Hall of Fame 2022

HALL OF fame
“It was a strategic move to build in
He puts the concept of “local” into
Eldridge because we were able to
action by hiring local, spending
get in on the ground level and grow local, choosing local products and
alongside the community,” Grolmus supporting local – all benefiting the
explains. “We helped spur the
community’s jobs and tax base.
community’s growth by providing jobs
and local economic development.” Grolmus and the North Scott Foods
team have prioritized giving back to
Since the grocer was established,
the community, with endless examples
the town has continued to grow. He of charitable giving and volunteerism.
says the community’s mayor and
He supports fundraisers for every
local leadership are focused on
elementary school in the North Scott
attracting businesses, which has
district, as well as the school district’s
helped create a thriving school system athletic departments, music programs
and housing developments. This
and events. They also deliver a good
approach has allowed local businesses amount of community fun, hosting
to compete with larger chains and crawfish boils, BBQ rib contests and
retailers in nearby Davenport.
constructing a massive aisle-long
strawberry shortcake for all to see.
While he isn’t quick to take credit,
Grolmus has also been instrumental “After nearly 40 years in the community,
in growing momentum in the area. you get to know a lot of people
His vision as a business owner and and build real relationships,” he
member of the North Scott Chamber says. “It feels good to give back and
of Commerce has helped shape
be a part of the community.”
the local economy for the better.
To learn more about the Grolmus family and
North Scott Foods, visit northscottfoods.com.
FURTHERING THE IOWA
GROCERY INDUSTRY
Grolmus’ commitment to continuous
improvement extends beyond his store
and the North Scott community. Thanks
to his leadership with the Iowa Grocery
Industry Association (IGIA), he has also
been influential in advancing the entire
Iowa grocery industry and raising the
voice of independent grocers. He has
served on the board since 2014 and was
board chairman in the 2019-2020 term.
“Being involved with IGIA is a way that
I can give back to the industry I grew
up in and had given us so much. I want
to do whatever I can to support the
industry and the association,” he says. “I
will continue to serve as long I can.”
During his role as board chairman, he
helped the association and its members
navigate COVID-19 uncertainties,
including changing regulations, supply
chain disruptions, employment
challenges and health protocols.
He has also been heavily involved
in the association’s Government
Relations committee, with a focus
on modernizing the bottle bill.
About the Retailer of the Year Award
Initiated by the IGIA board of directors in 1982, this prestigious award recognizes a retail professional
for their outstanding work ethic and commitment to their store, company, employees and community.
Winners are nominated by their peers and nominations are reviewed by the Hall of Fame selection
committee. Final selection is made based upon contributions to the grocery industry, years of grocery
industry involvement, membership and participation in and contributions to IGIA, superior customer
service and community involvement, contributions to create a positive environment for the grocery
industry, and unflagging character, ethical behavior, commitment to company, employees and community.
“I’m speechless and honored to be chosen. There are a great number of
people who deserve this award. I’ve tried to give back to the industry and will
continue to do so. I’m proud to continue my parents’ legacy they started in
the grocery industry. This recognition means a lot coming from my peers.”
STEVE GROLMUS, NORTH SCOTT FOODS
20 IOWA GROCER MAGAZINE