FAREWAY HONORED WITH TWO INDEPENDENT GROCER INDUSTRY AWARDS, TAKES TWO BEST BAGGERS TO NATIONAL COMPETITION
NEWS RELEASE (Boone, IA) – Fareway was recently recognized as a 2023 Outstanding Independents Award winner by Progressive Grocer, in addition to being named a 2023 Exceptional Independents Award winner by The Shelby Report. The two honors showcase Fareway’s commitment to community– bringing people together through foods that reflect the local area served.
“We are humbled and honored to be recognized with these industry awards, serving as a leader in independent grocery,” said Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer. “In addition to being community-focused, team members of the Fareway family make our shopping experience second-to-none. Their commitment to customer service is the reason for our continued success.”
Progressive Grocer hosted their 12th annual Outstanding Independents Awards program, which honors the innovation and resilience of independent grocers. Winning retailers were included in the February 2023 issue, featured online, and celebrated during a special event at the National Grocers Association show in Las Vegas on February 26-28, 2023.
The Shelby Report Exceptional Independents Awards shines a light on businesses that continue to help feed communities. A new awards honor, the program is an opportunity to recognize independents for their contributions to communities and leading the way in care for customers. Winning retailers were featured in the April 2023 edition of The Shelby Report Midwest, online, and during a special event at the National Grocers Association show in Las Vegas on February 26-28, 2023.
Additionally, two statewide Fareway representatives from Iowa and South Dakota, had the honor of competing at the National Best Bagger Championship in Las Vegas on February 27, 2023. Elite baggers from across the country vied for the championship title and a $10,000 cash prize.
Representing Fareway from Iowa, Nolan McGregor earned a spot in the finalist round and placed fifth overall. McGregor has worked at Fareway since October 2016 and is currently full-time at the Sergeant Bluff location. McGregor primarily assists on the sales floor, ordering, helping customers, and working the front-end. He recently accepted his first transfer to Fareway’s Papillion location, which will take effect in March. McGregor graduated from Western Tech Community College in December with a degree in Business Management. In his spare time, McGregor enjoys spending time with friends and family and watching motor sports.
Representing Fareway from South Dakota was Elijah Schipper. Schipper has worked part-time at the Harrisburg location since February 2019. He primarily works the produce department but is trained in all other aspects of the store, including providing great customer service. Schipper attends Augustana University where he is studying government and environmental studies, with the intention of pursuing law school after he graduates in 2026. In his spare time, Schipper likes to participate in politics, go to the gym, and read.
About Fareway
Fareway Stores, Inc. is a growing Midwest grocery company currently operating 134 stores in a seven-state region. Fareway’s mission is to provide the highest quality products, while treating customers like family, and valuing dedicated employees. Its stores are known for their unmatched, full-service meat departments, farm-fresh produce, and exceptional to-your-car customer service. Fareway is a family-owned business, recognized as a top 10 employer in Iowa, and has more than 12,000 total employees. Visit Fareway.com for more information or shop online by visiting Shop.Fareway.com.
