Tops Reveals 2017 Produce Managers of the Year

Tops Markets LLC has named its 2017 Produce Managers of the Year. Nominees from each of the company’s districts were evaluated on several criteria, among them sales growth, overall department conditions, development of associates, customer interaction, merchandising, shrink and profitability. Each region submitted candidates for consideration who were then reviewed by Tops regional VPs John McCaffrey and Mike Patti, along with Director of Produce/Floral Jeff Cady.

“The ability to creatively merchandise the product, interact with the customers, and oversee the growth of not only the product, but the people within the department, is paramount,” noted Cady. “Produce is a vital part of our day to day business, and being able to undertake this and manage it successfully is something we truly appreciate and want to recognize in these individuals.”

This year’s award recipients are:

• Buffalo South: Eddie Mercado, Derby, N.Y., Store 268
• Buffalo North: Terry Bensley, Medina, N.Y., Store 248
• Midstate: Chris Buchholtz, Corning, N.Y. Store 540
• Buffalo Central: Scott Grange, Seneca Mall, Store 49
• Buffalo East & West Region: Rob Czaja, North French Store 227
• Rochester & East Region: John Dedie, New Henrietta Store 416
• Syracuse South: Bill Steinbrecher, Northside Store 373
• Syracuse North: Dean Maracchion, Camden, N.Y., Store 586
• North Country: Amanda Hapeman, Elizabeth Town, N.Y., Store 710
• Fingerlakes: Anthony Costigan, Farmington, N.Y., Store 435
• Western Pennsylvania: Mike Atkins, Warren, Pa., Store 603

Williamsville, N.Y.-based Tops operates 172 supermarkets, with five additional by franchisees under the Tops banner, employing more than 15,000 associates in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts.