San Diego, CA – Today, the Women Grocers of America (WGA) presented the Woman of the Year Award to Jennifer Graff of Columbiana Foods/Giant Eagle. Graff began her career in the grocery industry when she was 17 as a cashier and currently holds the position of Perishable Director.
“For thirty years, Jennifer has been a tremendous leader in the grocery industry, helping peers and many next generation leaders,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO. “Jennifer’s passion and dedication are evident in everything she does and she exemplifies what this award is all about.”
Graff began her career in the grocery industry 30 years ago as a cashier, eventually making her way to the deli department in 1991. In 1992, she moved to the bakery department and became an expert cake decorator alongside her twin sister Christina. Graff moved to the floral department in 1996 as manager. In 2013, she joined Columbiana Foods executive staff as Perishable Director of Deli, Prepared Foods, In-Store Starbucks, and Floral. In this role, she supervises merchandising, sales, reducing shrink, recruiting, training, and team leader development.
The Woman of the Year Award recipient exemplifies the true characteristics of a leader with passion for the independent grocery industry. Recipients are strategic thinkers, standout representatives within their company or organization, and have the perseverance to face almost any challenge presented to them.
About NGA
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for close to one percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating $131 billion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.
