WASHINGTON, D.C. – Outstanding produce managers representing 21 different supermarket chains, commissaries and independent retail stores in 15 states and Canada will be the honored guests at United Fresh 2012 this May through theUnited Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards Program.
Sponsored by Ready Pac Foods, the awards program is now in its eighth year and is presented through the Foundation’s Center for Leadership Excellence. The awards pay special recognition to those on the front-line in supermarkets working everyday to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“These produce managers have demonstrated the creative energy to make fresh fruits and vegetables shine in their stores. In so many cases, their interactions with consumers influence opinions and purchasing decisions, and have an undeniable impact on our industry,” said Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of United Fresh. “We’re fortunate to have these talented retailers as the face of the fresh produce industry.”
The 2012 winners are:
- Leslie Alex, Hannaford Brothers, Dover, NH
- Ricky Allemand, Brookshire Grocery Company, New Iberia, LA
- John Ballard, Food City/K-VA-T Food Stores, Lafollete, TN
- Phil Burgess, Safeway Stores, Bend, OR
- Brian Burrow, Brookshire Grocery Company, Whitehouse, TX
- Franklin Bys, Hy-Vee, Inc., Coralville, IA
- James Campbell, Sunflower Farmers Market, Denver, CO
- Brian Collegnon, Rueben’s County Market , Hartford, WI
- Ross Corbin Conrad, Colemans Food Centres, Corner Brook, NFL, Canada
- Brian Corbitt, Bel Air Market/Raley’s Family of Fine Stores, Sacramento, CA
- Jolene Cyr, Food Maxx/Save Mart Supermarkets, Fairfield, CA
- Ron Danielson, Raley’s Family of Fine Stores, Woodland, CA
- Chad Faulk, Harris Teeter, Charlotte, NC
- John Heon, Big Y Foods, Lee, MA
- Rich Jackson, Quality Food Centers, Sammamish, WA
- Steve Kaminski, Jewel-Osco, Westmont, IL
- Charmagne Kendrick, VG's Food Center/Spartan Stores, Fenton, MI
- Jim Kestleloot, Harris Teeter, Reston, VA
- Michael Kolek, Jewel-Osco, Schaumburg, IL
- Brian Langdon, The Kroger Company, Cincinnati, OH
- Mike McElmeel, Hy-Vee, Inc., Silvis, IL
- Elizabeth Myers, New River MCAS Commissary, Jacksonville, NC
- Wanda Ivy Nicholas, Travis Air Force Base Commissary, Travis, CA
- Nick Puleo, Vons, San Diego, CA
- George Sanders, Price Chopper/Golub Corporation, Barre, VT
“It is truly inspiring to see these exceptional retail managers making the produce department a highlight of shoppers’ visits,” said Ready Pac’s President and CEO, Michael Solomon. “Ready Pac is proud to once again sponsor this program and offer our congratulations to these hard-working individuals and companies for their tireless promotion of the fresh produce industry!”
The program’s 25 winners were selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by retailers and produce suppliers across the industry. Selections were made based on a number of criteria, including efforts to increase produce consumption through everyday excellence in merchandising, special displays and promotions, community service and commitment to total customer satisfaction.
All winners and their corporate produce directors will be honored at United Fresh 2012 during the Chairman’s Reception & Produce Celebration Dinner, Tuesday, May 1, at the Hyatt Dallas at Reunion in Dallas. In addition to the awards, five Grand Prize recipients will receive an additional $1,000 cash prize.
On the United Fresh 2012 trade show floor, select program winners will take part in a panel discussion of retail strategies and trends, as well as consumer purchasing habits. This special event will be available at www.UnitedFresh.TV.
Applications for the 2013 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program will be available this fall online at www.unitedfresh.org, with winners to be honored at United Fresh 2013. More information on United Fresh 2012 can be found at www.UnitedFresh2012.org.
Founded in 1998, the United Fresh Produce Association Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to meeting the public’s needs for an abundant supply of healthy, safe and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. The Foundation is dedicated to increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to children as a critical step in combating childhood obesity and launching a lifetime of healthy choices. To assist industry members in meeting these goals, the Foundation offers educational programs, leadership development, public outreach, and industry training through four different Centers — Center for Leadership Excellence, Center for Nutrition and Health, Center for Food Safety and Quality, and Center for Global Produce Sustainability. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association Foundation
