FMI, The Food Industry Association, has named finalists for the 2024 Store Manager Awards, spotlighting dedicated and deserving store managers who bring their passion and talents to serve their store, employees and customers.
“I am frequently asked why people should work in the food industry. When I look at our 2024 Store Manager Awards finalists, I see the answer to that question because they demonstrate the powerful link between passion and purpose," FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin said in a news release. "Our finalists offer unique examples of leadership, community service, compassionate customer care and dynamic problem-solving. These store managers are the heart of the food industry and are on a mission to feed the world one community at a time."
FMI says nominations for the Store Manager Awards are submitted by peers and food retail companies to recognize outstanding managers who:
- Generate sales growth.
- Effectively communicate company and store goals and objectives.
- Demonstrate team leadership in their store/company.
- Provide exceptional customer service through in-store programs and improve community relations.
Out of 180 nominees, 12 have been selected as 2024 Store Manager Awards finalists.
Category A (Small retailers — companies with one to 25 stores):
- Kerri Hunsley, PCC Community Market Columbia City.
- Cathy Moloney, Hanover Co-op Food Stores of New Hampshire and Vermont.
- Rea Noyes, Inserra Supermarkets ShopRite of Ramsey.
Category B (Medium retailers — companies with 26-199 stores):
- Amanda Gulley, K-VA-T Food Stores Inc., dba Food City.
- Roman Perez, The Fresh Market Inc.
- Tammy Sluck, Family Fare.
Category C (Large retailers — companies with 200-plus stores):
- Michael Peebles, Brookshire Grocery Co.
- Alex Spurlock, QFC — The Kroger Co.
- Adam Thao, King Soopers — The Kroger Co.
Category D (International retailers — companies operating outside of the U.S.):
- Rita Khijakadze, SPAR Georgia (SPAR International)
- Chris Lawlor, Eurospar Wallace Village
- Manfredo Tabor, SPAR Gourmet "am Fleischmarkt"
People’s Pick competition
Finalists for the Store Manager Awards qualify to be a part of the People's Pick Award contest, according to the release. All finalists will be posted on FMI's website for one week, and the nominee with the most votes by the end of the week wins a trophy and $500 to celebrate their store employees. Voting opens April 29 at 8 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Celebration plans
To show gratitude for this group of outstanding leaders, FMI will host a live award ceremony celebration May 9 at 1 p.m. EST on its YouTube channel.
