Hall of Fame 2022

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Supplier of the Year: Bernatello’s Foods SUPPLYING COMFORT, HAPPINESS AND A GREAT PIZZA EXPERIENCE 32 IOWA GROCER MAGAZINE
HALL OF fame Pizza brings people together. It’s a conduit for community – unifying and equalizing people across families, workplaces and neighborhoods. While Bernatello’s Foods has been in the frozen pizza manufacturing business since 1982, owners and employees really see it as a people business. time to get to know store managers and freezer case managers. “We want to learn how to serve their store best,” says Selvig. “It’s more than just talking about product, we also want to make genuine connections and show we care.” “We know people are our greatest asset, so it’s in our culture to put employees, retailers and customers first every single day,” says Matt Selvig, Advertising and Promotions Manager for Bernatello’s. “Treating people right has allowed us to create great products and grow into a household name.” The Minnesota-based company is owned and operated by two generations of the Ramsay family. What started as a back-room tavern pizza company has strategically expanded to now produce six brands of frozen pizzas, including Brew Pub Lotzza Motzza, Bellatoria, Orv’s, Roma, Pizza Corner and Hangry Bear brands. Bernatello’s is powered by more than 500 employees between manufacturing facilities in Minnesota and Wisconsin and a sales team across the Midwest. It distributes to retailers across the upper Midwest and also has warehouse business in western and southwest regions of the U.S. PRIORITIZING RETAILER RELATIONSHIPS The supplier has a direct store delivery program which includes going into stores, stocking shelves and making sure the freezer looks sharp. This service is an important value-add for stores choosing to carry Bernatello’s products – especially as retailers navigate the challenges of limited staffing and supply chain uncertainty. In addition to stocking product, the Bernatello’s sales team takes This people-first approach and handson service contributed to Bernatello’s nomination and selection for the Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) Supplier of the Year award. BUILDING THE BREW PUB PIZZA BRAND WITH CHEESE AND GOODWILL Bernatello’s has focused on building the Brew Pub Lotzza Motzza Pizza Brand in recent years. The line of frozen pizza is specifically made with the hungry in mind. Each pizza is made with premium meats and veggies and is topped with more than a half pound of awardwinning Wisconsin Mozzarella cheese. According to Selvig, once even the pickiest frozen pizza connoisseurs try a slice they are “wowed” by the flavor and quality. “It is so delicious it just takes one piece to get people on board,” he explains. “That’s why we do a lot of guerrilla marketing and sampling events.” Some of the marketing activities bring the Brew Pub Pizza trailer to events across their distribution region, including Iowa. Often, the Bernatello’s team will hand out free slices at community or non-profit events asking only for freewill donations that can be sent to a local charity of choice. “Whenever there’s an opportunity to help others, Bernatello’s will be there,” Selvig says. “Our company is genuinely dedicated to lifting up local communities and charities, and we’re especially passionate about supporting veterans and law enforcement officers.” About the Supplier of the Year The IGIA board of directors created this award in 1987 to distinguish one supplier that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the association and its members. It is reserved for companies that go above and beyond to foster retail success through outstanding customer service and marketing or merchandizing assistance. The ideal candidate is a member in good standing of the association that exhibits a high level of involvement in and service to IGIA. “It’s a huge honor to be recognized by peers in the industry who value the work we’re doing. Our team is proud to be a part of the association and will continue to develop relationships with our valued partners across Iowa.” MATT SELVIG, BERNATELLO’S FOODS TM To learn more about Bernatello’s and its lines of frozen pizza products, visit bernatellos.com. HALL OF FAME ISSUE 2022 33
Page 1 and 2: iowagrocer HALL OF FAME ISSUE • 2
Page 3 and 4: Dear [merchant services provider] I
Page 5 and 6: contents HALL OF FAME ISSUE | 2022
Page 7 and 8: 2022 IGIA Ribbon Sponsors as of Jun
Page 9 and 10: IGIA Board of Directors officers Ch
Page 11 and 12: EVENTS dates Save the Mark your cal
Page 13: Smart Cookies Use COOKIES! For over
Page 16 and 17: HALL OF fame 2022 HALL OF FAME awar
Page 18 and 19: Steve Grolmus with a photo of his f
Page 20 and 21: HALL OF fame “It was a strategic
Page 22 and 23: Lifetime Achievement: Jay Marshall,
Page 24 and 25: HALL OF fame About the Lifetime Ach
Page 26 and 27: HALL OF fame With a quiet superpowe
Page 28 and 29: Skokan and his wife Deanna. Skokan
Page 30 and 31: A HEART FOR SERVING OTHERS AND LIFT
Page 34 and 35: HALL OF fame PAST HALL OF FAME AWAR
Page 36 and 37: Integrated Supply Chain Solutions D
Page 38 and 39: INSIGHTS Be a Part of Moving Your I
Page 40 and 41: POLICY Governor Signs Bottle Bill I
Page 42 and 43: PROGRAMS congratulations to the 202
Page 44 and 45: PROGRAMS Sydney Day Clive Universit
Page 46 and 47: PROGRAMS PROGRAM POWERED BY IGEF SC
Page 48 and 49: PROGRAMS Autumn Mitts Maquoketa Uni
Page 50: cocktails & conversations HAPPY HOU
Page 53 and 54: thank you WE WANT TO RECOGNIZE IGIA
Page 55 and 56: IGIA Supplier Member Directory FUEL
Page 57 and 58: 21 million meals ... and counting H

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