Amy Niemetscheck, president and CEO of Wisconsin-based Certco Inc., was recently named the first chairwomen of the Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates Board of Directors (ROFDA). “Taking on the role as the first female as chair of ROFDA at the Fall 2025 Conference was a tremendous honor,” Niemetscheck said. “It is a privilege to […]
Category: CERTCO Inc.
Certco’s original name was Central Wisconsin Cooperative Food Stores. They began in 1930 when five retailers in the Madison area joined together to get lower prices through combined purchasing. In 1942, they established a warehouse. Using a downtown garage as their distribution center, we began our venture. In 1956, the company name was changed to Certified Grocer’s CO-OP. In 1962, the distribution center was moved to its current location, and in 1975, the name was changed to Certco, Inc.
Today, Certco services over 200 stores throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa. They have added on to our main distribution center numerous times, installed an HBC/GM and Specialty Foods facility and a new freezer facility. Certco currently has just under 1 million sq. ft. of distribution space with room to grow. They currently distribute over 59,000 items for today’s independent grocery retailer.
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, CERTCO Inc., Midwest, News
Certco Inc. Receives 2026 USA Today Top Workplaces Award
Certco Inc. has been recognized with USA Today‘s 2026 Top Workplaces Award, which honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate. Winners were recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA Today […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, CERTCO Inc., Midwest, News
Certco Inc. Reflects On 95 Years Of Service To MW Independents
It was 1930. The Roaring Twenties had ended, and The Great Depression hit America. Consumers could buy a box of cereal for eight cents and a 10-lb. bag of sugar for 49 cents on a weekly salary of less than $40. That was 95 years ago. It was the year five retailers in the Madison, […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, CERTCO Inc., Midwest, News
Certco Concludes Successful Holiday Food Show
Certco Inc. held its annual fall food show Aug. 12-13 at the Marriott West in Madison, Wisconsin, where member companies were introduced to the newest holiday products during a sports-themed event. The opening ceremonies included recognition of LaVonne Molenda, a longtime employee and food show organizer, who is retiring. Paul Frey, VP of sales for […]
Posted inExecutive News, CERTCO Inc., Marketing News, Midwest, News
Certco Taps Atkins As Director, Retail Advertising, Marketing
Madison, Wisconsin-based Certco Inc. recently tapped Whitney Atkins to direct its retail advertising and marketing team. This is the latest strategic move as Certco Inc. continues expanding its work to grow sales for supplier brands and to increase retailer customer engagement. In June, Justyne Uribe was promoted to EVP of marketing and merchandising. “Whitney brings […]
Posted inAssociation News, CERTCO Inc., National
Niemetscheck Named WGA’s Woman Of The Year
Amy Niemetscheck, president and CEO of Wisconsin-based Certco Inc., is the 2025 recipient of the Women Grocers of America (WGA) Woman of the Year Award. Presented at The NGA Show, the award is given to those who exemplify strong leadership qualities and a passion for the independent grocery industry. Honorees must be female professionals with […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, CERTCO Inc., Midwest
Certco Show Celebrates Impact Of Food On Holidays
The Certco Food Show, held Aug. 13-14 in Madison, Wisconsin, celebrated with the theme of the “Holidays.” It kicked off on the evening of Aug. 13, with dinner and entertainment for a packed house at the John Q. Hammons Marriott Ballroom. The event featured guest speaker Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the National Grocers […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, CERTCO Inc., Executive News, Midwest
Certco Leadership Transitioning As Ryman’s Retirement Nears
Madison, Wisconsin-based Certco Inc. is continuing to evolve its leadership structure and board of directors in anticipation of EVP David Ryman’s retirement in September. Since his retirement announcement last fall, the company has implemented several strategic changes. Paul Frey, promoted to VP of sales and business development in October, assumed responsibility for the sales team. […]