A Decade of Stargazing

Recognize, inspire, motivate and celebrate: These four words served as the kindling to spark the first-year flame of Top Women in Grocery — commonly referred to as TWIG — for which we are proud to spotlight 10 brilliant years of recognizing star performers who are making their mark in the once-impassable male-dominated grocery industry.

When we first decided to launch TWIG a decade ago, our compass was hazy and we were uncertain on several points: How would TWIG be received in the market? Would women in the grocery industry welcome the acknowledgment? Would the trade support our foundational mission to recognize and celebrate extraordinary women from all facets of the industry who go above and beyond their job descriptions? And, perhaps most importantly, could TWIG stand the test of time?

While our uncertainties were valid, we forged ahead, guided by the conviction that what was patently clear — that women were vastly underrepresented on all rungs of the grocery career ladder — was far more important.

And here we are, 10 years prouder, wiser and more profoundly fulfilled, knowing that the flare we sent up in 2007 has splendidly ignited to illuminate the advantageous role empowered women play in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing industry. To that end, we are committed to continuing to recognize the important strides women are making with a dedicated program that not only celebrates the stellar excellence that surrounds us, but also provides future female leaders with an inspiring launch pad to keep aiming for the stars.

In keeping with the resplendent evolution of Top Women in Grocery, this year’s honorees are invited to join us at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Nov. 10, to network, share, learn, relax and collaboratively celebrate their extraordinary achievements at our 10th-anniversary gala and learning sojourn. While our recent events have been magnificent, plans are well underway to present a star-studded soirée unlike any other, with new highlights and special surprises that promise to make our 2016 event the best ever.

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In the pantheon of inspirational “women wisdom,” perhaps none is more apropos for our TWIGs than the memorable quote from past First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who asserted, “A woman is like a tea bag — you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”

With this in mind, we’re thrilled that Robin Gerber, author of the best-selling book “Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way,” will serve as the keynote speaker to kick off our daytime leadership development program on Nov. 10. Detailing the valuable leadership lessons of Mrs. Roosevelt, Gerber will share the values, tactics and beliefs that enabled one of the most admired women of the 20th century to bring about tremendous change not only in herself, but also around the globe, while offering an inspiring road map to heroic living and an unparalleled model for personal achievement.

You’ll be hearing much more information about our 2016 event in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we encourage you to gaze carefully at the constellation of shining stars featured in our June issue, whose substantial contributions and incredible accomplishments are moving their businesses — and our entire industry — in uncharted directions.

The sky’s the limit, ladies. Shine on!