ARLINGTON, VA — April 16, 2008 — The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) announced today the finalists in the 2008 Store Manager Awards competition. Three grand prize winners will be named at the FMI Show plus MARKETECHNICS® on Monday, May 5, 2008, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
“Successful supermarkets are led by store managers who are committed to customer satisfaction and improving the communities they serve,” said Tim Hammonds, FMI president and CEO. “We are very proud to recognize all of the finalists of the Store Manager Awards for demonstrating outstanding customer service, operational excellence and innovative community service.”
The contest finalists, stores and locations:
| Store Manager | Store or Company Name | Store Location |
| Mark Halvorson | Cub Foods | St. Paul, MN |
| Jeffery Iwamuro | Potash Bros. Market | Chicago, IL |
| Dale Kahn | BI-LO, LLC | Cleveland, TN |
| Bob Kees | Sissonville Foodland | Sissonville, WV |
| Ramiro Marquez | Bashas' | San Luis, AZ |
| Cheryl Rondenelli | Hannaford Bros. Co. | Clinton, NY |
| Mitch Streit | Hy-Vee, Inc. | Columbus, NE |
| Ralph Towery | MarketPlace Foods | Minot, ND |
| Janice Yergeau | Hannaford Bros. Co. | Hooksett, NH |
Supervisors or their associates submitted stories about their store manager that demonstrated how the manager promoted sales growth and customer satisfaction. Entries were judged on originality and creativity, and the person’s impact on growth, customer satisfaction and community service.
The entries are divided into three categories based on company size: retailers with 1-49 stores; retailers with 50-199 stores; and retailers with 200 or more stores.
Store managers in the food, mass merchandise and convenience store industries are eligible to enter after one year of employment at the same store.
All nine finalists, including the three grand prize winners, received two tickets to the FMI Show, three nights of hotel accommodations in Las Vegas and a certificate of achievement. The three grand prize winners will each receive a $1,000 check.
The 2007 grand prize winners were Lewis F. “Bud” Kennedy, Green Hills Farms, Inc., Syracuse, NY; Kenneth Hall, Jr., Schnuck Markets, Inc., East St. Louis, IL; and Don Blair, BI-LO, LLC, Rock Hill, SC.
Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
