinely committed to creating inclusive workplaces where people with disabilities can thrive,” said Judy Quigley, the organization’s executive director. Melissa Van Gheem, senior human […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest, Retailers
Kroger, Soda Health Launch Smart Benefits Program
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., and Soda Health Inc. have launched a Smart Benefits program, combining Kroger Health’s services with Soda Health’s “&more” platform. This program allows participating Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and employer benefits program recipients to receive certain pharmacy, nutrition services and other eligible benefits at The Kroger Co.’s Family […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Home Page Latest News, Midwest
Rooted In Iowa, Fareway Expanding Across Midwest
By Carol Radice Fareway opened its first grocery store in 1938 in Boone, Iowa. While much has changed at this Midwest chain over the past 85 years, many things have remained the same. The leadership team – headed by CEO Reynolds Cramer, who is the fourth generation in his family to run the company – has […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Round Up At Schnucks Raises $230K For Salvation Army
Through its recent 15-day Round Up at the Register campaign, Schnucks Markets and its customers donated $230,000 to The Salvation Army’s annual Tree of Lights campaign. Shoppers had the option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with 100 percent of donations. They gave $212,281 and Schnucks added $17,719. “As they do each […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
UNFI Releases 2023 ‘Better For All’ ESG Report
United Natural Foods Inc. has shared its 13th annual ”Better for All” report, detailing UNFI’s progress on social, environmental and governance (ESG) objectives during the 2023 fiscal year. The ESG report highlights UNFI’s focus on safety, well-being, waste, climate, sourcing and community. It also notes that UNFI’s initiatives can benefit the company’s business performance, resulting […]