IGA, AWG Name Store Manager of the Year

Sheila Austin, manager of Houchens Food Group-owned Buehler’s IGA, Darmstadt, Ind., was named the Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) Store Manager of the Year. Austin, who was selected from more than 3,000 store managers from 30 states, has been in the grocery industry for 45 years. She previously was awarded IGA International Retailer of the Year in 2014.

“Having seen Sheila in action when I visited her store for the 2014 International Retailer of the Year judging, I’m not surprised to once again see her being recognized as among the best of the best in independent retailing,” IGA CEO Mark Batenic said. “Her relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, attention to detail, and dedication to taking care of the communities in which she operates is second to none.”

The AWG Store Manager of the Year was first presented in 2015 and is open to associates of AWG member stores who have managed the same store for at least one year. Store managers are judged on the ability to:

• Generate sales growth and positively impact the overall business
• Go above and beyond in customer service and/or community relations
• Execute innovative in-store programs and/or special events to improve customer service and/or community relations
• Balance people and operations skills
• Execute and achieve goals with the store team
• Lead and/or mentor team members