Member Events Archive
TASU
T. A. Solberg Co., Inc., held their sixth annual TASU (T. A. Solberg University) on April 10 and 11, 2012, at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau.
The theme this year was Minute to Win It. Ninety-seven vendors joined the event for guest speaker, Kevin Coupe. Over 120 TAS associates were in attendance.
The Vendor of the Year this year was the Kemps team, L-R: Alan Alden, Greg Kurr, Dan Williamson, Keith Zuehlke, Steve Vredeveld, Tom Hall, Lee Guenther.
Our Servant Leaders of the Year (left to right) are:
- Alan Alden (Director of Retail Operations),
- Jim Schickert (Store Director Stevens Point),
- Jan Taylor (Servant Leader of the Year – Minocqua),
- Erin Mueller (SLY – Stevens Point),
- Tom Chandler (Store Director Minocqua),
- Steve Heise (Store Director Rhinelander),
- Jim Perry (SLY – Rhinelander),
- Terry Tryggeseth (Store Director Eagle River),
- Mary McClain (SLY Eagle River),
- Bill Zeck (SLY Wausau),
- Tim Plevak (Store Director Wausau), and
- Lee Guenther (President/CEO).
Included in TAS University were a number of in-house and featured speakers. The WGA's BRANDON SCHOLZ updated the group on the 2011-12 legislative successes the association achieved for members and gave a snapshot of the upcoming election schedule in Wisconsin. Highlighting the morning presentation was MorningNewsBeat Content Guy KEVIN COUPE talking change and lessons learned from the book, The Big Picture, that he co-authored with MICHAEL SANSOLO. (Ed Note: required reading in the grocery biz). CLAUDIA SUTHERLAND'S remarks focused on "When the Mood is Food."
We held the awards dinner on Tuesday evening and presented our Servant Leader of the Year awards as well as some fantastic door prizes. It was once again motivational, inspirational and educational!
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On the Exchange Celebrating the IPO Launch, the Roundy's Supermarket team lead by CEO BOB MARIANO rang the opening bell at the NYSE.
AF hall entry showcased wedding cakes from Rich's. Rich's is also distributed through Valley Bakers.
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Sendik's delivers record donation to MACC Fund
Donation crests $100,000 mark in fourth year
With record-breaking support from its associates and generous customers, Sendik's Food Markets presented the MACC Fund with a donation of $107,300 Tuesday night. The funds were raised during the months of November, December and January, and were presented to John Cary, executive director of the charity, and his wife Mary, during Sendik's annual leadership meeting.
The record check brings the four-year total from Sendik’s to benefit the MACC Fund to $309,000. Last year’s program raised $80,000, compared to $62,000 in 2009 and $59,000 in 2008. Balistreri-owned-and-operated Sendik's Food Markets collected the donation using a variety of in-store activities:
- MACC*Stars: Sendik's sold more than 2,500 TODAY'S TMJ4 MACC*Stars, this year designed by 10-year old Jack Bartosz of Hartland who is bravely battling a rare form of cancer
- Sendik’s Real Food Magazine: 100% of proceeds from sale benefited the MACC Fund
- Candy Canes: The holiday candies were sold for $1 each, 100% of which was donated
- Select Grocery Items: In-store signage alerted customers that the purchase of select grocery items meant a portion of the proceeds were donated to the MACC Fund.
“We couldn't do any of this without our customers and associates,” said Nick Balistreri, who owns Sendik’s, along with brothers Ted and Patrick, and sister, Margaret Harris. “Their support has allowed us to increase our donation each of the years we've partnered with the MACC Fund. There are still far too many children in our community battling cancer, and we're proud to help the charity in its mission to fight this disease.”
Shopping Spree
Led by DEREK BURNSTAD, a merry band of shoppers spent $13,000 in 60 minutes buying toys from the Mattel Toy Distribution Center to be distributed later in the day to customers at Burnstad's Markets in Tomah, Black River Falls and Richland Center. Event sponsors included Klements Sausage Company, 7up Bottling Company, Old Dutch, Pan O Gold Baking Company, Preferred Distributors and Magnum Broadcasting. $30,000 has been raised over the past 3 years touching over 450 families during a very rough/tight time of the year.
Derek said, "What an honor it has been to keep this foundation alive and growing the past 3 years. This was an event that we all started 3 years ago with hopes to purchase a couple bag full's of toys each year and hand deliver them to area food banks, shelters, etc. It has now grown to a van load valued at $13,000 annually. Truly remarkable - my hat goes off to everyone that has played a role in helping Burnstad's Market grow this event."
Click here to download an MP3 (audio) file to hear the radio spot.
Gordy’s County Market Repeats with Main Street Award
The Gordy’s County Market team has done it again! They brought home the Main Street Award for “Best Float by a Downtown Business” in the Chippewa Falls Bridge to Wonderland Parade which was held on a snowy and beautiful Saturday night in early December.
The theme for this year was “Irvine Park During Christmas” so the Gordy’s marketing team decided it would put together a Gingerbread House. With the help of the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, a miniature Gingerbread House was brought to life, decorated, and showcased to more than 5,000 people who came to watch the parade. Congratulations on a job well done!
A Community "thank you"
Long known for his interest and contributions to the community of Rio, MARK WATTERS, owner of Mark's Market, was surprised with a "gift" from his friends and neighbors, in appreciation for everything he has done over the years for the local schools, churches and the elderly. Click here to see the full story.
Fresh Madison Market
Fresh Is Mobile Progressive Grocer reports that Fresh Madison Market, in partnership with Meriter Health Services and Physicians Plus, revealed plans for its "Freshmobile," a mobile grocery store on wheels that will be stocked with healthy food choices including fresh produce and other grocery items. The Freshmobile will travel throughout Dane County to serve neighborhoods that do not have access to fresh food or a supermarket within walking distance, also known as "food deserts." The inside of the 34-foot trailer will be set up like a mini grocery store with shelves stocked with 200+ essential grocery fare: dairy, boxed grocery items and a huge selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Bringing healthy food choices to lower income neighborhoods has been a longtime goal of JEFF MAURER, owner of Fresh Madison Market in Madison based on his work with the local Boys and Girls Club and other organizations. "The thing that really concerns me is that there are a lot of fast-food choices in these areas but really none that offer fresh produce and vegetables. I want to change that with the Freshmobile and bring healthy choices to these communities in a convenient and affordable way," said Maurer.
Festival Foods Open House
LaCrosse, Wisconsin
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| Mark Skogen | Dave Skogen |
Here We Grow Again The Skogen family celebrated opening their 16th location in the Village Market Center in La Crosse on Thursday evening and officially opened for business on 11/11/11. DAVE SKOGEN celebrated his 55th anniversary with the company and recognized his father for making the decision to go into the grocery business. MARK SKOGEN recognized a great new team which includes 170 previous Quillin Foods employees at this location. PHIL QUILLIN welcomed Festival Foods to the Village Center. KEN KRAMER, TCI Architechts, Engineers, Contractors Inc. was recognized for a great job well done on the project.
Click here for more photos on Facebook.
Sendik's Open House
Grocers of the Years
A Perfect 10 Sendik's Food Market opened in West Bend with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and store opening. Part of the Balistreri owned and operated - "Red Bag" - Sendik's Food Markets, this is the tenth location for the group owned and operated by brothers NICK, PATRICK and TED BALISTRERI and sister MARGARET HARRIS. "We look forward to being a partner in the community and providing the best grocery shopping experience, period," said Nick Balistreri. The store will add 130 new jobs to the area. Boasting energy efficient cooler cases, motion sensory lights, energy recapture mechanisms to heat sidewalks, among other things, the revitalized building that houses the new store may be the most energy efficient and technologically advanced grocery store in the Midwest. "We are very proud of the energy savings we have been able to achieve with this store design," added Nick Balistreri. One of the new features is the including a 'glycol loop', where energy can be directed under the sidewalks to prevent ice or snow build up and alleviates the need for someone to clear the walk for the whole mall as well as loading docks which means no salt needed and no ice chop.
Grocer of the Year x4 Congratulating the Balistreri family on their new location and attending the Sendik's West Bend Open House were four WGA Grocers of the year. Trig Solberg, T.A. Solberg (1998 Grocer of the Year); Salvatore 'Ted' Balistreri (father of 2009 Grocers of the Year); George Prescott, formerly Prescott Supermarkets (1992 Grocer of the Year); and Lee Guenther, T.A. Solberg (2010 Grocer of the Year).
WGA Board Members: Dave Ryman, Certco and Nick Balistreri, Sendik's, at Sendik's Open House.
See more photos of the Sendik's Grand Opening at Facebook. Click here.
Hy-Vee Veterans Day Breakfast
Vets Day Hy-Vee stores throughout the Midwest will offered free breakfast for veterans on Veterans Day. Acording to Madison's Store Manager ROB BUDD, they do a nice breakfast buffet and pour refill coffee in the dining room while mingling with the vets. He says the while Madison may not have the hoopla of some stores, it is one of the busiest breakfasts of all the Hy-Vee stores in the company and so the associates devote all of their time making sure that there is enough food and coffee to meet the demands to make it as smooth as possible. Last year Rob was on coffee detail for 4 hours straight! Rob also notes, "We also honor our first responders and military everyday by offering our employee meal discount in the food court departments to those in uniform."
Warm Winter Coat Drive
Making A Difference
Word comes from GREG MYERS at Palermo's about the successful coat drive Palermo's did with Festival Foods working together to help homeless and less fortunate people. The Salvation Army Office on Eau Claire noted that thanks to the coat drive sponsored by Palermo's abnd Festival Foods, the SA has filled their storeroom with coats, hats, boots, gloves, and other warm gear. The SA made at least 8 to 10 pickups from just from the Eau Claire Festival store. The Salvation Army says it is very appreciative of the difference this coat drive has made in the community.
Store #3
Metcalfe's Market is acquiring the CUB Foods West Towne store in Madison. "This is extremely exciting for Metcalfe's," said TIM METCALFE, co-owner of Metcalfe's Market. "Shoppers are telling us they want more fresh, locally-produced foods. This expansion will increase our customers' access to those foods and benefit our community as a whole." The old store will close on January 11th and open on January 12th under the Metcalfe's banner. "It's going to be a miracle marathon transformation with all hands on deck working through the night to open as 'Metcalfe's' and beginning a new chapter in our growing business," said Metcalfe. The new Metcalfe's will remain open during renovations, with plans to be completed by November of next year. "We are looking forward to renovating the space," commented Kevin Metcalfe, co-owner. "It will be everything you would expect from a Metcalfe's with some exciting refinements." Approximately 150 people will be employed at the store with former employees able to apply for positions at the two Madison area stores. Metcalfe put the announcement out on his Facebook page as well as the traditional press release format to media outlets.
Before and after photos
Redmond announces completion of Save-A-Lot refaçade
The Redmond Company is pleased to announce the completion of the refaçade of Save-A-Lot located at the corner of 76th and Mill Road in Milwaukee. The approximately 110 linear foot exterior refaçade project was designed to maximize the store’s signage as well as create a more prominent entry point that gives Save-A-Lot a greater presence within the retail center. The project consisted of new masonry columns, EIFS signage band, lighting, and entry monument.
“The process to secure the site in the Taylor Heights Shopping Center was a lengthy process, but we’re confident that this location is right for us. Everyone – from the builders to our team Festival Foods associates – pulled together and created a beautiful store. We are excited to be open and serving the community of Sheboygan.” -Mark Skogen, CEO and President, Skogen’s Festival Foods
New Festival Foods Store
Festival Foods will open a new 71,000-square-foot supermarket in the Taylor Heights Shopping Center on Friday, becoming the De Pere-based chain's first store in Sheboygan County. "The process to secure the site in the Taylor Heights Shopping Center was a lengthy process, but we're confident that this location is right for us. Everyone - from the builders to our team Festival Foods associates - pulled together and created a beautiful store. We are excited to be open and serving the community of Sheboygan," said MARK SKOGEN, CEO and President, Skogen's Festival Foods.
The Festival Foods store, which will employ 237 people and be open 24 hours a day, will carry about 50,000 food items, including fresh sushi, salad and other prepared foods. The store also will offer free child care for customers and feature one of the largest natural foods selections and meat and deli areas among the chain's 16 stores. JEFF CALDER of General Beverage attended the Grand Opening. "It was a wonderful reception for local dignitaries, contractors, vendors, and key employees. The bright, airy store features new color schemes, a circular deli area, and a multitude of energy saving cooler and freezer doors."
Thank You!
The WGA's Board of Directors extends a huge thank you to Valley Bakers Copperative Association for hosting the WGA's 3rd Quarter Board of Directors meeting in Greenville. VB's CEO MARK MUNROE, VP'S RICH WISE and RANDY FLESCH were on had for a facility tour and a company presentation. A special thanks JULIE VOSTERS for taking care of all the details and making the Board was well taken care of though out the day.
Big Time Burger Challenge
DEREK BURSTAD sends photos of the 1st Annual Summer Burger Challenge held at Tomah's Rec Park with 9 participants all with a true passion for grilling which made the event very fun and enjoyable. "This was an event that was started in California and we brought it to Western WI with hopes to educate the area on grilling and Burnstad's Market. As we all know our goal going into this year was to grow our name and culture within our three communities; we have done so with this event," said Derek.
Grand Re-Opening
Last week Angeli's Foods in Marinette hosted its grand re-opening to an overflow crowd of well wishers. The 45,000 sq ft facility first opened in 1972, went through a major renovation with all gondolas being turned to face from front to back, all state of the art refrigerated doors and cases installed for produce, dairy, frozen and meat along with a new service meat case. In addition all new flooring was installed with each department reflecting a unique appearance, and a complete decor package reflecting the local area was incorporated. A new full service spirits department was added as well as expanded organic and natural food sections. A new front end completed the multi million dollar makeover. The store is owned by FRED ANGELI. Angeli's Foods was established in 1917 and currently has stores in Iron River and Menominee, Michigan in addition to Marinette.
Golfers: (l-r) Brandon Scholz, Doug Rinehart, Bill Chew, Kent Burnstad
Burnstad's Golf Outing
Best Vendor Appreciation Outing Burnstad's Market hosted their 4th Annual Vendor Appreciation Golf Outing at Northern Bay Resort with 148 vendors from across the Midwest on a picture perfect day.
MARK ANDERSON, BILL CHEW, JEFF MCCLURE from Super Valu, BRANDON SCHOLZ; WGA, DICK and DOUG RINEHART; Dick's Fresh Market, ADAM GAMBLE and GREG LAPOINT; Russ Davis Wholesale, RICH WISE; Valley Bakers, JEFF CALDER; General Beverage, and DAVE RAMSEY, Bernatello's Pizza were just a few of those on hand for the event. All money raised throughout the day will go towards the Burnstad's Market Christmas in July Foundation as well as the Burnstad's Market Scholarship Program. "This annual event is a simple way of saying thanks to all our vendors for their continued support of Burnstad's Market. Our vendors are our valued partners; our business relationship with them is key for the future of Burnstad's Market. It's an honor to not only sell the event out each year but also have various company President's and representatives commit to spending the entire day with us outside the office," said DEREK BURNSTAD, Vice President; Burnstad's Market.
........................................................................................Merrill Business Sign found in Argonne after April Tornado
On April 10, 2011, a tornado swept through the Merrill, Argonne, Newald, and Armstrong Creek areas. Several days later, a town of Argonne employee found a sign at the Argonne Cemetery that read "Russ Davis Wholesale." The Russ Davis company will have a great story to tell about the flight and finding of their sign from a town 70 miles away.
Satellite Brats
Next week a very special satellite Brat Fest will be taking place in Afghanistan; approximately 400 personnel are expected to join the celeBRATion. This huge event started with a simple letter. A few months ago, TIM METCALFE was contacted by a squadron in Afghanistan who wanted to come to Brat Fest but were unable to due to their current deployment overseas. They asked if Tim could send them a poster to hang up so they could reminisce about Brat Fest. To make the satellite event as real as possible, Brat Fest sent the troops everything they needed to recreate their own Brat Fest: logo napkins, logo plates, official t-shirts, official Brat Fest mustard and sauerkraut. The squadron now has a tentative date for their own Brat Fest: Wednesday, May 18th. "This is a morale boost for us," said Captain JORDAN APPEL. "Having Brat Fest support our squadron and provide us with our own mini Brat Fest means a lot to us - it's nice to know we can enjoy this summer tradition in our own way." Captain Appel from Amery, Wisconsin is a female MQ-1 "predator" pilot in the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissace Squadron. The squadron takes off and lands the MQ-1's (predators) and the MQ-9's (reapers).
Pig to Pig Walk
Pig to Pig Walk Success Larry's Piggly Wiggly's annual Pig to Pig Walk to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation, was held on Saturday, April 30. It was a cloudy, windy day, but that didn't keep the 1000+ walkers from participating in the walk.
Tornado hits Russ Davis Wholesale on April 10
Everyone is safe after the April 10th tornado, that was approximately .5 miles wide, which hit the Russ Davis Wholesale facility in Merrill. Estimated damages are in the range of $2-3 millions, that slowed down business only ONE day, thanks to the Russ Davis facility of St. Paul, MN. MARK MALONEY attributes the safety of individuals at the facility during the storm to practice drills and safety meetings. "During the drills, you convince yourself you will never have a need for it" says Maloney, "but the training and checklists paid off and 14 people who survived the devastation." All customers will receive their regular order on time and all employees will have a job during the rebuilding process.
Moral of the story: schedule employee safety meetings and organize practice drills!!
Estimated damages are range from $2 to 3 million. Damage slowed down business only ONE day, thanks to the Russ Davis facility in St. Paul.
Gold ‘n Plump tour
Gold 'n Plump has it headquarters in St. Cloud, MN and has a processing facility in Arcadia, WI, (purchased in 1993 from Arcadia Fryers) which WGA's CHERYL LYTLE took a tour of this week. The facility has recently invested $53 million in the state-of-the-art hatchery, feed mill, grower barns, and significant remodeling and expansion for the Arcadia facility, which has 500 employees on two shifts that processes 960,000 chickens each week. There are 9 USDA inspectors located at the facility, and contracts with over 154 Wisconsin farm families. Also seen on the tour were Representative CHRIS DANOU and Representative LEE NERISON, and Senator KATHLEEN VINEHOUT. For more information, check out www.goldnplump.com
Taking the tour at Gold ‘n Plump included (l-r) Nick George, Midwest Food Processors Association; Cheryl Lytle, WGA; John Medinger, Office of Sen. Kohl; and Representative Lee Nerison.
Welcoming the media and officials on the Gold ‘n Plump tour are (l-r): Mike Helgeson, CEO; Amy Winters, Capitol Stragegies; Cooper, the mascot; Bill Petz, Director of Operations in Arcadia; and Steve Jurek, Vice President.
The Meat Master
"Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country," says PAT PTACEK of Ptacek's IGA in Prescott in his Iron Chef's Newsletter. And did they ever. The One Day Meat Sale was the biggest ever with more items, more samples, and the Prescott High School Band. The Prez Letter was sworn to secrecy on the results but it was huge! Ptacek's demo'd Homerun pizzas and sold 165 of them. Every department did well.The store is 13,500sf with 4 checkout lanes with one express lane. Customer count was over 1,600. Check out the website and fliers at www.ptaceksiga.com. Watch for more about one-day meat sales in the next issue of the Wisconsin Grocer magazine.
Cake Creations
Fresh Madison Market's bakery recently created a 6-layer cake for a client who wanted to celebrate National Rainbow Day.
Lipari Food Show, March 30
What A Great Show! Lipari Foods held its huge annual buying show in Detroit with more than 2,600 retailers and associates attending including 200+ from Wisconsin. The show which grows bigger every year more than 325 vendors and their products spread through the show floor. The WGA's BRANDON SCHOLZ attended the dinner the evening before the show as a guest of DON SYMONDS. Click here to see photos at the event. Mark your calendar for April 18, 2012 for next year's show. Congratulations to Don and the Lipari team on their very successful show!
Brandon Scholz, WGA, and Don Symonds, Director of Events and Trade Relations, Lipari Foods.
Tony Franchi, VP National Sales, Lipari Foods, Brandon, and Don Symonds, Director of Events and Trade Relations, Lipari Foods.
Festival Foods Breaks Ground
Store set to open in September at Taylor Heights
City officials, community leaders and Festival Foods officials break ground for the new Festival Foods Monday March 21, 2011 at the Taylor Heights shopping center. The new Festival Foods grocery store is expected to be operational by fall.
For the full story, click here.
Photo by Gary C. Klein/The Sheboygan Press
WGA at Certco Trade Show
Certco Show The WGA was a guest of Certco at their Spring Show in Madison this week. JOHN LEEMKUIL, BRANDON SCHOLZ and CHERYL LYTLE greeted retailers and highlighted the multiple of services and products the WGA has to offer. WGA members who stopped by to say hello were: JERRY & MARY LOU BARYENBRUCH, Hometown Supermarket; PAUL & FRAN RIESGRAF, Paul & Fran's; DAWN HOLLIS, Miller & Sons; DAVE AUSPRUNG, Sendik's; DUWAYNE WICHMAN, Ripon Pick 'n Save; MIKE BANNEMAN, Capitol Center Market. A BIG thank you to RANDY SIMON, DAVE RYMAN, TERRY EVERETT, KERRY VAN KLEECK, and the rest of the Certco team for hosting a fantastic event.
Fresh Madison Market
Celebrates First Anniversary
Jim Biser, Nash Finch, and Kristie Maurer of Fresh Madison Market serve up brats and refreshments to a hungry anniversary crowd!
National Bag-Off in Vegas
NGA's National Best Bagger Contest was Monday, February 14th at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. Supermarket Guru, PHIL LEMPERT hosted the lively event. STEPHANIE TETEAK, Larry's Piggly Wiggly in Kaukauna, poured her heart into the competition as Wisconsin's Best Bagger.
Adding a third bag to the scenario was an unexpected twist by NGA which didn't shake Stephanie, as she sacked her items in approximately 55 seconds, but not enough to make it to the final round. GREAT JOB Stephanie in representing the state. We'll get'em next year!!
Many supporters from Larry's Piggly Wiggly were on hand to cheer Stephanie: Darell and Judy Gilson Tom and Judy Verhagen, Mary and Paul Knapp, Bob and Jane Schaefer, Tom and Sue Nack, Peter and Karen Markelz, Erik Groll, Julie Van Dyke, Sherri Wichman, Melissa and Chris Eis, Bob and Mary Nack, Michelle and Brian Bruns, Steve Kahler, Sue and Bruce Vander Velden.
Viking Village Foods in Reedsburg was recently awarded by the Reedsburg Chamber of Commerce the 2010 Business of the Year Award
Festival Foods uses produce display to create Super Bowl excitement
Green Bay, Wis. (Feb. 3, 2011) – Festival Foods’ Green Bay East Store has taken a creative approach to building excitement for this Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ben Melcarek, produce manager at the Green Bay East Store, and several of his associates in the store’s produce department have created a display that spells out in four-foot high letters “G XLV S,” using a “G” to denote Green Bay, an “S” for the Steelers, and “XLV” for the 45th annual edition of the Super Bowl.
In creating the display, which runs about 20 feet long, Melcarek and the other department associates used green and yellow peppers for the “G,” tomatoes and ripened avocados for “XLV,” and yellow peppers and bags of pistachio nuts for the “S.”
Melcarek said they got the idea for creating the Super Bowl display after doing a similar display for the NFC Championship Game between the Packers and the Chicago Bears.
“We took down the Packers-Bears display right after the Packers won and put up the Super Bowl display later the same day,” Melcarek said, noting that the Super Bowl display is generating lots of enthusiastic responses from customers.
According to Mark Skogen, president and CEO of Festival Foods, the display is a chance for the store’s associates to share in the fun and build-up of the Super Bowl with shoppers. “This is a great way to create excitement and enthusiasm for this global event that this year includes our very own Green Bay Packers. We are thrilled for the Packers and feel privileged to operate our stores in this wonderful city and state that have long been an important part of the Packers’ tradition,” Skogen said.
The front of Metcalf's Markets, GO Pack!
Olson's Packer Promo
Burnstad's Christmas Toys
Photo courtesy
Tomah Journal and Monitor Herald
Burnstad's annual event continued in its finest tradition serving over 225 families with the $6,000 worth of toys the "shopping pros" bought from Mattel in Middleton. DEREK BURNSTAD said, "The line of people that were waiting outside of each store when I pulled up reminded me how important of an event this is to our three communities. The people in Black River Falls, Richland Center, and Tomah count on the support of Burnstad's Market and we have continued to provide that level of support the past 65 years.....what a great feeling and accomplishment."
According to Derek, the newest member of the shopping team, WGA's MICHELLE KUSSOW is, "...awesome at spending other people's money. Wow! She rocked it!" Taking part in the Christmas Spirit on Friday, December 17 include; DEREK BURNSTAD, KENT BURNSTAD, ALEX ZAMARRIPA, PAUL KROETZ, and many other Burnstad's Market Employees, TIM RAUCH; Frito Lay, JEFF O'NEIL and GARY WEITEN; 7up Bottling Group, and BRENT SCHMALTZ; Pan O Gold Baking Company. Click here to see some of the shoppers.
Gordy’s County Market
Wins for Best Float
Gordy’s County Market in Chippewa Falls was awarded the Main Street award during the annual downtown Chippewa Falls Parade December 4, 2010, for the best decorated float for a downtown business. Over 75 floats were involved in the parade with the theme of “Have a Patriotic Christmas.”
Successful Showcase at Burnstad's
Burnstad's market in Tomah celebrated another annual Holiday Show Case that featured four hours of exciting events including a Santa stop by; Christmas Carols performed by the Tomah Show Choir; book signing (100 Things Packer Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die); food donation drawing for an Authentic Aaron Rodgers Jersey; store special and more.
DEREK BURNSTAD thanked all those involved who helped make the annual Holiday Show Case a huge success. "The result of the night highly exceeded my expectations all around! Your time commitment to the event was much appreciated; it couldn't have been made possible without each of you."
FRESH MADISON MARKET ADDS OPERATION MANAGER
Kristie Maurer joins the management team in a newly created role Madison, Wisconsin
Kristie Maurer has joined Fresh Madison Market’s management team as Operations Manager. In this newly created role, Maurer will take on several roles, including human resources, sales and overseeing the daily operations of the store.
The grocery store business is no stranger to Maurer. The daughter of store owner, Jeff Maurer, she brings with her this second-hand knowledge of the
business as well as hands-on business experience.
“The grocery business has been in my daily family life since I was little.” Maurer recently said. “As a daughter of a grocer who has been in the business over
thirty years, the business seeps into dinner conversation and weekend outings on a regular basis!”
Maurer received her bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, IN and recently completed her M.B.A. from Indiana Wesleyan University. She worked for the State of Indiana as a mediator until three years ago, when she became a Risk Manager for for a skilled nursing home company in Indianapolis.
One of Maurer’s goals in this newly created position is to use this background to put new systems in place to help continue to improve team efficiencies and to
increase the customer experience. After years away, the family business called Maurer home. She felt a strong desire to move back to Madison and start a new adventure, ensuring her family-run, locally owned business will be just that many years from now. Maurer is focused on learning from the Fresh Madison Market team already in place as well as putting the customer first.
Bill Dowling (top photo), Roundy's Supermarkets Inc, and Derek Crawford (second photo), Kraft Foods received the Diamond Recognition from their Diamond Sponsorship of the WGA's Innovation Expo. The Diamond Sponsors underwrite all the Expo activities and make the annual convention possible. Also recognized at the event as a Diamond Sponsor were: Affiliated Foods Midwest, MillerCoors, and Supervalu.
Another Grand Opening
Woodman's held the grand opening and ribbon cutting for it's 13th store in Menomonee Falls. PHIL WOODMAN said he was honored that all the attendees were at the opening and he gave a special thanks to the employee-owners of the store. He noted that the opening was very smooth and thanked Menomonee Falls city officials for their help. Asked what he was most proud of at the new store, Phil said it was the employees and that they were a "great crew and quick learners"!
It was because of them that it was the smoothest opening he has seen to date. True to form, after shaking hands with folks at the opening, Phil was handing out cake and pizza to customers and working the doors directing incoming customers. MIKE MALAFA (previously from the Oak Creek store) is the new store manager. CLINT WOODMAN said he liked the 'new entrance look' of the 238,000 sf building. Grading started in September of '09 and the facility was built by Building Systems General.
GARY FOX of BSG said this was the 8th store they have built for Woodman's. RANDY SIMON, DAVE RYMAN, STEVE BAUS and TERRY EVERETTE of Certco and BRANDON SCHOLZ of the WGA attended the opening. Go to the WGA Website later for event pictures.
Alan Alden in Washington, D.C.
Festival Foods Opening
Grand Opening It might have been a chilly morning but the ribbon cutting and grand opening for the Balistreri was heart warming as MARGARET HARRIS, TED, NICK and PATRICK BALISTRERI opened their 9th store in New Berlin and the family has owned and operated their stores since 1926. Parents TED & PATTY BALISTRERI cut the ribbon with family and friends in front of the store.
Harris noted they believe the new store is the most energy efficient store in the Midwest with more than 100 Zero Zone doors through the store. The store is practically paperless as it features 24 flat screen TVs throughout the store highlighting sales, promotions and shopping suggestions for customers. A ground up build by TIM MELAN and MSI has over 7 miles of data cable strung throughout the store.
The meat, deli and bakery departments are unique with their patterned stainless steel backdrop and store is carpeted throughout. Nick Balistreri said, "We are very excited to have the opportunity to serve the residents of New Berlin and the surrounding communities. We can't thank them and the New Berlin city officials enough for their support throughout the project." Click here to see pictures from the opening.
Sendik's Store Opening
New Store - Island Deli Skogen's Festival Foods opened their newest store in Suamico, the 14th of the Skogen group. Boasting 71,000sf the store has many features and measures make it more efficient. Cooler boxes are outside the store to make more space available; energy efficient doors were installed in the dairy section and Orion installed light pipes along with 100% LED lights as well as skylights for natural lighting. The roof is a white reflective roof.
One of the unique features in the store is the "island deli" - a complete walk-around that offers a full line of deli items and has the capacity to serve lots and lots of customers. MARK SKOGEN kicked off the pre-opening Thursday night by thanking all the associates, vendors and suppliers that helped move the store to an on-time opening. "We are happy to be entering another new community. We are fortunate to have a lot of great associates who make this growth possible."
LEFT TO RIGHT: Stuart Frankow, (Customer Development Manager, Advantage Sales and Marketing), Dick, Rachel, and Alex Reimenapp all of Stitzer, Wisconsin, Cardiff Hall (Del Monte), Dale Martinson (Woodman’s), Gwen Lemberg (Canine Assistants program).
Milkbone (Del Mont Pet) and Woodman’s West presentation of a check to fund a service dog for Alex Reimenapp
Click here for a link to a news clip.
On Thursday, September 30, Milkbone and Woodman’s Markets (711 S Gammon Road in Madison), made a donation of a canine assistance service dog to Alex Riemenapp of Stitzer, Wisconsin.
Alex was diagnosed with epilepsy at three days old. This condition makes it difficult for him to perform many everyday tasks, such as picking up a dropped item. In an effort to help make life a little easier for Alex, his service dog will provide help and independence. Among other tasks, his dog will assist with retrieving dropped objects, opening doors, turning on and off lights, and obtaining help in case of an emergency
Trig's Stevens Point
Anniversary Sale
48 is a Big One Last month, Trig's in Stevens Point celebrated their 48th anniversary. Employees dressed in tye-dyed t-shirts and there was a parking lot full of cookouts to benefit local organizations. Product demos, hot sale prices, and huge giveaways reportably made this one of the most successful and popular events in Stevens Point!
AWARDS: Vendor of the Year
Rich Wise, of Valley Bakers Cooperative Association, was presented with a Vendor of the Year Award by WGA's Brandon Scholz.
AWARDS: Excellence in Operations
The Bonnell Family was awarded with a 2010 Excellence in Operations award.
The Wisconsin Grocers Association is proud of the accomplishments of its members and supports excellence in the grocery industry. Members Doug and Cheryl Niemuth, Thorp Supervalu, are two of the recipients of the 2010 Excellence in Operations Award.
The Shelby Report of the Midwest
Click here to see a feature on Hispanic Products from the July 2010 Shelby Report
Hispanic Marketing The July issue of the Shelby Report of the Midwest (SRM) has a comprehensive section on Hispanic marketing and the impact and opportunities on the grocery industry. While note every market in Wisconsin has a large Hispanic population, it is constantly growing here and across the US. According to the SRM, a report from the Selig Center for Economic Growth called “The Multicultural Economy,” projects that by 2014, one out of every six persons in the U.S. The group’s buying power was about $978 billion in 2009, and is expected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2014—a significant portion of the $13.1 trillion in total U.S. buying power projected for ’14. Despite their lower average income level, Hispanic households spend more on groceries as well as phone services, children’s clothing and footwear, according to a Consumer Expenditure Survey sourced by the Selig Center. One thing is for sure: Hispanic consumers will continue to shape the cultures of communities around the country, and smart grocery retailers and consumer product manufacturers are constantly devising new ways to reach them. See the full story here on the WGA’s web page compliments of the Shelby Report of the Midwest.
Grocer of the Year
Excellence in Operations
The long awaited announcement came at the managers meriting in Tomahawk.
The WGA’s BRANDON SCHOLZ told the assembled crowd that the 2010 WGA Grocer of the Year was known as someone who was committed to the long term future of the company; cares about and-re-invests in his associates; sets high standards for serving customers and for his community involvement which is a very important part of Trig’s business. LEE GUENTHER exemplifies all of these things and more and that distinction won the award in a very competitive year of nominees for the Grocer of the Year award. Guenther’s accomplishments can be read in the next issue of the Wisconsin Grocer magazine arriving in your mail box just before Labor Day. In the nomination submitted by ALAN ALDEN & ANGIE DREIFUERST of Trig’s and MIKE SMITS of Supervalu said, “The ‘one thing’ that sets Lee Guenther apart form others in the industry is that he is a risk taker and he’s always looking for new ideas to positively influence the 1,000+ Trig’s associates….Lee always says, ‘Retail is Detail’ and he leaves nothing to chance.” The company’s namesake TRIG SOLBERG and Supervalu’s MARK ANDERSON were on hand for the surprise announcement.
EIO Awards X 2
Two more Excellence in Operations awards were presented to WGA members. Described as a great leader and a teacher, a positive professional who is respected by his peers, STEVE HEISE, Trig’s Rhinelander Store Director was the recipient of the WGA’s Excellence in Operations award. In his nomination, Trig’s Stevens Point Store Director JIM SCHICKERT noted that Steve had created a number of store reports which helped all the stores in their business operations. Steve’s wife JULIE made a surprise visit to the meeting when the award was presented.
The BONNELL FAMILY (DAVE, JEFF, BARB & RITA) of Dave’s County Market in Merrill were wondering what Supervalu’s KEVIN MAHENY (with balloons) and the WGA’s BRANDON SCHOLZ were doing in their store. Low and behold, the surprise announcement that the family had been nominated and selected to receive the WGA’s Excellence in Operations award for their passion to improve the business and the industry. During the store tour with Dave and Jeff pointed out the changes from the remodel (including the polished wood floors in the deli/produce and liquor departments) and recounted the changes since their late father Dave and his wife Rita moved to Merrill in 1964 to manage the Red Owl’s meat department. Growing up in the business, the Dave, Jeff, Barb and Rita learned that communication is key to their employees and that they, “…lead by the example we set. We spend more time doing hands on then we do in meetings.”
Gordy's Stuff-A-Truck
Matt, the Gordy's Guru, posing on a bike in front of the sign.
Click here to see the details of Gordy's Stuff-a-Truck event.
Brat Redeux
What better way to sell the Grand Champion Specialty Cooked Bratwurst made by the Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly of Oconomowoc and awarded at the 2010 Wisconsin State Fair Meat Products Show? How about with Wisconsin’s Governor JIM DOYLE!
The Fairest of the Fairs
Heather Christianson makes butter at the 2010 Kickapoo County Fair.
Organic Valley, a farmer-owned cooperative in La Farge of more than 1,600 organic family farmers nationwide, created the Kickapoo Country Fair seven years ago as a celebration of life in the Kickapoo River Valley. The fair attracts thousands of attendees for two fun-packed days of delicious organic food, cooking demonstrations, live music, readings by renowned authors, bike and farm tours, theater, kids’ activities, and dancing – all offered at an affordable price for families.
“We’re proud that the Kickapoo Country Fair has become an annual summer destination for growing numbers of Midwesterners. There’s so much to celebrate about the many cultures and rural traditions here, and how better to show off the diversity than through food and live music,” said GEORGE SIEMON, one of the founding farmers and CEO of Organic Valley.
Awards, Awards, Awards
With the 2010 WGA Innovation Expo just around the corner, the WGA is announcing it's grocery industry awards to the winners.
This week, MARK STEINBRINK of the Lake Geneva Piggly Wiggly was honored with the a Community Service Award (nominated by GREG HANKES of Piggly Wiggly Midwest);
LEE MYLENER of Lee's Family Foods in Peshtigo received an Excellence in Operations award (nominated by Supervalu's BILL SMITS);
JOHN & RICK JOHN VANDENWYMELENBERG of Dick's Family Foods in Wrightstown received a Community Service Awards (nominated by STORM WALSVIK of Supervalu) and
JEFF GREENHECK of Metcalfe's Markets in Madison received the Community Service Award (nominated by TIM METCALFE).
The Excellence in Operations Award was also presented to Doug Niemuth
Thorp Supervalu, Thorp.
All were recognized for the commitment to their business, employees and their work in the community. Make sure read their success stories in the upcoming issue of the WISCONSIN GROCER magazine due in your mailbox just before Labor Day.
A Big Celebration
Lammer’s Food Fest in Menominee celebrated its 150th anniversary, a major milestone for a family-run business.
LUCY LAMMER and her brother PAT were joined by six generations of the Lammer family, friends, community leaders, elected officials and vendors marked the event with a celebration both in and outside the store.
More than 40 local vendors like JULIE WEGHORN of Just Specialty Products (handmade cleansers and soaps) and Quaker Bakery (Go Dog buns) sampled products for customers and guests throughout the day. Family members provided entertainment for the program that featured accolades from the mayor, local legislators, CHRISTEN LINDNER – Alice in Dairyland, the Chamber and the WGA’s BRANDON SCHOLZ.
The WGA’s plaque read: In recognition of dedication in the grocery industry by serving your customers and making a difference in your community for 150 years. “The whole anniversary celebration was focused on how ‘local’ we are and that we have been the local store for 150 years says it all,” said Lucy. “It is all about the local producers in our community and the state. They help make the grocery business a lot of fun and we love to support the local growers and producers. They are most important to us.”
Brat Fest is mentioned in the June issue of Midwest Living which is out on stands right now.
The WGA Board members attended their second quarter meeting at Coca-Cola in Milwaukee in May.
The WGA Board of Directors held its recent Board meeting at the Coca Cola Enterprises in Milwaukee. Many thanks to Kevin Morris, Les Blankenship, Tom Petrilli and Patricia O’Connor for being such gracious and generous hosts. The board had a guided tour of the facilities from Tom Petrilli, plant manager, where they saw the bottling of Sprite as well as Dasani water; over 700 bottled per minute! The board also saw the many different ways the company recycles and/or reuses 95+% of everything in the plant!
That was the theme at TAS-U, the annual gathering of Trig’s associates. ANGIE DREIFUERST, Director of HR & Benefits reports it was an information-packed day-and-a-half with seminars, breakout sessions, awards and some fun as well.
Five associates were present with the Servant Leader of the Year Award; SHIRLEY GAVINSKI (Wausau), JEFF TEWES (Stevens Point), OWEN DAHL (Rhinelander), NANCY NELSON (Minocqua), MIKE NABBEFIELD (Eagle River). The Vendor of the Year went to Frito Lay.
Driving home ‘customer service’ was the industry’s well–known and respected ROB BELL and the importance of Work Place Etiquette was presented by DEB PAGEL of WipFli HR Consulting. Supervalu’s MARK ANDERSON presented the industry update and the WGA’s BRANDON SCHOLZ provided the legislative and political update. 
In addition to department breakouts, there was a special EventPlanning Exercise, “The Pumpkin Patch at Tasmania” challenge. The First Place Award went to STEVE HEISE’S Team. The real challenge came with the, “Are You Smarter than a Store Director (like the TV show Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader)” with the 5 store directors playing the 5th graders while the ‘contestants’ were department managers drawn at random. [Ed Note: You can find out on your own who was ‘smarter’.]
Over 100 Trig’s associates were at the “Back To Basics” session along with 40 vendors and others in Wausau. LEE GUENTHER and TRIG SOLBERG both commented on the amount of information that is presented at TAS-U, but if associates took home one or two new or better ideas and employed them in their work day, all the stores, employees and customers would benefit. (Ed Note 2: Word is JIM SCHICKERT is still looking for that playing card.]
What A Ring!
You had to see it to believe it: a 475-pound ring of bologna. Viking Village Foods in Reedsburg and Wyttenbach Meats (who made the massive ring) featured the 475-pound ring at the store. The ring was approximately 8 feet long and had to be brought in to the store in sections from the refrigerated truck in the parking lot. General Manager Mick Kneeland of Viking Village said the customer response was great and many customers sampled and bought the product.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Savings
The Lipari Foods show was Wednesday, April 21st at the Rock Financial Showcase in Novi, Michigan. Over 180 Wisconsin retailers attending the show to take advantage of remarkable once-a-year one-day show savings.
Lipari show prices pack people in the aisle.
Wizard of Oz was the Lipari Show theme as demonstrated with Jim Meier and Jeff Greenheck, Metcalfe Markets posing with the scarecrow.
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Pan O Gold/Village Hearth/Country Hearth
The bakery located in Sun Prairie was built just about ten years ago and Sun Prairie can be proud to have one of the most efficient and highly automated bakeries in the country or even the world. On the “bread” side of production, we are capable of producing 245,000 loaves of bread in a twenty-four hour period, or nearly 89 million loaves per year. On the “bun” side of production, we can produce a little less at approximately 200,000 packages in a twenty-four hour period, or 73 million packages per year.
During the week preceding the Memorial Day holiday each year, we will make 500,000 packages of hamburger and hot dog buns, or 4 million individual buns. At full production, we would use 340,000 pounds of flour per day, or over 2,000,000 pounds per week. That is 38 semi-truckloads per week. Our products are delivered to supermarkets and other outlets by sales representatives running 104 routes, operating out of 11 distribution centers across Wisconsin and northern Illinois. How do we address quality? We still bake the old-fashioned way with a sponge mix, fermentation and then the final mix before going into the oven. In fact, our bakers are in the bakery each morning setting sponges at 2:30 a.m., and those sponges won’t even go into the oven until around 9:00 a.m.
The WGA Board Meeting at Pan O Gold/Village Hearth in Sun Prairie included a plant tour by Mike Strahler.
Something Special Going On
Celebrating Something Special from Wisconsin
A dozen Something Special from Wisconsin farms and artisan processors at Metcalfes Market in Madison answer the question "Why eat local?"
Click here for more: facebook.com/SomethingSpecialfromWisconsin.
Sassy Cow Creamery, at Mountin's Piggly Wiggly
Mountin's Piggly Wiggly
Kurt Smith and Jerry Mountin, Mountin's Piggly Wiggly
Palo Alto Popcorn
Cedar Creek Winery
Cedar Crest Ice Cream
Ron Paris from Sugar River Dairy
Dawn and Deb Lawyer from Hawkwind
Sara from Tomato Mountain
Huma Siddiqui from White Jasmine
From Left to Right: Pasquals, Willie Hughes from Blue Farm, Don Lawyer from Hawkwind Relish
(Left to right) Ron Paris from Sugar River Dairy and Renaissance Farm
Johnny Velvet Spice
Miller and Sons
Martha’s Hot Mustard
Kara from Sassy Cow Creamery