Rosauers CEO Named Wash. Food Industry’s Retailer of Year
Jeff Philipps, president and CEO of Spokane, Wash.-based Rosauers Supermarket, Inc., has received the 2009 Retailer of the Year Award from the Washington Food Industry (WFI) for his commitment to the prosperity, ethics and image of the independent grocery industry.
“Even when companies throughout the Northwest and the country were shedding employees every day, Jeff decided to do the right thing for the well-being of his people,” said Jan Gee, president and CEO of the Olympia-based association. “Because of this type of leadership, Rosauers has grown to become an impressive and highly successful grocery chain and [an] important part of the community.”
One example of Philipps’ commitment to his employees is when the roof at Rosauers Five Mile store fell through following a heavy snowfall. Instead of laying off employees during the four-month repair project, Philipps relocated them and paid 90 percent of their salaries plus health benefits.
Philipps recently received the Local Disaster Hero Award from the Red Cross, and the Compassionate Employer Award from the Spokane Chamber. He additionally serves on the WFI board of directors.
Founded in 1899, WFI represents the state’s independent grocers and suppliers that serve them.
“Even when companies throughout the Northwest and the country were shedding employees every day, Jeff decided to do the right thing for the well-being of his people,” said Jan Gee, president and CEO of the Olympia-based association. “Because of this type of leadership, Rosauers has grown to become an impressive and highly successful grocery chain and [an] important part of the community.”
One example of Philipps’ commitment to his employees is when the roof at Rosauers Five Mile store fell through following a heavy snowfall. Instead of laying off employees during the four-month repair project, Philipps relocated them and paid 90 percent of their salaries plus health benefits.
Philipps recently received the Local Disaster Hero Award from the Red Cross, and the Compassionate Employer Award from the Spokane Chamber. He additionally serves on the WFI board of directors.
Founded in 1899, WFI represents the state’s independent grocers and suppliers that serve them.