LANSING, MI — Michigan Grocers Association (MGA) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors elected the following officers on March 4.
“These leaders bring to MGA great experience, energy, and the utmost dedication to the food industry,” says MGA President & CEO Linda M. Gobler. “This diverse and talented group will enable the Association to continue to advance the success of the industry.”
. Dave Duthler, Duthler’s Family Foods, Grand Rapids, MI, was elected MGA Board Chairman. Duthler is president of Duthler’s Family Foods, a 24-year-old family-owned company with three locations in the Grand Rapids area. Dave grew up in the grocery business, with his grandfather starting Ben Duthler’s Supermarket in Grand Rapids in 1939. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College and a master’s from the University of Michigan. He and his wife, Shari, have four children.
. Mike Schiffli, SUPERVALU – Northern Region, Fort Wayne, IN, was elected Board Vice Chairman. Schiffli is the Area Marketing Director for SUPERVALU’s Northern Region. SUPERVALU and its 35,000 employees serve customers across the U.S. through a network of approximately 3,420 stores composed of 1,900 stores serviced primarily by the company's food distribution business, 191 traditional retail stores, and 1,334 hard-discount stores. Schiffli majored in food sales and distribution at Purdue University. He and his wife, April, have three sons.
. Gary Gerlach, Orchard Markets, Spring Lake, MI, was elected Board Secretary. Gerlach owns two Orchard Markets; the independently owned hometown supermarkets are located in Spring Lake and Fruitport. He has previous grocery experience with Roundy’s and Spartan Stores. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. He and his wife, Cindy, have two sons.
. Jim Gohsman, SpartanNash, Grand Rapids, MI, was elected Board Treasurer. Gohsman is Vice President of Sales for SpartanNash’s Great Lakes Region. SpartanNash currently operates 177 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets, No Frills, Bag 'n Save and Econofoods. Gohsman has 35-plus years experience in the food industry. He and his wife, Karen, have three daughters.
. DJ Oleson, vice president of Oleson’s Food Stores, Traverse City, MI, is Past Chairman of the MGA Board. The family-owned Oleson’s Food Stores has five locations in the Traverse City area. Having joined MGA in 1934, Oleson’s has the distinction of being MGA’s oldest member. DJ is also a part-time buffalo rancher. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University. He and his wife, Lisa, have four children.
. Linda M. Gobler, president, Michigan Grocers Association. Gobler has served as the chief staff executive for the past 27 years. Gobler has spent 29 years with the Association; she has been recognized many times for her knowledge, ability to get things done, passion for the industry, and more. She is a Michigan State University graduate, married to Dennis Shornack.
Recognized as the leading advocate for eat-at-home food businesses in Michigan, the 116-year old Michigan Grocers Association includes hundreds of retail locations from Detroit to DeTour, Niles to Newberry, and Grand Rapids to Grand Marais. The Association’s diverse retail membership is made up conventional supermarkets and grocery stores, supercenters, gourmet stores, limited assortment stores, convenience stores, drug, and pet food stores. MGA’s Associate Membership includes manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, sales agents, equipment companies, and professional service providers of all types.
Source: Michigan Grocers Association (MGA)
