Williamsville, N.Y., 2017-Apr-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts is pleased to announce that John Dedie, produce manager for its Henrietta store, is one of 25 award recipients of this year’s 2017 United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards Program.
Now in its thirteenth year of recognizing exceptional retail producers, United Fresh is pleased to recognize a group of 25 produce managers who represent supermarket banners, commissaries and independent retail stores from 14 different states and two Canadian provinces. The winners will be the honored guests at the United Fresh 2017 convention, June 13-15 in Chicago.
In conjunction with the 2017 United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Award Program, United Fresh and the Program Sponsor Dole Food Company will be holding an in-store event to honor John prior to the convention. Dole Food Company will present John with a custom sign, embroidered apron in addition to other assorted gift at a presentation recognizing his accomplishments on Wednesday, April 19 at 10:00 am at the Tops Friendly Markets store located at 1215 Jefferson Rd., Henrietta. Sponsored by Dole Food Company, the program pays special recognition to produce managers working every day on the front line to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Since the program began in 2005, nearly 300 retail produce managers, representing more than 90 different retail banners, have been honored for their contributions to the industry. “Produce managers are the face of our industry to the consumer. Their creative merchandising and positive approach to customer service directly correlates to the growth of sales and ultimately consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel. “We are grateful to Dole for once again sponsoring this program and for their partnership in recognizing these 25 deserving honorees.” John, who has been a staple with Tops Friendly Markets for over 26 years, began his career as a produce clerk. Since that time he has worn many hats including night crew clerk and meat clerk before being promoted to produce assistant manager in 1999. In 2002 John was then promoted to produce manager.
“John has been a very important part of this store’s success since it opened in 2014,” said Justin Rowe, store manager for the Henrietta Tops Friendly Market. “John’s ability to have fun at work while still running a top notch produce department makes him a great asset to the store, and a good friend to all of his co-workers. We are all very proud of John for receiving this award. I know that he gives his best every day and it’s great to see him being recognized for it.”
The winners of the 2017 United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards Program were selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by retailers and produce suppliers across the industry. Nominations were evaluated on several criteria, including efforts to increase produce consumption through excellence in merchandising, special displays and promotions, community service and commitment to customer satisfaction.
About Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 172 full-service supermarkets with five additional by franchisees under the Tops banner. Tops employs more than 15,000 associates and is a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company’s website at www.topsmarkets.com.
About United Fresh Produce Association
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. We empower industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. Through these endeavors, we unite our industry with a common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce consumption.
Source: Tops Friendly Markets