Associated Wholesale Grocers unveiled its Excellence Awards winners as part of its 2025 AWG Innovation Showcase and annual shareholders meeting held in March.
Top Excellence Awards recipients were Lou Fox Community Service Award winner Walt Churchill of Walt Churchill’s Market and AWG Store Manager of the Year Award winner Val Schlueter of Homeland, according to a news release.
The Lou Fox Community Service Award is given each year in honor of Lou Fox, general manager and president of AWG from 1955 until 1983. The recipient is an AWG member retailer who displays outstanding leadership and commitment to their community and upholds the values of AWG, the release said.
Churchill is board chairman of Walt Churchill’s Market in Ohio. AWG said he has shown a lifelong dedication to service, both in the grocery industry and his community, as well as through leadership in various civic and charitable organizations.
“Walt Churchill’s unwavering dedication to his community and the grocery industry exemplifies the spirit of the Lou Fox award,” AWG President and CEO Dan Funk said. “His lifelong commitment to service, leadership and philanthropy has made a profound impact, and we are honored to recognize his remarkable contributions.”
The Store Manager of the Year Award is given annually to a store manager or director within the cooperative membership who best demonstrated excellence in leadership and extraordinary store operations, the release said.
“Val Schlueter embodies the dedication and community spirit that we value at AWG," Funk said. "His commitment to customer service and his ability to build strong relationships with both his team and the community make him a deserving recipient of the Store Manager of the Year award."
AWG said Schlueter’s journey from a bagger at Safeway to the general manager of the Homeland store in Norman, Okla., is a testament to his passion for retail and his dedication to his community. Over the past 23 years, Schlueter has transformed his store into a beloved destination for customers, not just for its excellent selection and service but also for the personal connections he fosters with each visitor, the release said. His involvement with the University of Oklahoma and various community events highlights his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the store’s walls, AWG said.
“Val’s leadership and unwavering dedication to his community and team are truly inspiring,” said Tom Dahlen, CEO of HAC Inc., parent company of Homeland grocery stores. “His ability to create a welcoming environment for customers and employees alike sets a high standard for all of us at HAC Inc. We are proud to have Val as part of our team and celebrate his well-deserved recognition as AWG Store Manager of the Year.”
AWG also announced 11 additional award winners in the following categories:
- AWG Brands — El Rancho Supermercado in Oklahoma City, owned by Heritage Grocers Group LLC.
- Bakery — Pete’s Fresh Market in Wheaton, Ill., owned by G.M. Warehouse Inc.
- Center Store — DFW Cash Saver in Dallas, owned by A & S Supermarkets LLC.
- Floral — Phelps Market in Mannford, Okla., owned by Phelps IGA Inc.
- Foodservice — Edwards Food Giant in North Little Rock, Ark., owned by GES Inc.
- Meat — Doc’s Country Mart in Bixby, Okla., owned by Doc’s Food Stores Inc.
- Merchandising event — World Fresh Market in Overland Park, Kan., owned by Mercado LLC.
- Omnichannel — Elden’s Fresh Food in Alexandria, Minn., owned by JTDM Alexandria Market LLC.
- Produce — Pruett’s Foods in Oklahoma City, Okla., owned by Pruett’s Food Inc.
- Seafood — World Fresh Market in Overland Park, Kan., owned by Mercado LLC.
- Health, beauty and wellness; general merchandise; and specialty Foods — Rouses Market in Biloxi, Miss., owned by Rouse’s Enterprises LLC.