Ohio Grocers’ Jackson Wins IGA Prize

Thomas S. Jackson, president and CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association, has been presented with IGA’s J. Frank Grimes Award, given in recognition of outstanding service to the organization.

IGA CEO Mark Batenic presented Jackson with the award – which commemorates the principles and passion of IGA’s founder – during the recent IGA Global Rally.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Tom for more than 20 years, and in all that time he has always been a champion for IGA,” Batenic said. “His devotion to IGA’s Ohio-based independent retailers, and the wholesalers who support them, is legendary, and it’s no coincidence that for many years now, Ohio has had significantly more IGAs than any other state.”

On April 2, Jackson was inducted into the Ohio Grocers Hall of Fame at the OGA’s annual Trade Relations Gala, during a ceremony officiated by OGA Chairman, Leo Braido of Riesbeck Food Markets Inc. “We are pleased and proud to add Tom to this prestigious group of Ohioans,” Braido said.

Started in 2000, the Ohio Grocers Hall of Fame is OGA’s highest honor, reserved for individuals who have displayed exceptional expertise in the areas of business success, industry service, community service, industry participation and other lifetime achievements.

Founded in 1899, the Ohio Grocers Association advocates for issues relating to the grocery business, which allows for promotion and enhancement of the food industry.