California's Independent Grocers Honor Industry Leaders

SACRAMENTO, CA, April 24, 2011 (Press-News.org) The California Independent Grocers Association (CIGA) honored its leaders at the Annual Installation Banquet held Thursday, April 14 at Sacramento's Spataro Restaurant.

CIGA's top honor "Retailer of the Year" and "Associate Member of the Year" recipients Ed Stokes, Diablo Foods in Lafayette, and Karl Berger, Tony's Fine Foods in West Sacramento, were bestowed the Independent Grocer's highest honor.

Ed Stokes, owner of Diablo Foods in Lafayette was named 2010 CIGA Retailer of the Year and accepted the award on Thursday night with his family and store associates in attendance. CIGA's Executive Committee Chairman Del Clegg, Cookie Crock Markets in Cambria, presented Ed with a plaque acknowledging his long history of running a successful independent business, all while actively engaged in philanthropic activities in his community.

Karl Berger, Chief Executive Officer of Tony's Fine Foods, CIGA's 2010 Associate Member of the Year, was presented with a plaque to acknowledge his support and commitment to the Independent grocery industry. Karl lit up the room during his acceptance speech, thanking the board and CIGA for the opportunity to be involved with an Association that supports exclusively the Independent Grocers of California.

In addition to these awards, Del Clegg installed new Board members Frank Capps, Save Mart Supermarkets, Scott Hair, Green Frog Markets in Bakersfield, and Gary Calistro, C&S Wholesale Grocers in West Sacramento, for a three-year term.

The evening's program also recognized and honored Arline Mello, NuCal Foods, Jack Dehoff, Key Markets, and Byron Lovell, C&S Wholesale Grocers, for serving their full term on CIGA's Board of Directors.

Immediately following the "oath of office" Louis Young, Payless Markets in Lockeford, introduced Bob Parriott, Twain Harte Market in Twain Harte, as the new Chairman of the Board presenting him with the "gavel" of office. Bob thanked CIGA and the board stating that his commitment is to CIGA and the industry it serves, and he looks forward to the advancements that will be made for the organization. Del then presented Outgoing Chairman Louis Young with a plaque to thank him and to commemorate his service and leadership to the industry and CIGA.

The evening concluded with a silent auction and the attendees picking up their photos sponsored by Unified Grocers.

Headquartered in Sacramento, California, CIGA continues to represent the Independent Retail Food Industry since the late 1800s. Today, more than 500 independent grocers and supplier companies make up its membership. CIGA's vision is to be the best possible association by promoting, supporting, educating, protecting, and fulfilling the needs of the independent grocer.

For more information about CIGA's Installation Banquet and events please contact Melissa Goodell, CIGA's Events and Membership Coordinator, at mgoodell@ciga.org or (916) 929-9741.

Website: http://www.ciga.org