FMI Unveils Store Manager Awards Finalists

For the 15th consecutive year, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) has unveiled its slate of Store Manager Award finalists, four of which will be named grand-prize winners on June 11 at the FMI Connect show in Chicago.

Of the 10 finalists, one grand-prize winner will be chosen from each of the four categories:

Category A (1 – 49 Stores)

• Larry Hack, Martin’s Super Markets #16 in Granger, Ind.
• Jeffery Iwamuro, Potash Markets on Clark Street in Chicago
• David Tutorow, Martin’s Super Markets # 17 in Elkhart, Ind.

Category B (50 – 199 Stores)

• Kate Allred, Lowes Foods #161 in Clemmons, N.C.
• Chris Turner, Brookshire Grocery Co. in Ruston, La.
• John Wild, Family Fresh Market - SpartanNash in River Falls, Wis.

Category C (Over 200 Stores)

• Randy Kruse, Ames No. 2 Hy-Vee Inc. in Ames, Iowa
• Dough Malenoski, King Soopers, a division of The Kroger Co., in Littleton, Colo.
• Ray Waldrop, Bi-Lo in Rock Hill, S.C.

Category D (International retailers – companies operating outside North America):

• George Katsifolis, Alfa Beta Kalamata 3, a company of Delhaize Group in Kalamata, Greece

In recognition of store managers' efforts to achieve positive sales growth and customer satisfaction, finalists were judged on the following criteria: leading, mentoring and motivating associates; communicating company goals and store milestones to associates; executing innovative in-store programs and/or special events that improve overall customer service and community relations; and improving the financial performance of the store.

Each finalist will receive two complimentary registrations for FMI Connect and three nights of hotel accommodations in Chicago. The four grand-prize winners will each receive a $1,000 prize and a crystal award. 

Arlington, Va.-based FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion.