Hy-Vee’s Randy Edeker Named Retailer of the Year by Iowa Grocers

The Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) has named Randy Edeker, chairman of the board, CEO and president of West Des Moines-based Hy-Vee as its IGIA Retailer of the Year. Edeker was nominated for the association’s top honor by his peers for his character, work ethic and commitment to Hy-Vee, its employees and its communities.

“I applaud the committee’s choice in selecting Randy Edeker,” says IGIA President Michelle Hurd. “Randy is a nationally respected leader in the grocery industry. He has positioned Hy-Vee as an innovative provider of groceries and valued community services, and he has a reputation as a progressive thinker who continually drives our industry to new heights.”

Edeker began working for Hy-Vee in 1981 as a part-time employee and became the fourth CEO in the company’s 84-year history in 2012. He also serves as chairman for Topco and Associates and sits on the boards of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the Food Marketing Institute, and the Institute of Character Development.

IGIA also named Dave Spuehler, account manager for Bimbo Bakeries USA, its Volunteer of the Year. Since Spuehler began his career in 1968 at the Colonial Bakery, he has donated his time to IGIA as a committee member, volunteer and sponsor.

“I’m honored to be accepting the IGIA Volunteer of the Year Award,” Spuehler says. “It’s humbling to think of all the outstanding individuals who have won this award before me and that my peers thought me worthy of it.”

Dr Pepper Snapple has been named the association’s 2014 Supplier of the Year for exceptional support of Iowa communities, the industry, the IGIA and its members.