MGA Honors Managers, Rep of the Year

The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) presented its 2013 Store Manager of the Year and Sales Representative/Merchandiser of the Year Awards at its annual Industry Connects Luncheon on April 24.

Mark Johnson, manager of Cub Foods/Haug Cos. in Minnetonka, Minn., won the award in the small-chain category, while Ryan Nicholson, manager at Fareway Stores Inc. in Fairmont, was honored in the large-chain category.

Tim Erickson of Reser’s Fine Foods in St. Paul, won the 2013 MGA Sales Representative/Merchandiser of the Year award.

This is the second year the MGA has acknowledged the best of the best in the retail food industry at the store level. Nominations were submitted by the MGA membership, and a judging panel from a cross-representation of industry selected the winners based on their improvement of a store’s operation through the development and execution of new programs, ability to foster employee engagement, commitment to customer service, and effective leadership.

“We are so excited to showcase the efforts and accomplishments of those whose day to day efforts are laying the foundation for a vibrant and thriving industry,” said Jamie Pfuhl, MGA president. “The hard work, creativity, and dedication of these winners are exactly what make our industry great.”

The St. Paul-based Minnesota Grocers Association represents more than 200 retail members with nearly 1,100 stores statewide, as well as approximately 100 manufacturers and distributors.