2014 Top Women in Grocery Gala Draws Record Crowd

More than 200 of Progressive Grocer’s 2014 Top Women in Grocery winners converged in November at Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, in Rosemont, Ill., to accept engraved awards before a record crowd of nearly 500 industry luminaries, special guests and family members, all of whom came out to support and celebrate with the event’s guests of honor.

Janel S. Haugarth, Supervalu’s EVP and president of independent business and supply chain services, was honored with the distinguished Trailblazer Award, which recognizes a single food industry executive whose leadership, vision and influence have had profound influences on blazing new trails for women in the retail food industry

For the second year, the event featured an afternoon learning, networking and leadership development program designed to foster and enhance the success and professional growth of its honored guests, who also had an opportunity to book personalized hair and makeup appointments in Procter & Gamble’s Innovation Studio. FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin presided during the awards presentation ceremony, while Deanie Elsner, EVP and chief marketing officer for Kraft Foods Group, provided an inspirational keynote message to Top Women in Grocery winners on behalf of the event’s platinum sponsor, whose products were prominently featured during the sit-down dinner.

Guests were also treated to a scrumptious after-dinner dessert party presented by The Hershey Co.

Top Women in Grocery guests were treated to personalized hair and makeup appointments in Procter & Gamble’s Innovation Studio, which was staffed by professional stylists and makeup artists. Guests were also able to relax, refresh and network in the sleek, comfortable space after the workshops and before the gala dinner.