Food City COO named Tenn. Grocer of the Year
ABINGDON, Va. -- Jessie Lewis, s.v.p. and c.o.o. for Food City, was named Grocer of the Year by the Tennessee Grocers Association during its annual convention held late April.
"Jesse's extensive retail experience and motivational approach make him an invaluable asset to our company," said Steve Smith, president and c.e.o. in a statement. "His tremendous abilities as a merchant, combined with his superior leadership skills, make for a successful combination in any undertaking he attempts. The honor was certainly well-deserved."
Lewis was born and raised on a farm in Jasper County, Mississippi, and began his grocery career in 1958. He joined Red Food Stores, Chatanooga, Tenn., in 1973, where he served as dir. of produce operations, v.p. of store operations, then s.v.p. and e.v.p., and was instrumental in the chain's physical and economic growth.
In 1994, Lewis accepted the position of president of Mid-Mountain Foods, Inc., the procurement and distribution operations for the Food City retail supermarket chain. His background and experience moved him into his current position, as well as president of Misty Mountain Speing Water Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Food City.
The Tennessee Grocers Association is a Nashville-based trade organization representing the interests of the Tennessee food market. It's primary function is to educate and promote the welfare of its business members, which are comprised of retail grocery, convenience, and food industry suppliers throughout the state of Tennessee.
"Jesse's extensive retail experience and motivational approach make him an invaluable asset to our company," said Steve Smith, president and c.e.o. in a statement. "His tremendous abilities as a merchant, combined with his superior leadership skills, make for a successful combination in any undertaking he attempts. The honor was certainly well-deserved."
Lewis was born and raised on a farm in Jasper County, Mississippi, and began his grocery career in 1958. He joined Red Food Stores, Chatanooga, Tenn., in 1973, where he served as dir. of produce operations, v.p. of store operations, then s.v.p. and e.v.p., and was instrumental in the chain's physical and economic growth.
In 1994, Lewis accepted the position of president of Mid-Mountain Foods, Inc., the procurement and distribution operations for the Food City retail supermarket chain. His background and experience moved him into his current position, as well as president of Misty Mountain Speing Water Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Food City.
The Tennessee Grocers Association is a Nashville-based trade organization representing the interests of the Tennessee food market. It's primary function is to educate and promote the welfare of its business members, which are comprised of retail grocery, convenience, and food industry suppliers throughout the state of Tennessee.