Jun 21, 2016

June 21, 2016 – CHICAGO – Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today awarded its prestigious Glen P. Woodard, Jr., Award for Public Affairs to a noted veteran of both the armed forces and the supermarket industry, Jack Brown, executive chairman of Stater Bros. Markets. FMI recognized Brown at its premier event for the food retail industry, FMI Connect. 

Brown began his career 65 years ago as a box boy at Berk’s Market Spot Grocery Store in his hometown of San Bernardino, Calif., and he later earned the title of CEO in 1981 at Stater Bros., returning to work five miles from where he grew up. Brown is well regarded for his dedication to, and institutional knowledge of, the supermarket industry. Touted as the largest private employer in the community, Stater Bros. under Brown’s leadership has been a recognized advocate for the community and underserved populations in Southern California and for contributing to charitable causes.

FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin commended Jack Brown as one of the most ardent supporters of the organization’s Political Action Committee and for encouraging his company to be involved in the political process. Sarasin said, "Since his first meeting at the Super Market Institute in 1962, and attending his first convention that same year, Jack has been invested in the association and its mission to advocate on behalf of our industry. Jack is a decorated businessman, worthy not only of the Woodard Award, but also of our respect for his service to both country and local community."

Before his days in grocery, Brown served aboard the U.S.S. Interceptor and the U.S.S. General J.C. Breckinridge in the U.S. Navy. Since his honorable discharge in 1962, Brown has remained committed to the Armed Forces and U.S. Military Operations.  

Former Congressman Jerry Lewis (R-CA) praised his friend Jack Brown, saying, "I think the most important thing to know about Jack Brown is that he is very proud of the fact that we were blessed by God to be born in this country, and he’s committed to making this country a better place. He starts with his hometown and that’s where we first became friends. The award that he’s receiving, the Woodard Award, is a reflection [on] our community. [He’s a] phenomenal community citizen who is dedicated to making a difference."  

Stater Bros. Holdings Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Phillip J. Smith commented on Brown’s leadership and service, recollecting that over the last 40 years of working as CFO for Jack Brown he has always been a man of principle. Smith said, "He’s made a great impact in the industry just being the leader he is."  

Smith further described Jack Brown’s commitment to the Veterans hospital and to regularly sending care packages to service men and women overseas. His support of the military and the armed forces is far-reaching and even extends to the local police and sheriff’s departments. Smith noted that the patriotism at Stater Bros runs deep, with the U.S. flag an omnipresent symbol and every meeting beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. "Jack is one of the real true Americans. People may not know it, but Jack was born on June 14, or Flag Day," he said. 

PGA Professional Dave Stockton who often worked with Stater Bros. annual charities complimented Jack Brown on his military career and dedication to service. Stockton said, "When I think of Jack, I think of a patriot first." He later described Jack Brown as a man who "bleeds red, white and blue." 

Brown has arguably received every major award in the food retail industry, including his receipt of the FMI Rabb Award in 2005, as well as accolades from both California Grocers Association and the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC). He has been honored as "retailer of the year" by the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles, and holds several honorary doctorate degrees. He has been recognized for his statesmanship and patriotism, represented by his receipt of the Horatio Alger Award, Semper Fidelis Award and even the Patriot Award in 2011 by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.  

Brown has been dedicated to grassroots advocacy as a director of Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) since 1981, and he also served as its chairman. Brown is notably vested in FMI’s governance, participating in roles from FMI’s board of directors (1988 - present) to vice chair of the FMI Finance Committee (1989-1991) and Executive Committee (1989-1991 and 2001-2002), to consistently donating to its Foundation and Political Action Committee.

Ref: www.fmi.org/executiveawards