SpartanNash Co.

Alleging that classified boards of directors such as Spartan Stores “are an outdated…practice that serves to protect entrenched boards and prevent shareholders from holding [directors] accountable,” an investment group called on Spartan Stores, Inc. to adopt annual elections for its board of directors during its annual shareholders meeting Tuesday.

Retail buyers and merchandisers converging in Atlanta for the International Dairy·Deli·Bakery Association’s (IDDBA) ongoing Dairy-Deli-Bake ’09 convention and expo that runs through Wednesday are taking an all-encompassing look at a medley of new product introductions showcased in some 1,500 booths.

While the Christmas season is always a time when West Michigan residents generously turn to giving, today’s challenging economy has prompted a new giving season to help those in need.

Spartan Stores, Inc. has expanded the deployment of its business intelligence solution to provide enhanced reporting capabilities for its retail operations and distribution network.

New customer additions and recent acquisition fuel growth helped Nash Finch post a 13.5 percent first-quarter sales gain of $1.14 billion, from $1 billion in the prior-year quarter during the 12-week period ended March 28, 2009.

Nash Finch Co. donated two truckloads -- or more than 72,000 bottles -- of its private brand Our Family water to the countless volunteers working in Fargo, N.D., and Moorhead, Minn. on sandbagging efforts to stave off Red River flooding.

The distributor is angling to strengthen its financial position during “one of the most difficult business environments in history.”

The new concept offers convenient organic and natural foods, including pasta and salads, for time-pressed travelers.