AMARILLO, Texas – Fernando Noriega, general manager of United Supermarkets’ 45th and Bell location in Amarillo, yesterday received the Food Marketing Institute’s 14th annual Store Manager of the Year Award for Category B, for supermarket chains with 50 to 199 stores. Four grand prize winners were selected among 10 category finalists and recognized for their work in store operations, leadership and community involvement.
“We couldn’t be more proud to call Fernando one of our own and congratulate him as he is honored for his hard work and dedication to the overall success and well-being of our company,” said Robert Taylor, CEO of United Supermarkets, LLC. “He is an inspiration to everyone on our team. From our high school age team members to executive leadership, Fernando leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets and encourages them to reach their full potential.”
Noriega was recognized for his dedication and service to United Supermarkets, his associates and the community during his 17-year tenure, including 12 as a store manager. He currently leads a 300-member team at one of the company’s highest-volume stores, which recently became the first 24-hour United location in Amarillo. During his tenure, the store – located at one of the busiest intersections of the city – has consistently delivered a superior financial performance while team members at the location have been mentored, trained and motivated to strive for success at the highest level.
Noriega’s store enjoyed a double-digit increase in profitability during the company’s most recent fiscal year, and its annual return on investment is above the industry average. His location also ranks within the company’s top tier for guest satisfaction surveys and United’s mystery shopper program.
Noriega not only is a leader within the company, he believes in leading within his community as well. He has served on the board of the High Plains Food Bank in Amarillo, chaired United Way Day of Caring and served as a volunteer for 10 years for March of Dimes, including the past three as chairman of the March of Dimes Walk. During that time, the organization raised $1.2 million.
When participating in corporate fund raisers, Noriega’s team has led the company for the past three years. His location also has an active UCrew (in-store team that regularly participates in community volunteerism), which was recognized for its achievements in 2012 as the company’s UCrew of the year.
“The members of our management team are all leaders in their respective communities, and Fernando is a shining example for that group,” Taylor added.
Award recipients were selected based on stories submitted from their supervisors or store associates, and evaluated based on the person’s impact on employee development, sales growth, customer satisfaction and community service. All grand prize winners were presented with a $1,000 check and crystal award during an award ceremony at FMI’s Future Connect leadership conference April 30 in Orlando.
“The outstanding pool of store manager nominations showcases the diversity and passion of food retail managers,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. “In an industry that caters to the unique needs of the customer, nothing is more important than strong, nimble leaders who champion innovation within their stores and support local community concerns.”
A graduate of Leadership Amarillo, Noriega and his wife, Vanessa, have three sons: Matthew, Ayden and Jonathan.
About United Supermarkets
Now in its 97th year of operation, United Supermarkets, LLC, is a Texas-based, family-owned grocery chain with stores in 30 markets across north and west Texas. A self-distributing company with its headquarters in Lubbock and distribution centers in Lubbock and Roanoke, United currently operates 52 stores under four distinct formats: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos and United Express.
Source: United Supermarkets
