NGA Gives Top Awards to Grocery Retailers

The National Grocers Association presented its top association leadership awards during the NGA Show.

Roger Collins, chairman and CEO of Harps Foods Stores, Springdale, Ark., was presented with the Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. The award, named after NGA’s first president and CEO, is presented annually to an independent supermarket operator who exemplifies persistence, vision and creative entrepreneurship. Presented by Mondelez International, the award is one of the most prestigious in the independent supermarket industry.

Jason Cooper, director compliance & government relations for Brookshire Grocery Co., Tyler, Texas, was awarded the Clarence G. Adamy Great American Award. This is one of NGA’s most distinguished government relations awards presented to an individual or a company whose leadership in the food industry best exemplifies active and effective participation in government relations. Named in honor of a past president of the National Association of Food Chains, the award has been presented to only 24 individuals since its inception in 1982. Past winners include namesake Clarence Adamy and President George H.W. Bush.

Ronald Graff Jr., VP store operations for Columbiana Foods Giant Eagle, Youngstown, Ohio, was presented with the Spirt of America Award. The award, established in 1982, honors key industry and community figures who have provided leadership in community services and government relations on behalf of a free and independent food distribution system.

Trig Solberg, chairman of the T.A. Solberg Co., Minocqua, Wis., was awarded the Thomas F. Wenning Pinnacle PAC Award, which is presented to a NGA member who helps advance the role and presence of the independent grocer within the government and political affairs setting. The award was established in 2014.