May 1, 2005
CHICAGO, IL — May 1, 2005 — Three store managers earned top honors as the Grand Prize winners of this year’s Store Manager Superior Service Awards, which recognize innovation and excellence in customer and community service programs. The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) presented the annual awards today at the 2005 FMI Show in Chicago.

Paul Boisjolie, Hy-Vee, Inc, Austin, MN; Pamela Peterson, Spartan Stores, Manistee, MI; and Duane Roderick, Covington Foods, Inc, Attica, IN, were all acknowledged at the ceremony.

“FMI is truly delighted to single out these extraordinary individuals for their dedication to making a difference in their communities,” said FMI President and CEO Tim Hammonds. “All three have made exceptional contributions that have positively affected the lives of their customers.”

Store managers or their supporters were asked to submit stories describing how the manager has gone above and beyond the ordinary in the areas of customer or community service. The contest was open to in-store managers employed in the food retail, mass merchandise and convenience store industries. Entrants must have been employed at the same store for at least one year.
FMI staff and a panel of outside judges evaluated the entries on originality, creativity, impact on store growth, customer satisfaction and community relations. The winners received a $1,000 check.

Boisjolie was honored for serving his community on many fronts, organizing and sponsoring an annual Austin Youth Sports Pork and Corn Feed that has raised more than $45,000 for the city’s youth sports programs; serving as president of a community beautification program called “Spruce Up Austin” that has planted more than 20,000 trees in the area; and aiding the region’s growing Hispanic base by volunteering on the Board of The Welcome Center, which provides residents with job placement, English classes and assistance with immigration issues and obtaining driver’s licences. Boisjolie really distinguished himself in the community by helping a competitor store its products when a devastating flood struck the area, earning him accolades from the city’s mayor.

Peterson was recognized for her store’s inventive programs, such as an “Island Party Week” featuring a large Tiki hut that houses different product demonstrations and a Fat Tuesday event that celebrates the town’s heritage as the “Unofficial Polish Capital of the North.” Peterson and her team participate yearly in the 24-hour “Relay for Life” Breast Cancer walk, conduct store tours to teach children ages three and up about nutrition and help local high schools by sponsoring a half court “Hoop Shoot” at basketball games.

Roderick has a reputation in his community for putting children at the forefront. His store hosts KIDSFEST each summer, which includes games, prizes and a band; holds a back-to-school night event where parents can buy school supplies and healthy snacks are provided as samples for the children; and co-sponsors the Attica High School Honor Jacket Program, paying half the cost of an honor jacket for any student meeting the school’s academic criteria. Roderick also created “The Good Cookie Program,” where teachers at a local elementary school award free cookie certificates redeemable at the store to students based on good behavior.

Eighteen award finalists who were announced in late April received two tickets to the 2005 FMI Show, two tickets to a VIP reception and three nights of hotel accommodations in Chicago.

For more information about the 2005 Store Manager Superior Service Awards, please contact Gretchen Hritz at ghritz@fmi.org.