MDA’s Sorensen Named Woman of the Year

The Women Grocers of America (WGA) presented its Woman of the Year Award to Cindy Sorensen, of the Midwest Dairy Association (MDA), during the Creative Choice Awards Super Breakfast Session at this week’s National Grocers Association (NGA) show in Las Vegas..

Sorensen is SVP of business development for the St. Paul, Minn.-based regional dairy group. “Throughout her tenure in the food industry, Cindy has proven herself to be a steadfast leader, often lending her time to mentor others," said Lorelei Mottese, WGA chairwoman. "WGA is proud to present this award to someone who has had such positive impacts on her organization and the industry."

Woman of the Year Award recipients must “exemplify the true characteristics of a leader with passion for the independent grocery industry,” WGA explained. “Recipients are strategic thinkers, standout representatives within their company or organization, and have the perseverance to face almost any challenge presented to them.”

The award was presented during NGA’s annual show, which boasted its largest retailer and wholesaler attendance level in the trade group’s history.

More than 3,400 independent supermarket operators, wholesalers, food industry service suppliers and manufacturers attended the conference, which took place Feb. 12-15 at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

“The size and energy of this year’s Show is reflective of the ingenuity and enthusiasm that is currently taking place in the independent supermarket industry, and I hope it has left attendees feeling rejuvenated and ready to take marketplace shifts and challenges head-on,” said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO of Arlington, Va.-based.

Progressive Grocer editors Meg Major and Katie Martin attended the show and submitted live reports throughout the week, as well as presenting PG's Outstanding Independents Awards.

The 2018 NGA Show will once again be held in conjunction with the IGA Rally, Feb.11-14, 2018, at the Mirage in Las Vegas.

NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry.