Michigan Names Leppink’s Food Centers Outstanding Retailer

Michigan Grocers Association (MGA) has named Leppink’s Food Centers and Star Truck Rentals its 2016 Al Kessel Outstanding Achievement Award winners.

“Both the Leppink and the Star Truck families have made significant contributions to Michigan’s food industry,” said Linda Gobler, president/CEO of Lansing-based MGA. “They are active in the association and have earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers throughout the state and beyond. The awards are well-deserved recognition.”

Leppink’s, which was named the 2016 Outstanding Retailer, is a fourth-generation family-owned business with five locations in western Michigan, and has been business for 88 years. John Leppink and his brother-in-law Rich Cole own three locations, while cousin Ransom Leppink owns the other two. Each store is designed to fit its local community but offers the same promise: high-quality food at competitive prices. Leppink’s also operates 11 Save-A-Lot stores and a Do It Best hardware store.

Leppink’s was nominated by H.T. Hackney and SpartanNash for its “true passion for the grocery industry, servant leadership, a climate for employee longevity, trustworthiness and more.”

Nominated by Lipari Foods, Star Truck Rentals was named 2016 Outstanding Business Partner. Grand Rapids-based Star enjoys a business relationship with many of MGA’s members, including Arctic Glacier, Cherry Capital Foods, Country Fresh/Dean Foods, H.T. Hackney, Lipari, Mondelez International, Prairie Farms and Superior Foods.

The awards honor former MGA director Al Kessel, who founded Kessel Food Markets, and winners are selected by a 12-member MGA committee. The awards will be presented at the MGA Fall Conference, scheduled for Sept. 18 at Boyne Highlands Resort, in Harbor Springs, Mich.