Fareway CEO Named Iowa Retailer of the Year

The Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) has named Fareway Stores Inc. CEO Reynolds W. Cramer its 2016 Retailer of the Year.

Cramer career with Fareway began in its headquarters of Boone, Iowa, at the age of 16. After high school, he worked at the Decorah Fareway while attending college. After graduating in 1991, he rose through the ranks at the company, becoming a store manager in 1997 and a district supervisor in 2000. In 2009, Cramer joined Fareway’s board of directors and a year later was promoted to regional VP. In 2012, he became EVP in charge of all retail operations, and in February 2014, he was elected CEO of the company.

During his tenure with Fareway, Cramer also sat on the real estate committee and has played a key role in selecting of new store sites throughout the grocer’s Midwest footprint. The company currently operates more than 100 stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota.

“Reynolds has been a leader and visionary for Fareway,” noted IGIA President Michelle Hurd. “His dedication and commitment to the industry and to Iowa make him a great choice for IGIA’s Retailer of the Year award. Fareway has been a vital part of our association since its inception, and Reynold’s leadership on numerous committees has been vital to the strength of our organization.”

A member of the Iowa Business Council, Cramer also supports various charitable organizations in the state, aiding such causes as children’s health and animal rescue.

The IGIA Retailer of the Year is chosen by a committee that reviews peer nominations and makes its final selection based on the nominee’s character, qualifications and contributions to the grocery industry.