2023 Hall of Fame Issue

HALL OF FAME ISSUE • 2023 

Congratulations 

to our 2023 

Hall of Fame 

Award Winners! 

Retail Leader of the Year 

Garrett Piklapp, Fareway Stores 

Fareway, Faith, Family 

Lifetime Achievement 

Speed Herrig, 

Cookies Food Products 

Volunteer of the Year 

Brett Spiker, 

Hy-Vee, Inc. 

Legislative Leadership 

Doug Beech, 

Casey’s General Stores 

Supplier of the Year 

Mueller Yurgae 

Associates

HALL OF FAME ISSUE 2023 3

CONTACT 

Iowa Grocery Industry Association 

2540 106th Street, Suite 102 

Urbandale, IA 50355 

515-270-2628 

iowagrocers.com 

IGIA STAFF 

President: Michelle Hurd, CAE 

Assistant Vice President of Membership 

& Operations: Cara Corkrean, CAE 

Events & Member Programs 

Specialist: Annie Lallier 

Marketing & Communications 

Specialist: Audrey Comer 

IOWA GROCER MAGAZINE 

Editor: Kelly Visser, KMV & Co. 

Art Directors: Amanda Krumel, Ashton Boles, 

Alesha Burgraff, TandemHart 

ADVERTISING INQUIRES 

Interested in advertising in an 

upcoming issue of iowa grocer magazine? 

Contact Cara Corkrean at 

ccorkrean@iowagrocers.com 

for placement details and rates. 

iowa grocer magazine is published four 

times per year by Grocers Service Company, 

a subsidiary of the Iowa Grocery Industry 

Association. The magazine is distributed by 

mail to members of the Iowa Grocery Industry 

Association. All rights of this publication are 

strictly reserved and no part of it may be 

reproduced in whole or part without expressed 

written permission of the publisher. While 

the information has been compiled carefully 

to ensure maximum accuracy at the time of 

publication, it is provided for general guidance 

and is subject to change. Entire contents are 

protected by Copyright ©2023 Iowa Grocer 

and Grocers Service Company. Magazine 

printing provided by Sutherland Printing, 

Montezuma, Iowa. 

54 

Iowa’s 

56 

Best Bagger Contest: The 36th-annual contest 

was held on Aug. 11 during the Iowa State Fair. 

IGIA Golf Classic: Held at Tournament Club of Iowa on 

Aug. 15, the tournament is a great way to build new 

connections and catch up with old friends. 

4 | IOWA GROCER MAGAZINE

contents 

HALL OF FAME ISSUE | 2023 

22 

Congratulations to all 2023 Hall of Fame 

Award winners! As Retail Leader of the Year, 

Garrett Piklapp, Fareway Stores, Inc., juggles 

policy work, community outreach, day-today 

decisions and Fareway Family values. 

06 2023 IGIA PREMIER 

SPONSORS 

42 NGA: PERSPECTIVE 

ON THE FARM BILL 

ON THE COVER 

Congratulations to Garrett Piklapp, 

president of Fareway Stores, Inc., for being 

named the 2023 Hall of Fame Retail Leader 

of the Year. He leads the growing Midwest 

grocery company currently operating 

more than 130 grocery store locations. 

Photo Credit: Katie McDonald Photography. 

10 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 

11 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

12 LEAD COUNCIL MESSAGE 

13 LEAD COUNCIL MEMBERS 

16 NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 

18 IGIA TEAM 

19 SAVE THE DATES 

22 HALL OF FAME FEATURE 

46 IGEF SCHOLARSHIP AWARD 

MILESTONE & WINNERS 

54 IOWA BEST BAGGER 

COMPETITION 

56 IGIA GOLF CLASSIC 

GALLERY 

58 IMPACT OF THE INDUSTRY: 

SURVEY COMING 

60 SUPPLIER DIRECTORY 


PREMIER sponsors 

IGIA PREMIER 

SPONSORS 

are the foundation of our success 

2023 IGIA Premier Sponsors as of August 18. 

PLATINUM 

GOLD 

Associated 

Wholesale Grocers 

Bernatello’s Pizza 

Cylinder Express 

Federated Insurance 

Hiland Dairy 

Kemps/DFA Dairy Brands 

SpartanNash 


The Iowa Grocery Industry Association’s (IGIA) Premier Sponsors 

are foundational for the strength and success of our association. 

Becoming a Premier Sponsor is an extremely valuable 

investment to make – not only for the benefit of IGIA, but also 

for the success of your business. 

Premier Sponsors stand apart as they are stepping up and 

championing our association. Their support allows us to provide 

all members with valuable resources, enhanced programming 

and advocacy efforts that make IGIA shine. 

Through this sponsorship, these high-caliber businesses have 

chosen to signal their support of IGIA’s retail members. When 

selecting the businesses you partner with, consider working with 

IGIA Premier Sponsors. 

Thank you to our 2023 IGIA Premier Sponsors! 

Are you interested 

in signaling your 

support, amplifying 

your membership 

benefits and 

enjoying valuable visibility? Then 

become an IGIA Premier Sponsor 

today. Contact Cara Corkrean, 

assistant vice president of 

membership and operations, at 

ccorkrean@iowagrocers.com. 

SILVER 

Advantage Solutions 

Constellation Brands 

Kum & Go 

Russ Davis Wholesale 

AE Dairy 

Frontier Co-op 

Kwik Star 

Sazerac 

Anheuser-Busch 

Bimbo Bakeries USA 


General Mills 

Iowa Lottery 

Keurig Dr Pepper 

Molson Coors 


Associates 

Versova Eggs 

Wells Enterprises 

White Claw Hard Seltzer 

Certco 

Kraft Heinz 

Old Dutch Foods 

BRONZE 

Acosta Integrated Sales 

& Marketing Services 

Altria 

American Pop Corn 

Company 

Barilla 

Body Armor 

The Boston Beer 

Company 

Capital City Fruit 


CROSSMARK Sales 

& Marketing 

Crystal Farms 

Fairlife 

Holmes Murphy 

& Associates 

Hormel Foods 

Corporation 

Hussmann 

Iowa Alcoholic Beverages 

Division 

Johnson Brothers 

of Iowa 

Lola’s 

Luxco 

Pabst Brewing Company 

Pan-O-Gold 

Baking Company 

Pilgrim’s 

Prairie Farms 

Reynolds American 

RollSeal 

Rose Acre Farms 

RSM US 

Ruan Transportation 

Southern Glazer’s Wine 

& Spirits 

Sparboe Companies 

Tyson Foods 

UNFI 

Upside 

Voss Distributing/ 

Red Bull 




CHAIRMAN’S message 

Building on Our Strong Foundation 

I’m honored by the opportunity to 

serve as the Iowa Grocery Industry 

Association (IGIA) Chairman for the 

2023-2024 term. I know that together 

we will continue the association’s 

already strong tradition of being a 

trusted voice for the state’s grocery 

and convenience store industry. 

Thanks to my role as community 

relations manager with Kwik Trip, 

I’ve been involved in IGIA since 2011. 

This has included my current term on 

the board of directors, as well as the 

Government Relations Committee, 

where I served as committee chair 

for 2022-2023. These experiences 

have helped provide a well-rounded 

perspective on how our association 

functions and ways to inspire 

and involve our membership in 

achieving our collective goals. 

CONTINUING THE 

MOMENTUM 

Thanks to the incredible leadership of 

our Past Chairman Tom Laven as well as 

the entire board of directors, we have 

an exciting opportunity to continue 

already-strong progress on membership 

growth, legislative priorities, events 

and member engagement. 

One specific example is the newly 

formed LEAD Council. The idea for 

this initiative has been in the works 

for a few years, but it was officially 

established this past spring. The council 

grows the number of leaders involved 

in our association and is aimed to 

strategically position IGIA for another 

generation of success. In the last few 

months alone, this group has been 

involved in developing a strategic plan 

and creating inroads for continued 

membership feedback and engagement. 

You can read more about their great 

work on Page 12 of this issue. 

The past year has also included a 

focus on showcasing the positive 

impacts our industry is creating on 

workforce, job opportunities, local 

economies, sustainability and quality 

of life. To continue rounding out 

supportive data and storytelling, IGIA 

is sending an “Impact of the Industry” 

survey to retailers this fall. Your 

participation in this survey will help 

us better amplify the collective work 

our members are doing to make an 

impact, which is helpful when speaking 

with legislators or the public. 

RECOGNIZING OUR 

INDUSTRY’S LEADERS 

It’s no surprise that our strength is 

made possible by the dedication and 

vision of individuals across the entire 

industry. We’re thrilled to recognize 

and celebrate these leaders during 

our Hall of Fame Dinner on Nov. 6 

at the Sheraton in West Des Moines. 

The evening will center on honoring 

our five Hall of Fame award recipients 

who have dedicated their careers and 

personal lives to furthering our industry. 

I want to extend my heartfelt 

congratulations to each of the award 

winners. Your contributions make 

a difference. You can get to know 

each winner on Pages 22-39 of this 

issue of iowa grocer magazine. 

AN EXTENDED THANK YOU 

IGIA’s long-standing reputation of 

collective strength and impact would 

not be possible without the dedication 

of our members, board of directors, 

staff and all other supporters of the 

association. I recognize the tremendous 

momentum we have on our side and 

take seriously the opportunity to 

build upon this strong foundation. 

I look forward to serving the association 

in the coming year, and always welcome 

your feedback and perspective. 

Sincerely, 

David Ring, IGIA Chairman 

Community Relations Manager 

Kwik Star 


IGIA Board of Directors 

officers 

Chairman 

David Ring 

First Vice Chair 

Joel Allen 

Second Vice Chair 

Amy Thompson 

Treasurer 

Robert Feeney 

Past Chairman 

Tom Laven 

Exec At Large 

Andrea Chase 

Exec At Large 

Jill Eilderts 

Kwik Star 

Hy-Vee, Inc. 

PepsiCo 

Atlantic Coca-Cola 

Bottling Co. 

Fareway Stores, Inc. 


Hometown Foods 

directors 

Doug Beech 

Casey’s General 

Stores 

Randy Bender 

Bender’s Foods 

Ross Dean 

Versova 

Denny 

Dietrich 

Gary’s Foods 

Bob Gostomski 


Associates 

Bev Jessen 


Cortney 

Kallenbach 

SpartanNash 

Nick Kelso 

B & R Stores 

Brian Kessler 

Associated 

Wholesale Grocers 

Lisa Nelson 

Walmart Inc. 

Dave 

Osterman 

SHAZAM 

Anna Stoermer 

Hy-Vee, Inc. 

Jeremy 

Thompson 

Sazerac 

Zac Voss 

Voss 

Distributing 


LEAD COUNCIL message 

Council Listening, Learning 

and Envisioning the Future 

Earlier this year, the Iowa 

Grocery Industry Association 

(IGIA) began an exciting new 

chapter as an association – launching 

the first-ever LEAD Council. 

This newly formed group is made up 

of leaders who have an understanding, 

appreciation and passion for the 

grocery and convenience industry. The 

council is future-focused, charged to 

grow the number of leaders involved 

in our association and strategically 

position IGIA for long-term success. 

I have the honor of serving as board 

liaison for the council, which means 

I have the exciting opportunity to 

help guide and cheer on the council. 

Plus, I get to offer perspectives, 

resources and connections from 

the IGIA board of directors. 

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK 

I’m happy to share the six-member 

council is already digging in, meeting 

monthly and finding opportunities 

to first listen, learn and share. This 

foundation of understanding is 

an important step in developing 

programming, resources and events that 

will drive our association forward in the 

strongest, most impactful way possible. 

Here are a few key updates 

from the council: 

Committee involvement. Council 

members are joining IGIA’s many 

working committees – ranging from 

convention and government relations 

to golf classics and membership. 

This connection point will not only 

bring the LEAD Council perspective to 

committee activities and planning, but 

it will also ensure the entire council is 

up to date on activities and priorities 

across the entire association. 

LEAD Conference plans. We 

are beginning to put together ideas 

for a LEAD Conference that will be 

held in 2024. The event is designed 

for past IGIA Leadership Institute 

graduates to network and further 

their education and leadership 

skills. The new conference will be an 

exciting and rewarding opportunity 

for many leaders to stay involved 

and connected to the association. 

Member roundtables. The council 

is making plans to host roundtable 

discussions with IGIA member companies. 

These conversations will be an opportunity 

to learn directly from our members what 

events, programs and resources they 

would like to see from the association 

– especially when it comes to growing 

involvement and leadership opportunities. 

MOMENTUM FOR ONGOING 

SUCCESS 

Beyond these updates, there’s an overall 

energy from the council that is really 

exciting. They’re ready to jump in, think 

big and make a difference in helping 

shape our association today and in the 

long term. This excitement is shifting 

from ideas to action, and I am confident 

that energy will continue to grow as 

more members and leaders see the 

positive impact the council is making. 

I look forward to continuing to share LEAD 

Council updates in upcoming issues of iowa 

grocer magazine. As always, don’t hesitate 

to reach out to me if you have feedback 

or ideas that I can share with the group. 

Sincerely, 

Amy Thompson 

LEAD Council Board Liaison 

National Senior Account Manager 

PepsiCo 


IGIA Lead Council 

members 

Elizabeth Baker 

Atlantic Coca-Cola 

Bottling Co. 

Todd Fox 

Hy-Vee, Inc. 

Jacob Jessen 


Wesson Kingma 


Kevin Paltz 


Alex Smith 

American Pop 

Corn Company 

Board of 

Directors Liaison 

Amy Thompson 

PepsiCo 

mission 

The LEAD Council is comprised of leaders in the grocery and convenience industry. 

The council is represented by individuals that have an understanding, appreciation and 

passion for the grocery and convenience industry. It’s a great way for individuals who will 

help lead the association into the future to get involved and develop programming and 

resources they would like to see. This council participates in strategic planning sessions 

to guide and assist the board and association in better serving the future leaders of the 

association. Additionally, the council assists in developing events that will attract up and 

coming members to attend, participate and get more engaged with IGIA and its efforts. 

Get Involved: 

Interested in growing your involvement in IGIA? 

Our working committees are a great place to 

start. Scan the QR code to learn more or contact 

Annie Lallier at alallier@iowagrocers.com. 




MEMBERSHIP 

NEW 

MEMBER 

May 1 – July 31, 2023 

Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. 

Chester, IL 

Gilster-Mary Lee is a private label food 

processing company headquartered in 

Chester, IL. Tracing its roots back to 1895, 

today the company is focused on providing 

the best combination of quality, service 

and value to our private label, contract 

manufacturing and food service customers. 

Welcome New 

IGIA Members! 

Your membership in the 

Iowa Grocery Industry 

Association (IGIA) matters. 

It demonstrates your 

support of the association 

and industry, plus there 

are ample opportunities 

to see a return on your 

investment – whether 

that’s growing your 

network, gaining industry 

insights or raising your 

voice at the Capitol. 

Our outstanding IGIA 

Membership/Ambassador 

Committee is instrumental 

in developing innovative 

ways to attract new 

members and retain 

our existing members. 

In 2023, the committee 

was challenged to grow 

our membership with 

25 new members – and 

we’re thrilled to report 

that as of Sept. 1, we 

have already welcomed 

30 new members to the 

association this year! 

Thank you to 

committee members 

for your commitment 

to the success of our 

association and growth 

of our membership. 

16 | IOWA GROCER MAGAZINE 

CA Carlin 

West Des Moines, IA 

At C.A. Carlin, we take brands to new 

heights. We are one of the leading privately 

held agencies in the industry. Thanks to 

nimble growth and associations with our 

operating partners, C.A. Fortune and C.A. 

Ferolie, we have built brand value that is 

unlike any other in the CPG industry. 

CW Sales & Service 

Mount Pleasant, IA 

Curt Watson, Owner 

curt.cwsales@gmail.com 

(319) 931-8718 

Ferrero 

Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ 

Flowers Bakeries 

Madison, AL 

Flowers Bakeries is the secondlargest 

producer and marketer of 

packaged bakery foods in the U.S. 

Our products are sold under leading 

brands such as Nature’s Own, Dave’s 

Killer Bread, Canyon Bakehouse, 

Tastykake Author and Wonder. 

Grizzly Coolers 

Decorah, IA 

With features you won’t find anywhere else 

and superior quality, Grizzly is the outdoor 

everything cooler. Whether you’re spending 

a week at hunting camp, on the water 

trying to land that next lunker, looking for 

adventure on the trail, tailgating before the 

big game or relaxing at base camp the Grizzly 

is the OUTDOOR EVERYTHING COOLER. 

Hain Celestial 

Hoboken, NJ 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. is a leading 

organic and natural products company that has 

been committed to creating A Healthier Way 

of Life® since 1993. With operations in North 

America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, we 

are committed to growing sustainably while 

continuing to implement environmentally sound 

business practices and manufacturing processes. 

Herr Foods 

Nottingham, PA 

As a company rooted in family since the 

beginning, we proudly continue to be 

family-owned and operated. Since 1946, 

we’ve been making exceptionally delicious 

snacks. You can always trust that you’re 

getting an exceptional snack that’s made 

by our family for yours to enjoy.

IOWA SMOKEHOUSE 

Albia, IA 

IOWA SMOKEHOUSE meat snacks have 

grown its customer base to include farm/ 

ranch, home stores, and grocery wholesalers 

across the U.S. Our motto is “Tasting Is 

Believing” because we proudly insist on only 

high-quality, delicious-tasting products. 

LaCroix 

Gainesville, GA 

LaCroix ® Sparkling Water (pronounced La- 

Croy) has uniquely redefined the Sparkling 

Water category that is rapidly becoming the 

alternative to traditional carbonated soda. With 

zero calories, zero sweeteners and zero sodium, 

LaCroix leads the premium domestic sparkling 

water category with distinctive packaging, 

robust aromas and unique hints of flavor. 

Trilliant Food & Nutrition LLC 

Little Chute, WI 

Victor Allen’s®️ Coffee was established in 1979 with 

a passion for producing high-quality coffee. We 

believe in providing unique, quality, coffeehouseinspired 

products to meet the ever-changing 

needs of all customers and consumers. We 

specialize in producing flavored coffee beverage 

solutions for espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, 

mochas, cold brews, hot cocoas and teas. 

Jack Link’s Beef Jerky 

Minong, WI 

Jack Link’s Protein Snacks is a global leader in 

snacking and the No. 1 meat snack brand in 

America. Its brands include Jack Link’s, Jack 

Link’s Cold Crafted, Lorissa’s Kitchen, Wild 

River, Golden Island and MATADOR. Made up 

of over 4,000 passionate team members, Jack 

Link’s is committed to delivering high quality 

products for consumers to feed their Wild Side. 

Second Nature Brands 

Madison Heights, MI 

At Second Nature Brands we are 

reinventing snacks made with healthy 

ingredients to nourish bodies, and 

carefully crafting treats made with real 

ingredients to revitalize spirits. Our 

family of brands includes Kar’s, Second 

Nature, Sanders and Brownie Brittle. 

Truno 

Lubbock, TX 

For over 40 years, we’ve partnered with 

retailers to identify the technologies they 

need to navigate an ever-changing and 

increasingly competitive industry. Whether 

searching for a new point-of-sale system, 

tools to empower your business decisions 

or reliable hardware service and software 

support, TRUNO will keep you on course. 

Ken’s Foods 

Marlborough, MA 

Ken’s is a family business that traces back 

to the basement of Ken’s Steak House, a 

restaurant in Framingham, Massachusetts 

that became known for its delicious salad 

dressings. To this day, Ken’s is still owned 

by the same family, as they continue 

their tradition of flavor obsession. 

Simek’s 

St. Paul Park, MN 

Simek’s, the women-owned and B Corp certified 

brand, produces premium frozen meatballs and 

entrees. Committed to providing comforting, 

convenient foods with quality ingredients and 

homemade taste. For every product purchased, 

Simek’s donates a meal to the community 

where their product was purchased. All 

packaging is certified Plastic Neutral. 

Utz Quality Foods 

Hanover, PA 

Utz Quality Foods, founded in 1921 and 

based in Hanover, PA, manufactures and 

markets snack foods throughout the United 

States and internationally. The company 

produces a full line of snack products 

including potato chips, pretzels, cheese 

snacks, corn products and popcorn. 

KENT Corporation 

Muscatine, IA 

With origins in the livestock feed business, 

today the KENT Family of Companies offer 

diverse product lines for the whole family 

to enjoy. Brands include World’s Best Cat 

Litter, Mrs. Wages, Sqwincher, Orrington 

Farms and Crunchers. Be sure to check 

out KENT, family-owned since 1927. 

Topco Associates LLC 

Elk Grove, IL 

Topco Associates, LLC provides management 

solutions for its leading food industry memberowners 

and customers. Topco leverages the 

collective volume, knowledge, and commitment 

of these companies to create a competitive 

advantage in the marketplace by reducing costs 

and offering winning business-building capabilities. 

Do you know 

someone who could 

benefit from being 

an IGIA member? 

Send any new 

member ideas to 

Cara Corkrean, 

assistant vice president of 

membership and operations, at 



MEET the team 

working 

for Iowa’s grocery industry 

Michelle Hurd, CAE 

PRESIDENT 

What is a highlight for the association this year? 

Tom Laven’s leadership as chairman of the board has been a true highlight. His service, 

commitment and vision has helped propel the association forward and help position 

IGIA to remain a strong and respected voice. I also want to share my appreciation for 

our entire board. Their engagement and hard work has been a highlight for 2023. 

Connect with Michelle at mhurd@iowagrocers.com. 

Cara Corkrean, CAE 

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT 

OF MEMBERSHIP & OPERATIONS 

How are you inspired by the 

Hall of Fame award winners? 

I am inspired by each award recipient 

in a different way, which is what 

makes the awards so special and 

meaningful. Each of this year’s 

recipients has gone above and 

beyond for our association and 

industry. They are true leaders 

and incredibly deserving of 

their respective recognition. 

Connect with Cara at 


Annie Lallier 

EVENTS & MEMBER 

PROGRAMS SPECIALIST 

What do the Hall of Fame 

awards mean to you? 

The Hall of Fame awards are a 

special opportunity to showcase 

and honor some of the amazing 

and hardworking members of the 

grocery and convenience industry. 

There are so many great people 

in this industry and it’s important 

to come together each year to 

recognize those individuals! 

Connect with Annie at 

alallier@iowagrocers.com. 

Audrey Comer 

MARKETING & 

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST 

How are you inspired by the 

Hall of Fame award winners? 

I admire the leaders in this industry 

who have a keen understanding 

of how to bring different interests 

together and advance the work of 

the grocery industry. Each of this 

year’s winners are great examples 

of individuals who understand 

the strength of relationships and 

having a strong association. 

Connect with Audrey at 

acomer@iowagrocers.com. 


EVENTS 

dates 

Mark your calendar 

for these Iowa Grocery 

Industry Association’s 

events in 2023! 

These educational, 

networking and 

promotional events 

are a great way to 

form connections, 

meet influential 

leaders in the 

grocery industry 

and gain visibility 

for your business. 

THURS. 10/26 

COCKTAILS & CONVERSATIONS 

BRICK & IVY, 

ALTOONA 

Find event updates and additional 

details at iowagrocers.com/ 

main-events. 

MON. 11/6 

HALL OF FAME DINNER 

SHERATON HOTEL, 

WEST DES MOINES 



20_Luxco #1 - Full Page Ad


2023 

AWARDS 

The annual Hall of Fame Awards are the Iowa Grocery Industry Association’s 

(IGIA) leading celebration of Iowa’s grocery, convenience and food industries. 

The awards are an important opportunity to recognize individuals who have 

demonstrated extraordinary commitment and service to the industry. 

Retail Leader 

of the Year Award 

Garrett Piklapp 


CONGRATULATIONS! 

Legislative 

Leadership Award 

Doug Beech 


Lifetime 

Achievement Award 

Speed Herrig 


Supplier 



Associates 

Volunteer 


Brett Spiker 

Hy-Vee, Inc. 

Winners are selected by the IGIA executive committee based upon peer nomination and award-specific criteria, including 

contributions to the grocery industry, years of involvement in the grocery industry, membership and participation in and 

contributions to the association, superior customer service and community involvement and contributions. 


DINNER DETAILS 

IGIA is honored to formally recognize 

award winners and celebrate the industry 

as a whole during the 2023 Hall of Fame 

Dinner on Monday, Nov. 6, at the Sheraton 

West Des Moines. IGIA members, industry 

professionals and supporters are invited to 

be a part of the celebration. 

Register at iowagrocers.com/ 

hall-of-fame-dinner. 

Book Your Stay 

Sheraton West Des Moines 

1800 50th St. West Des Moines, IA 50266 

Call 515-223-1800 and request the “Iowa Grocers 

Block” for the group block on Monday, Nov. 6. 

Cost 

Members, member spouse/partner: $100 

Non-members, non-member spouse/partner: $130 

Complimentary Premier Sponsor promo codes 

have been emailed to company main contacts. 

If you have not received yours, please contact 


Agenda 

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Hall of Fame Check-In 

5 p.m. Cocktail Reception 

6 – 6:15 p.m. Guests Seated for Dinner 

6:30 p.m. Dinner is Served 

7 – 8 p.m. Hall of Fame Program 

Dinner Dress Code 

Business formal and cocktail attire are 

appropriate. 


Retail Leader 

of the Year 

Garrett Piklapp 



Commitment to connection and purpose bring clarity and growth 

F 

or Garrett Piklapp, it all comes 

down to connection and purpose. 

This mindset was crystalized in 

fall 2020, as he sat through a series of 

tests at Mayo Clinic working to pin down 

the source of his recent chest pain. 

Fortunately, the tests came back 

clear. The conversation then turned to 

how the stress of navigating the daily 

grind was impacting his health. 

“I was surrounded by the best doctors 

in the world, and they were focused 

on my spiritual and mental health,” he 

explains. “We talked about the power 

of being intentional in my work, being 

present with my family and friends, and 

understanding a bigger purpose. They 

were telling me to have perspective to 

always make the big thing, the big thing.” 

It was a clarifying and grounding 

conversation. These values were 

already in place. It was just a matter 

of focusing his connection and 

purpose on what was important, and 

letting the extra noise fall away. 

CHARGED UP, VISION FOCUSED 

Piklapp was named President of Fareway 

Stores in 2021. The role is all encompassing 

– working both in the day-to-day and 

on the future of the business. But most 

importantly, he is focused on adding to 

Fareway’s already strong mission – which is 

centered on personalized service, providing 

quality food, treating customers like family, 

valuing dedicated employees and being 

involved in the communities it serves. 

“We know who we are, our identity is very 

clear,” he explains. “Every conversation I’m 

a part of and every decision that is made 

is about strengthening what’s proprietary 

to us and living out our mission.” 

“This focus makes my job pretty 

easy,” he adds with a smirk. 

Fareway has experienced immense growth 

in recent years, ranging from new stores, 

new markets, new business ventures, to 

outreach campaigns to e-commerce and 

employee benefits. And it is poised for 

more in the years to come with a booked 

real estate calendar and plans for additional 

campus capital investments, workforce 

growth and vertical integration projects. 

Piklapp says this is all possible because the 

company is dialed into the tenets that make 

Fareway special – its people, its culture, its 

retail experience, and how it gives back. 

“We are competing against some of the 

biggest companies, in one of the most 

innovative, fast-paced industries in the 

world,” he says. “This fires me up. But if 

we aren’t focusing on what connects us 

to our customers and communities, and 

if we don’t find purpose in this mission, 

the outside noise and stress can begin 

to cause your company chest pains.” 

His demonstrated commitment to 

Fareway’s longstanding values has helped 

Piklapp build trust and valued relationships 

across the company’s 140 retail stores, 

approximately 275 managers, 475 assistant 

managers and nearly 12,000 employees. 

He credits the in-store leadership 

and team members with making the 

company’s values and vision a reality. 

“They believe in the vision and have 

seen how we’ve tackled complicated 

issues over the last few years,” he 

explains. “I do my best to provide 

the accessibility, transparency and 

communication they need to trust 

in the vision and our leadership.” 

Garrett, Tami, Ellison and Blakely. Connecting on legislative priorities during Grocers Care Day in 2017. 


An IGIA coalition claps as the modernized Bottle Bill is signed into law in June 2022. 

AN OUTSIDE PERSPECTIVE, 

GROWING THROUGH EXPERIENCE 

Unlike many in the grocery business, 

Piklapp was new to the industry 

when he began as the company’s 

first-ever general counsel in 2008. 

At the time, Piklapp had recently earned 

his juris doctorate at University of 

Missouri - Kansas City School of Law and 

was working as a law clerk at the state 

trial court. He and his now wife Tami had 

been dating long distance but knew they 

were ready to set their roots and start a 

family – the question was only whether 

to call Kansas City or Iowa home. 

“By the Grace of God, we ended 

up here,” he reflects. 

As a Boone native, Piklapp was 

familiar with the Fareway family and 

business. His mother, Char Piklapp, 

worked in the Fareway accounting 

department her entire career. 

“It was a unique opportunity to join 

Fareway,” he explains. “The hardest 

part was figuring out how I could fit 

into their bigger picture and offer value 

to an already-successful company. 

Tami and I discussed it. We prayed 

about it. And we took the jump.” 

The jump provided a steep learning curve. 

It meant sometimes being overwhelmed, 

but always a sponge. Asking questions 

to understand how issues affected the 

business, and soaking in the many years 

of experience and wisdom from the 

professionals he was surrounded by. 

Beyond Piklapp’s drive to “figure it 

out,” Fareway’s leadership encouraged 

him to find additional mentorship and 

outside counsel for support. Piklapp 

credits many, but in particular Chip 

Baltimore for his mentorship, guidance 

and friendship, and a long list of internal 

mentors across Fareway’s leadership 

and ownership – including the Beckwith 

Family, Cramer Family and Wiltse Family. 

“The Fareway Family didn’t have to take 

a chance on me. Throughout the years, 

they have taken many chances on me. 

Without their confidence, I wouldn’t be 

where I am,” he explains. “It’s a great 

honor to be trusted with helping shape 

their company and their family legacy.” 

As Piklapp began to feel more comfortable, 

he began joining conversations about 

business decisions beyond his legal 

and corporate governance role. 

Bringing an outside perspective to 

the table, he was able to offer insights 

and feedback in unexpected places. 

He grew more involved in real estate, 

communications and outreach initiatives. 

Around 2015, company leadership 

said they weren’t going to give him any 

additional responsibilities until he started 

giving things up. They hired additional 

legal, real estate, communications and 

outreach professionals to assist. 

“It was wisdom I didn’t understand 

at the time,” he explains. “It was the 

best thing for me to focus and spend 

time continuing to learn from other 

business leaders while deepening our 

professional bench strength. It allowed 

both Fareway and me to get stronger.” 

He struck a balance understanding how 

to evolve and improve what was working 

well, and only reinventing if there was 

a problem to fix. Finding success in this 

path and approach, he was promoted 

to Vice President, then Senior Vice 

President, and eventually Executive 

Vice President before his current role. 


“I don’t take for granted my 

progression at Fareway,” Piklapp 

states. “So, when the issues are 

endless, and the work gets challenging, 

and the days get long, and then the 

world throws you a pandemic, I take a 

moment and realize there is no other 

group I’d rather be with, and no other 

table I would rather be at, than with 

my Fareway Family figuring it out.” 

TACKLING ISSUES THAT LIFT 

THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY 

Piklapp has been actively involved 

in the Iowa Grocery Industry 

Association (IGIA) Government 

Relations committee since 2008. 

With his support and leadership, the 

association has taken on a wide variety 

of public policy issues to strengthen 

the state’s entire grocery and c-store 

industry. In the last several years, IGIA 

has led on updating Iowa’s Bottle Bill, 

cutting regulatory tape around labor 

issues, bettering Iowa’s tax climate, 

among other important policy wins. 

“It’s a big task to get members on 

the same page at the Capitol,” he 

says. “But IGIA makes it happen 

and they know Fareway will stay in 

when the political fire gets hot.” 

Over the years, Piklapp has also 

represented Fareway and the industry 

as a member of the Iowa Business 

Council, Food Industry Association 

and National Grocers Association. 

FAMILY ROOTS CONNECTION 

AND PURPOSE 

Throughout his career, Piklapp’s 

family has been the strength of his 

connection and purpose. He and 

Tami have been married since 2008 

and have two daughters, Ellison (10) 

and Blakely (7), and a dog fondly 

named Booger. The entire family 

is involved in the girls’ competitive 

cheerleading – often traveling 

together for competitions across 

the Midwest – with Piklapp as a 

self-proclaimed “crazy cheer dad.” 

“The universal theme of parenting 

is that it goes too fast,” Piklapp says. 

“I’m so thankful for all that Tami 

does to take care of our personal 

lives and make our family time 

together so special. My love for 

my family is so deep – they are 

the primary reason for my success 

and my inspiration to do more.” 

The Piklapps are also involved 

with Hope Lutheran Church, 

volunteering with Ballard Community 

Schools and spending time with 

their extended family. And in his 

free time, Piklapp enjoys being 

a part of local government and 

political campaign work. 

About the 

Retailer Leader 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 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. 

Fareway CEO Reynolds Cramer, IGIA President 

Michelle Hurd and Fareway President Garrett Piklapp. 

This award recognizes the giants 

that’ve come before me. Whether or 

not I agree if I’m in the same class 

as them, it’s humbling to share an 

award with these retail leaders. 

” 

– Garrett Piklapp, Fareway Stores, Inc. 


Lifetime 

Achievement 

Speed Herrig 



Speed and Judy worked together 

for nearly 55 years to establish 

and grow their businesses. 

It’s a special sauce 

A 

lifetime of entrepreneurship, 

meaningful relationships and 

a fun-loving attitude has made 

all the difference for Duane “Speed” 

Herrig of Cookies Food Products. 

“I feel fortunate to have done a lot 

of things in my life, and I’ve had fun 

doing each one,” Herrig explains. 

That mindset – to find joy in each 

of life’s twists and turns – has led to 

Herrig’s success as a businessman, 

family man and industry leader. 

Best known for his role as “The Sauceman” 

for Cookies, Herrig has built the widely 

known sauce and seasoning brand from 

humble beginnings dating back to 1977. 

Over the decades, Cookies has grown to 

serve retail and food service customers in 

more than 30 states and three countries. 

It is powered by 15 full-time employees 

producing up to 6,000 gallons of sauce 

each day in the company’s 125,000-squarefoot 

manufacturing facility in Wall Lake. 

Beyond its mouth-watering lineup of 

sauces, wing sauce, taco sauce, salsa 

and seasoning products, Cookies stands 

out for its memorable branding and 

marketing. A massive pink pig grill, 

the Rib Wagon trailer, a variety of TV 

commercials and in-store cooking 

demonstrations, and most importantly, 

its larger-than-life spokesperson Herrig. 

“It’s easy to promote something 

you believe in,” Herrig says. 

ENTREPRENEUR FOR LIFE 

Herrig was first connected with Cookies 

in 1976 when he was one of more 

than 30 investors in the young food 

processing company. In 1977, he and 

his late wife Judy had the opportunity 

to take over the day-to-day operations 

and bought the company in the 1980s. 

“We had a 21% interest rate, a $441 

per day interest bill,” he recalls. “That 

really made me a good salesman.” 

In the early days, Herrig would cook at 

the plant from 3-6 a.m. then load up the 

truck for route deliveries, while a few 

employees would fill bottles throughout 

the day. He would continue on to make 

sales at local retailers and small food 

warehouses, then be home around 

8-9 p.m. to “kiss the family goodnight.” 

Cookies wasn’t Herrig’s first venture into 

entrepreneurship. Growing up on his family’s 

farm in Wall Lake – where he still lives 

today – he worked as a farmhand both for 

his family and neighboring farmers. While 

Herrig was always known for his spunk and 

occasional pranks, his parents Elmer and 

Alma engrained important lessons on the 

value of hard work and the basic economics 

of rate setting, interest and savings. 

“My first taste of earning money was 

when I earned the cream check of $2 per 

week for milking cows,” he explains. 

“Over the years, this turned into me 

investing in motor bike so I could get 

to different farms faster to do chores, 

and then in high school pouring 

cement and roughing in houses.” 

After graduating high school, Herrig 

worked road construction for two 

seasons, then joined the U.S. Navy where 

he specialized in aviation and aircraft 

engine repairs from 1958 to 1962. 


Speed, Judy and their 14 grandchildren. 

He learned and worked at a variety 

of bases nationwide where his “get 

the job done” work ethic and mind 

for mechanics stood out, plus he ran 

his own repair shop on the base. 

When Herrig returned home to Wall 

Lake in 1962, he opened an auto 

repair shop on his family’s farm. The 

next year, he and Judy married, and 

she became an instrumental part of 

the auto shop business and radiator 

repair while raising the couple’s three 

children Janene, Bryan and Jeff. 

“She handed me wrenches while I was 

under cars, she did the bookkeeping, 

she was my partner in it all,” Herrig says. 

After a total-loss fire in the auto shop in 

1964, the couple rebuilt a new shop and 

expanded to sell parts. They later bought 

the Ford Mercury dealership in Sac City 

and ran it in addition to the shop. 

They worked together for nearly 55 

years to establish and grow their 

variety of businesses, including 

Cookie’s Food Products, Speed’s 

Auto Supply, Speed’s Golf Cars, Lakes 

Warehouse Distributing and Ad Pro 

Variety which are all still in operation 

today. Their son Bryan operates the 

auto supply and golf cart business. 

TURNING POINTS FOR GROWTH 

“Hey folks, don’t you wanna buy some 

Cookies BBQ?” “Smart Cookies use Cookies!” 

From radio spots to TV commercials to 

everyday conversations, Herrig’s quick 

quips are core to the Cookies brand. His 

bold, fun-loving personality has been key 

to building a loyal consumer following 

and customer base over the decades. 

Herrig’s first in-store cooking 

demonstration was at the Hy-Vee 

store on East Euclid. Each Friday 

from 4-5 p.m., he would set up a card 

table and fryer and hope to sell a 

few cases of product. These simple, 

lighthearted demonstrations were core 

to building relationships with retailers 

and consumers in the early days. 

Over the years, this entertaining approach 

to brand building translated to cooking 

shows, a cookbook and the infamous 

Rib Wagon trailer. While there have been 

many memorable moments brought on 

by Herrig’s jovial promotions, none was 

bigger than when Speed and Judy cooked 

for President George W. Bush in 2002. 

“I was on the radio ahead of World 

Pork Expo and President George W. 

Bush was in town. I joked that I’d 

like to cook for him because even 

the president deserved a good meal 

every once in a while,” Herrig explains. 

“Soon after the radio show, I had a call 

from the Secret Service asking for a 

background check and we were serving 

him a BBQ dinner a couple days later.” 

As the Cookies brand grew, so did 

its sales. With much relationship 

building and tried-and-true customer 

service, Herrig reached a turning point 

when he was able to get products into 

warehouses for Fareway, Hy-Vee, 

Walmart, United AG Warehouse, 

M & R Hakes and many more. 

“It meant I didn’t have to route deliver 

to individual stores. Any store in the 

network could order products from the 

warehouses whenever they wanted and 

at the quantity they needed,” Herrig says. 

Another difference-maker was 

diversifying to sell gallon and 

5-gallon products into food service 

distributors serving schools, restaurants 

and other food products. 

Over the years, Herrig has been actively 

involved in organizations such as the 

Iowa Grocery Industry Association 

(IGIA), Iowa Restaurant Association, 

various commodity groups, and in 

founding the Iowa BBQ Society. 


He served on the IGIA board from 

1993-2003 and was proud to represent 

manufacturers as part of the 

association, during advocacy events and 

networking opportunities with retailers. 

“It was an honor to serve on the 

board and be able to share my 

perspective as a local manufacturer,” 

he explains. “Those relationships have 

been really strong over the years.” 

Cookies was named IGIA Supplier of 

the Year in 1999 and honored by 

Hy-Vee as Supplier of the Year in 2019. 

PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST, 

GIVING BACK 

Reflecting on Cookies’ more 

than 40 years in business, Herrig 

says he’s most proud of the 

relationships he’s built – whether 

that’s with employees, customers 

or individuals across the industry. 

“I always try to treat people the way 

I want to be treated and go in with a 

smile and make the best of things,” 

he explains. “It’s led to many lifelong 

friendships and a big network of 

people who want to help us succeed.” 

Cookies has always been a family affair, 

and today Herrig’s son Jeff leads the 

manufacturing portion of the business, 

and his granddaughter Sidney Bohe 

provides executive support. The 

business has low employee turnover 

and many long-tenured employees, 

with two 40-year employees 

recently retiring and a handful of 

30-, 25- and 10-year employees. 

“It’s been rewarding to see our 

employees grow in their positions and 

take on new challenges,” he explains. 

For decades, Cookies has been 

involved in local community, charity 

and fundraising events. Whether 

it’s helping coordinate the “Ribs for 

Kids” program with Iowa BBQ Society, 

establishing Senior Citizen BBQ Month 

in October or events to benefit local 

nursing homes, New Hope, Camp 

Courageous, Pinky Swear Foundation 

and Variety Club (just to name a 

few) – you can count on Herrig and 

the team to show up for others. 

BEYOND THE SAUCE 

Today, Herrig can be found leading 

the charge across his various 

businesses and hitting the road in 

the Rib Wagon for various events. In 

his free time, Herrig enjoys cooking, 

collecting old cars and spending time 

with his family, including his three 

children and 14 grandchildren. 

About the Lifetime 

Achievement Award 

The IGIA board created this award in 

1999 out of a desire to honor those 

individuals who have left an indelible 

mark on the grocery industry. 

Reserved for the industry’s greatest 

leaders, this award recognizes 

those who have given a lifetime of 

outstanding service to their companies, 

their industry and their communities. 

The committee considers the 

nominee’s lasting impacts on the 

grocery industry, company or 

employees; innovative work that 

has improved the work environment, 

contributed to employee or consumer 

health or promoted community 

growth or forwarded positive 

environmental/sustainability goals; 

contributions to other industry-related 

professional organizations; years 

of grocery industry involvement; 

membership and participation in IGIA; 

a long history of superior customer 

service and community involvement. 

The award is not to be given out 

lightly. The award standards have 

been set so high that this award is 

not given every year. 

It’s still hard for me to talk about – 

I have to pinch myself about getting this 

kind of recognition. As a manufacturer, 

this is a heck of an honor to be 

recognized by this group of 

industry leaders who have 

been my customers over 

the years. 

” 

– Speed Herrig, Cookies Food Products 


Volunteer 


Brett Spiker 

Hy-Vee, Inc. 

A competitive spark, determination to make a difference 

The game of basketball shaped 

the basis of Brett Spiker’s outlook 

on life throughout his formative 

years – but his devotion to the game 

didn’t end after he walked off the court. 

He honed his communication skills and 

developed a commitment to continually 

cultivating teamwork. Spiker’s grit, drive 

and determination began to carry over into 

other aspects of his life, including his career. 

“It molded me,” Spiker explains. “I credit 

a lot of who I am to the experiences I’ve 

had playing and coaching basketball.” 

His commitment and skills led him to 

college where he played basketball 

at Drake University and Wayne State 

College. After graduating, he signed 

a contract to play professionally in 

Luxembourg. Upon his return to the U.S., 

he took a number of positions coaching 

at the high school and college level. 

Today, Spiker is the Assistant Vice 

President of Procurement at Hy-Vee. In this 

role, he helps lead purchasing across the 

grocery, frozen, general merchandise, and 

health and beauty care departments. For 

the past nine years, he has worked his way 

up through the procurement department 

– taking on a variety of roles and 

responsibilities, building connections and 

relationships with suppliers along the way. 

Spiker first got involved in the Iowa 

Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) as part 

of the 2019 Leadership Institute. It was 

an opportunity to see a bigger picture of 

the grocery industry beyond his day-today 

work. IGIA has provided Spiker an 

opportunity to broaden his network and 

engage with others that he normally 

would not encounter. Leaders at Hy-Vee 

encouraged him to remain involved in the 

association, so he began volunteering with 

the Membership/Ambassador Committee. 

A MINDSET SHIFT 

After a few years of volunteering, 

Spiker began reflecting on 

his involvement with the IGIA 

Membership/Ambassador committee. 

“I asked myself if I was really 

giving it my all – and to be honest, 

I hadn’t been,” he shares. “I 

decided that if I was going to be 

a part of this, I needed to really 

do it. Really make it a priority.” 

This reflection paired with the 

committee’s stretch goal of adding 25 

new association members in 2023 lit 

a spark for Spiker. He was ready to do 

more. Ready to put an actionable plan 

together on how to reach that new 

member goal and to help leverage 

the strong connections he already 

had with suppliers in the industry 

for the benefit of the association. 


In the first nine months of the year, 

Spiker signed up 27 new members – with 

a committee total of 30 new members. 

He credits much of the success to IGIA 

Assistant Vice President of Membership 

and Operations Cara Corkrean for being a 

strong partner in getting the job done and 

making the whole experience rewarding. 

“When I’m passionate about something, 

I’m all in,” says Spiker. “I think IGIA is 

an incredibly important organization, 

and our committee’s role to fuel the 

organization with new members is 

critical to their continued growth.” 

READY TO DO WHAT IT TAKES 

Spiker intends to continue growing 

his involvement with IGIA. In addition 

to continually pushing new member 

goals, he is excited to make an 

impact on member retention and 

engagement efforts. At Hy-Vee, 

Spiker is involved in volunteering for 

company initiatives and events such 

as the INDYCAR Race Weekend. 

“I’m very devoted to my career, my 

company and the industry as a whole,” 

Spiker explains. “We work in this industry 

day in and day out, making sure people 

have what they need, when they need 

it. I am very fortunate to be working 

at Hy-Vee, where I am empowered 

to make our customers’ lives easier, 

healthier and happier every day.” 

Hy-Vee has been a major throughline 

in Spiker’s life. He first worked pulling 

orders at the Chariton warehouse in 

high school, then Hy-Vee’s LOMAR 

warehouse while in school at 

Drake. His mom built her career at 

Midwest Heritage Bank, a Hy-Vee 

subsidiary business, and both of his 

brothers work at Hy-Vee today. 

COMMITMENT TO FAMILY 

AND BASKETBALL 

Spiker and his wife Lisa first met while 

working in Florida. After their son 

Nile was born in 2014, they decided 

to relocate closer to family. They 

ultimately chose to return to Spiker’s 

hometown in Chariton. Lisa teaches 

social studies at Centerville High 

School and Nile is in fourth grade. 

“We really value our family time – it 

is a big priority, especially with our 

busy lifestyles,” Spiker explains. 

“When we aren’t at work, we are 

always spending time together.” 

In his free time, Spiker enjoys 

being with family, golfing and 

cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

He also spent three years coaching 

Chariton’s High School basketball 

team and volunteers coaching his 

son’s youth basketball team. It is 

his way of giving back to the sport 

that started it all for him. 

About the Volunteer 


The IGIA board began awarding 

a Volunteer of the Year in 2004 

to distinguish one IGIA member 

each year who demonstrates an 

outstanding commitment to the 

association and its members through 

volunteerism. The ideal candidate is 

a member in good standing of the 

association, exhibits a high level of 

involvement in and service to IGIA. 

There are so many 

incredible volunteers 

that are involved with 

the association – 

so to be named ‘the 

one’ this year is a 

huge honor. It’s really 

meaningful to me 

and something I 

won’t forget. 

” 

– Brett Spiker, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

Brett coaching his son’s basketball team. 

Brett, Lisa and Nile. 


Legislative Leader 


Doug Beech 


Passion for advocacy, decades of perspective and hard-fought wins 

When you need a gut check on 

a policy issue or a fresh idea 

on how to get things done at 

the Capitol – Doug Beech is the one to 

call. With more than 30 years working 

in government relations for Casey’s 

General Stores, he has the experience 

to move issues forward that uplift the 

entire grocery and c-store industry. 

“I’ve been doing this a long time across 

a variety of states and at the federal 

level,” Beech explains. “With that time 

comes a lot of established relationships 

and a breadth of knowledge.” 

Beech is the Senior Assistant 

General Counsel and Director of 

Government Relations for Casey’s. 

Until recently, he was responsible for 

all government affairs work across 

a 16-state region and at the federal 

level. He also handles merger and 

acquisition work for the company. 


When Beech first started with Casey’s, he 

was the second lawyer for the company – 

which had around 830 stores at the time. 

He’s been a part of leading the c-store 

chain through immense growth over the 

decades. Today, Casey’s has a team of 10 

lawyers, 2,550 stores and an established 

brand that expands beyond fuel to 

include prepared food, especially pizza. 

“I’ve loved my time with Casey’s – the people, 

the variety of work and the opportunities 

I’ve had to continue growing,” he says. 

BUILDING CONSENSUS, SHOWING 

STRENGTH 

Beech first became involved with the Iowa 

Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) more 

than 20 years ago. Over the years, many 

of his legislative priorities for Casey’s 

have aligned with IGIA issues – so it was a 

natural fit to be involved in the association’s 

Government Relations Committee, 

including serving as committee chair. 

For Beech, the association’s strength 

lies in its government relations work. 

Both the ability to align across a 

diverse membership and to stay united 

a collective unit at the Capitol. 

“There are varying interests across the 

membership, but we believe in frank 

discussions and the need to be on the same 

page with our legislative agenda,” he shares. 

“There’s a lot of respect for the process and 

culture that’s been built over the years.” 

He also credits the strong leadership of 

IGIA staff and lobbyists at the Iowa Capitol 

as part of the secret sauce. With much 

coordination and hard work, Beech has seen 

these elements come together to deliver 

major legislative wins for the industry over 

the years, including: the modernization of 

the “Bottle Bill,” statewide pre-emption, 

expanded liquor and alcohol laws, and 

general improvement for retail issues

such as taxes, food service, fuel, 

cigarettes and tobacco regulations. 

“We’ve been in many legislative efforts 

together,” he explains. “I am happy 

to share my perspective because I 

see how issues are handled across 

a variety of states, plus many of the 

issues are cyclical over the years.” 

“Government is involved in virtually all 

aspects of business, so it’s important 

for all businesses to understand 

the legislative process and how you 

can use the government to work 

for your business,” Beech shares. “It 

can be rewarding to use your skills 

to help policymakers understand 

how their decisions impact you.” 

Beyond the committee work, Beech 

has also served on the IGIA board of 

directors for two terms. First from 2002- 

2012, serving as board Chairman 2006- 

2007, and beginning again in 2023. 

LIFELONG AFFINITY FOR 

GOVERNMENT, FAMILY AND 

COMMUNITY 

Beech grew up in Britt, where his 

father was a government teacher and 

his mother worked as lab technician 

– inspiring his early interest in 

government and policy. He earned 

his B.A. in political science from the 

University of Iowa and his law degree 

from Drake University Law School. 

Joey and Doug Beech cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Beyond his involvement with IGIA, 

Beech is active on the Variety 

Club Board, Ankeny Community 

Foundation Board, Ankeny 

Rotary Board and True Fuel 

Board in the State of Kansas. 

He and his wife Joey live in Ankeny. 

Joey is an author and speaker on 

personal finance and financial literacy. 

The couple has two grown children, 

Gail who is an attorney in Des 

Moines, and David who is a financial 

analyst in New York City. In his free 

time, he enjoys running, reading 

and learning to play guitar. 

Doug Beech with U.S. Sen. Grassley. 

About the Legislative 

Leader of the Year Award 

The IGIA board of directors created 

this award to distinguish one individual 

who demonstrates leadership in 

advocating for issues facing the 

grocery and convenience industry. 

It is reserved for legislative leaders 

that go above and beyond through 

outstanding commitment and vision. 

The ideal candidate has made many 

contributions to the community and 

the entire state, as well as involvement 

with IGIA and the grocery industry. 

This is a great honor, especially because the award 

typically goes to a state legislator or elected official. We’ve 

worked together on a wide variety of legislative issues over 

my 20-plus years of involvement. I’ve enjoyed adding my 

value and passion and representing Casey’s. 

– Doug Beech, Casey’s General Stores 

” 


Supplier 


Can-do attitude, local expertise 

builds long-standing customer relationships 

No one likes to hear the word “no,” 

but it’s especially true for people 

who work in sales. Made up of 

sales-focused professionals, the team 

at Mueller Yurgae Associates (MYA) 

has extended its aversion to “no” to 

how it treats its own customers. 

“We never say no. We’re always going to 

find a way to make things work for our 

clients, even if it means some creative 

problem-solving and risk taking,” explains 

Bob Gostomski, executive vice president 

of Iowa grocery and partner of MYA. 

The approach has proven successful 

for MYA – made clear by the company 

being named IGIA Supplier of the 

Year for the second time, first in 2009. 

Customers across convenience, MYA 

Distribution, grocery, e-commerce, 

mass merchandising and retail 

services turn to the leading Midwest 

food broker as a trusted partner. 

“In the brokerage business, we work in 

30-day contracts. You have to perform 

for your clients,” says Gostomski. 

“We’re proud that many of our client 

relationships span decades.” 

This trust comes from MYA’s dedication 

to building real relationships with its 

customers and clients. In a world of virtual 

meetings and cutting corners to find 

efficiencies, MYA team members can be 

found calling on every single store in their 

territory and spending days alongside 

customers who are working on store 

resets or building layouts from scratch. 

“It’s about investing in long-term 

relationships. While it may take more 

resources to operate this way, it’s just how 

we do things,” says Chris Yurgae, executive 

vice president and partner of MYA. “We 

are always striving to prove ourselves as 

a trusted partner and regional expert.” 

GROWTH AND REGIONAL 

STRENGTH 

The can-do, customer-focused approach 

has been a throughline in how the 

family-owned and operated business has 

grown since its founding in 1975. The 

company began when two Brach’s candy 

salesmen, Fred Mueller and Phil Yurgae 

decided to go out on their own. In a leap 

of faith and a lot of hard work, the duo 

established a niche as candy brokers 

serving customers across the Midwest. 

In the early 2000s, MYA took a big step in 

expanding its portfolio beyond snack and 

confection into more mainstream grocery 

products. In the decades since, the 


About the Supplier 


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. 

MYA co-founder Phil Yurgae (right) receives the 

IGIA Supplier of the Year award in 2009. 

company has become well diversified 

across its customer base, offering 

services such as vertical coverage, 

warehousing, sales management, 

category management, data analysis 

and simplified administration. 

“As a family-owned company, it’s really 

about continuing the legacy – and 

for us, that looks like continuing to 

grow and serve our customers and 

employees the best we can,” says 

Yurgae, who is the son of founder 

Phil Yurgae and has been involved 

in the business his entire life. 

Today, MYA works across 20 states, 

and has five office locations including 

its headquarters in Grimes. The 

company remains focused on 

the Midwest market because its 

regional expertise is a valuable 

differentiator from larger national 

brokerages. Leaders have an eye on 

continued growth through strategic 

acquisitions, expanded value chain 

opportunities and maybe even 

options that aren’t yet known. 

“We’ve got the foot on the gas, 

because if you’re not growing, you’re 

dying,” says Gostomski. “Because we 

never say ‘no,’ there’s no telling what 

ways we might continue to grow.” 

Even through decades of growth, 

MYA’s family and relationship-focused 

culture can be felt across its network of 

237 employees. The company strives to 

encourage a work-life balance among 

its teams and is always quick to donate 

to local causes and host a variety 

of employee appreciation events. 

INVESTING TIME AND 

RESOURCES IN THE INDUSTRY 

MYA has long been an active supporter 

of IGIA. The company has been a 

part of IGIA’s board of directors for 

a running 24-years, spanning three 

director terms. MYA awards two $1,000 

scholarships through the Iowa Grocers 

Education Foundation each year and its 

employees are widely involved in the 

association’s committees and events. 

“This industry has given us so 

much, it just makes sense to give 

back,” says Yurgae. “We’re thankful 

for the strong leadership and 

excellence IGIA provides.” 

Bob Gostomski emcees the Iowa Best Bagger Contest. 

We’re humbled 

and grateful for this 

recognition. These 

awards don’t come 

around often. To be 

recognized by our 

peers and customers, 

it’s a reminder that 

what we’re doing 

matters and makes 

a difference. 

” 

HALL OF FAME ISSUE 2023 37 

– Chris Yurgae, 

Mueller Yurgae Associates

Past Hall of Fame Award Winners 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT 

AWARD WINNERS 

2022 Jay Marshall, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2022 Mike Skokan, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2019 Terry Handley, Casey’s General Stores 

2018 Fred Greiner, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

2017 James Tyler, Atlantic Bottling 

2015 Bob Myers, Casey’s General Stores 

2013 Phil Yurgae, Mueller Yurgae 

2012 Ric Jurgens, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2011 Ross Nixon, Dahl’s Foods 

2010 Ken Waller, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2009 George Tracy 

2006 Ron Pearson, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2005 Bob Cramer, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

2004 Richard Stearns, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

2003 Virgil Froehlich, Affiliated Foods Midwest 

2002 Jim West, Nyemaster Law Firm 

2000 Mary Fitzgerald, Past IGIA Director 

1999 John Comer, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

RETAILER OF THE YEAR 

AWARD WINNERS 

2022 Steve Grolmus, North Scott Foods 

2019 Ivan Thede, The Market of Madrid 

2018 Kyle Krause, Kum & Go 

2017 Brian Burnam, Keith’s Foods 

2016 Reynolds Cramer, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

2015 Tom Watson, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2014 Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2013 Denny Dietrich, Gary’s Foods 

2012 Ron Taylor, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2011 Rick Beckwith, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

2010 Lyndon Johnson, Hometown Foods 

2009 Ric Jurgens, Hy-Vee, Inc., West Des Moines 

2008 Ross Nixon, Dahl’s Foods, Des Moines 

2007 Ray Stewart, Hy-Vee, Inc., West Des Moines 

2006 Fred Greiner, Fareway Stores, Inc., Boone 

2005 Scott Havens, Scott’s Foods, Norwalk 

2004 Doug Fallgatter, Fallgatter’s Markets 

2003 Mike Tetmeyer, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2002 F. W. “Bill” Beckwith, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

2001 Jim Woods, Hy-Vee, Inc., Davenport 

2000 William Krause, Krause Gentle Corp. 

1999 Garth L. Grafft, Big G, Marengo 

1998 Ken Stroud, Dahl’s Foods, Des Moines 

1997 Bob Cramer, Fareway Stores, Inc., Boone 

1996 Virgil Wahlman, Buy Rite, Milford 

1995 Ron Pearson, Hy-Vee, Inc., Des Moines 

1994 Dennis Schwab, Country Food Pride 

1992 Bob Hand, Dahl’s Foods, Des Moines 

1991 Al Latuska, Randall Foods, Coralville 

1989 Harlan Dubansky, Harlan Enterprises, Ames 

1988 Don Lamberti, Casey’s General Stores 

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR 

AWARD WINNERS 

2022 Bernatello’s Foods 

2019 E & J Gallo Winery 

2018 Atlantic Bottling 

2017 Wells Enterprises 

2016 Cylinder Express 

2015 Kemps 

2014 Dr Pepper Snapple Group 

2013 Shullsburg 

2012 Dean Foods 

2011 Johnson Brothers of Iowa 

2010 Anheuser-Busch 

2009 Mueller Yurgae Associates 

2008 Coca-Cola 

2007 General Mills 

2006 Swiss Valley Farms 

2005 Roberts Dairy 

2004 Shazam 

2003 West Liberty Foods 

2002 E & J Gallo Winery 

2001 Kraft Foods 

2000 Quaker Oats Company 

1999 Cookies Food Products 

1998 Metz Baking Company 

1997 ACOSTA Sales & Marketing 

1996 Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers 

1995 Taylor Industries, Inc. 

1992 Anderson Erickson Dairy 

1991 Sales Force Companies 

1988 Tone Brothers 

1987 Blue Bunny 

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 

AWARD WINNERS 

2022 Andrea Chase, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

2019 Chris Carrow 

2018 Kevin “Regs” Ruegsegger 

2017 Craig Clasen, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2016 Jeremy Thompson, Sazerac 

2015 Mueller Yurgae Associates 


2014 Dave Spueller, Bimbo 

2013 Gary Munson, Kelloggs 

2012 Dave Duncombe, Hostess Brands 

2011 Dana Sump, Casey’s General Stores 

2010 Dale Parker 

2009 Norm Gorder, Burke Corporation 

2008 Tom Walker, Banfi (Glazers) 

2007 Tom Warner, Iowa Lottery 

2006 Darin Hirl, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2005 Kelly Baack Dingwell, Affiliated Foods 

2004 Gus Delisi, Retired, Advantage Sales & Marketing 

LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP 

AWARD WINNERS 

2019 Megan Jones 

2018 Dan Kramer, SHAZAM 

2017 Ross Paustian 

2016 Scott Sundstrom 

2015 Bob Bocken 

2014 Mark Smith 

2013 Rose Mitchell, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

2012 Chip Baltimore & Brian Schoenjahn 

2011 Kraig Paulson 

2010 Delores Mertz 

2009 Geri Huser 

2008 Kevin McCarthy 

2007 Ro Foege 

2007 Jeff Kaufmann 

2006 Jack Kibbie 

2006 Linda Upmeyer 

2005 Mike Gronstal 

2005 Libby Jacobs 

2004 Larry McKibben 

2004 Jamie Van Fossen 

2003 Chuck Gipp 

2003 Dick Drake 

2002 Stew Iverson 

2002 Christopher Rants 

2001 Neal Schuerer 

2001 Dave Heaton 


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POLICY 

potential impacts 

of proposed fees and 

restrictions on SNAP 

BY GREG FERRARA, PRESIDENT AND CEO 

OF THE NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION 


The Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program, commonly 

known as SNAP, is a publicprivate 

program that works as it was 

designed – to help feed the food 

insecure. And in many rural and urban 

areas, where independent community 

grocers are often the only convenient 

source of fresh groceries and other 

essential goods, SNAP has been an 

effective tool to ensure that folks 

who need help the most get fed. 

However, proposals that would 

make it more difficult and costly 

for grocery retailers to serve SNAP 

customers would undermine the 

positive impact that the program is 

having on the folks who need it most. 

That’s why the National Grocers 

Association (NGA) worked with U.S. 

Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) to 

introduce the Ensuring Fee-Free 

Benefit Transactions Act, a bill that 

would prohibit processing fees on 

electronic benefit transfer (EBT) 

cards used by SNAP participants. 

LIMITING COST- 

PROHIBITIVE FEES 

Independent grocers have made 

significant investments in software, 

equipment and training to provide 

SNAP benefits for their communities. 

That’s why we appreciate Rep. Brown’s 

cooperation in finding a permanent 

solution to prevent processing fees on 

SNAP transactions, which could result in 

limited access to SNAP for beneficiaries 

and negatively impact the retailers who 

are indispensable to the program. 

Fees on EBT transactions would be 

cost prohibitive for many community 

and family-owned grocers that service 

urban, rural and high-need areas. In 

addition to banning SNAP processing 

fees, this bill would ensure that retailers 

are only responsible for their own costs 

as the United States Department of 

Agriculture works to modernize EBT 

with chip cards and mobile payments. 

SNAP’S ROLE IN IOWA 

In Iowa, SNAP is responsible for 

more than 1,600 jobs across 

grocery and supporting industries, 

including agriculture, manufacturing, 

transportation and municipal services. 

The jobs required to administer SNAP at 

the grocery store level in the Hawkeye 

State generate nearly $48 million in 

grocery industry and related wages. 

While SNAP purchases are not subject 

to sales taxes, sales helped generate 

additional tax activity at the federal, 

state and local levels. In Iowa, SNAP 

sales and administration at the 

grocery store level are responsible 

for more than $5 million in state and 

local tax revenues and about $6.5 

million in federal tax receipts. 

OTHER PROPOSED 

LEGISLATION AROUND SNAP 

As Congress works toward a new 

Farm Bill this year, Rep. Brown’s 

legislation would at last make 

permanent a temporary ban on 

SNAP processing fees included in 

the 2018 Farm Bill, which expires 

this year. It is critical that these fees 

are prohibited to ensure that SNAP 

retailers can remain SNAP retailers 

to support their communities. 

Meanwhile, additional legislation 

would imperil privacy for 

grocers and their customers. 

U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) 

and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) have 

introduced the “Healthy SNAP 

Act,” which would turn SNAP into a 

WIC-like program and require SNAP 

data reporting from retailers. 

Such a requirement would add 

administrative burdens, force retailers 

to disregard their own privacy as well 

as that of their customers and reduce 

the flexibility that has made SNAP 

such a successful program up to now. 

CONTINUING TO WORK 

WITH POLICYMAKERS 

NGA looks forward to working with 

policymakers and helping them 

better understand the realities of 

doing business, the successful role 

of SNAP in boosting food access 

to Americans in need, and the 

challenges faced by independent 

grocers feeding their communities 

and enhancing local economies. 

For more information on how to get involved, 

visit www.nationalgrocers.org/government-relations/action-center/. 



48_Luxco #2 - Full Page Ad


PROGRAMS 

$ 

Scholarship Program Reaches 

MILLION 

MILESTONE 

IOWA GROCERY INDUSTRY AWARDS 

1,957 SCHOLARSHIPS OVER PAST 22 YEARS 

The Mary I. Fitzgerald Scholarship Program 

has reached a major giving milestone – 

$3 million in scholarships have been awarded 

to youth with ties to the industry. This longstanding 

scholarship program demonstrates the association 

and its members’ commitment to investing in 

education, community and future leaders. 

Sponsored by Iowa Grocers Education Foundation 

(IGEF) through the Iowa Grocery Industry Association 

(IGIA), the program has awarded 1,957 scholarships 

totaling more than $3 million since its founding 2001. 

“This successful scholarship program is made 

possible by the many donors and corporate sponsors 

who participate each year and choose to make 

this program a priority,” says Michelle Hurd, IGIA 

president. “We could not be prouder of the program’s 

impact on local youth and their ability to reach their 

educational dreams.” 

THIS YEAR’S AWARDS 

The foundation awarded 93 scholarships selected 

from 326 applicants in 2023. IGEF awarded 16 $2,000 

scholarships to students who are children of full-time 

employees and 15 $1,500 scholarships to students who 

are full-time or part-time employees of firms that are 

members of IGIA. IGEF also awards many Piggyback 

Scholarships offered by IGIA member organizations. 

The full breakdown of this year’s 

scholarships includes: 

50 Fareway Family Scholarships ($2,000) 

3 Beckwith Foundation Scholarships ($2,000) 

1 Grocery Manufacturers Association Scholarship ($500) 

16 Iowa Grocers Education Foundation Scholarships ($2,000) 

15 Iowa Grocers Education Foundation Scholarships ($1,500) 

1 Atlantic Bottling Company Family Legacy Scholarship ($2,500) 

1 Gary Dietrich Family Scholarship ($1,000) 

1 Jerry Thede Scholarship ($1,000) 

2 JW’s Foods Scholarship ($750) 

1 Ken Uglum Memorial Scholarship ($500) 

1 Mary I. Fitzgerald Scholarship ($1,800) 

2 Mueller Yurgae Associates Scholarships ($1,000) 


CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 

2023-2024 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS! 

Scholarship winners were chosen by the Scholarship Selection Committee of a third-party 

management company and notified in April. Winners must enroll in undergraduate college in fall 2023 

and must attend college full-time in the year in which the scholarships are awarded and continue in 

school for the entire academic year without interruption, barring illness, emergency or military service. 

Tanner Bennett 

Hamilton 

Truman State University 

Freshman 

Major: Business 

Works at Hy-Vee Grocery Stores in Keokuk 

Iowa Grocers Education 

Foundation - $1,500 

Beverly Bishop 

Ottumwa 

Indian Hills Community College 

Freshman 

Majors: Meteorology and Environmental 

Works at Fareway Stores in Ottumwa 

Fareway Family Scholarship - $2,000 

Taelyn Blankenhagen 

Emmetsburg 

University of Northern Iowa 

Senior 

Major: Psychology 

Works at Fareway in Emmetsburg 

Fareway Family Scholarships - $2,000 

Taylor Busho 

Owatonna, MN 

Simpson College 

Freshman 

Major: Exercise Science 

Works at Fareway Meat and 

Grocery in Owatonna MN 


Caden Carr 

Boone 

Iowa State University 

Freshman 

Works at Fareway in Boone 


Dante Chittenden 

Grimes 

University of Iowa 

Freshman 

Major: International Relations 


Grocery in Grimes 


Isabel Christensen 

Indianola 


Freshman 

Major: Language 

Works at Fareway in Indianola 


Stanley Connell 

Waukee 


Freshman 

Major: Architecture or Design 

Father works at Hy-Vee in West Des Moines 

Iowa Grocers Education Foundation 

Scholarships - $2,000 

Cora Davis 

Eldridge 

University of Wisconsin Platteville 

Freshman 

Major: Environmental Engineering 

Works at North Scott Foods in Eldridge 



Savanna Decker 

Sheldon 


Junior 

Major: Early Childhood Education 

Works at Fareway in Sheldon 


Jared Drefke 

Clive 


Freshman 

Major: Supply Chain Management 

Mother works at Acosta in Urbandale 



Luke Fairchild 

Pella 


Freshman 


Works at Fareway in Pella 


Alyssa Fick 

Mitchellville 


Junior 

Major: Elementary Education 

Father works at Hussmann 

Corp in Urbandale 



Elle Fina 

Johnston 

Simpson College 

Freshman 

Major: Biology 

Father works at Casey’s in Ankeny 

Iowa Grocers Education 

Foundation Scholarships - $2000 

Emma Gardner 

Council Bluffs 


Junior 

Major: Biomedical Sciences 

Works at Hy-Vee in Waterloo 



Jayda Gay 

Norwalk 

Graceland University 

Junior 

Major: Communications 

Father works at Capital City Fruit 



Luke Graeve 

Ottumwa 


Freshman 

Major: Mechanical Engineering 

Works at Hy-Vee in Ottumwa 



Makayla Greiner 

Hedrick 


Freshman 

Majors: Arts and Science 

Fathers works at Mueller 

Yurgae in Grimes 

Mueller Yurgae Associates 


Noelle Hamand 

Humboldt 

Buena Vista University 

Freshman 

Major: Rehabilitation Sciences 


Grocery in Humboldt 



PROGRAMS 

THANK YOU TO 

THE FOLLOWING 

INDIVIDUALS FOR 

SERVING ON 

THE IGEF BOARD 

OF TRUSTEES: 

Bob Gostomski, 

Mueller Yurgae Association 

Mike Brewington, 

Iowa Beverage Systems 

Mike Mazour, 

Fareway Stores 

Brian Burnam 

Andy Schreiner, 

Hy-Vee, Inc. 

Dean Summa 

$131,000+ 

average awarded 

ANNUALLY 

countless 

community 

and individual 

educational 

impacts 

$3,014,350 

AWARDED 

6 

IGEF board 

of trustees 

JOIN THE IGEF 

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE 

We are looking for volunteers to join our new Iowa Grocers 

Education Foundation Fundraising Committee! Volunteers 

will meet four to six times a year with a focus on creating 

new ways to fundraise for the foundation. 

Interested in learning more? Email Annie Lallier, events and 

member programs specialist, at alallier@iowagrocers.com. 


Jorie Hanenburg 

Park View 


Freshman 

Major: Strength and Conditioning 

Father works at Fareway Meat 

and Grocery in Bettendorf 


Cole Hansen 

St. Ansgar 


Freshman 

Works at Food Center in St. Ansgar 



Austin Happel 

Lisbon 

Kirkwood Community College 

Freshman 

Major: Network and System 

Administration 

Works at Gary’s Foods in Mt. Vernon 

Gary Dietrich Family 


Cydney Harris 

Charlotte, NC 

North Carolina A&T State University 

Junior 

Major: Biomedical Engineering 

Father works at Mueller 

Yurgae in Olathe, KS 



Emmersen Haugland 

Bettendorf 


Junior 

Major: Speech and Hearing Science 

Works at Fareway in Bettendorf 


Carsyn Heger 

Sioux City 

Drake University 

Sophomore 

Majors: Chemistry, Music 



Jacqueline Heggen 

Johnston 


Junior 

Majors: Biochemistry & Biology 

Works at Hy-Vee in Urbandale 



Zoe Hettinger 

Des Moines 


Junior 

Majors: Neuroscience and Biochemistry 

Father works at Fareway in Perry 


Josie Hildreth 

Boone 


Sophomore 

Majors: History and Law 

Works at Fareway Meat 

and Grocery in Boone 


Drew Hill 

Independence 


Junior 

Major: Computer Science 

Works at Fareway in Independence 


Emily Irlbeck 

Grimes 


Sophomore 

Major: Criminology Law 

Father works at Fareway in Boone 


Gavin Jablonski 

Marshalltown 

Central College 

Freshman 

Major: Engineering 

Works at Hy-Vee in Marshalltown 



Emma Johansen 

Urbandale 


Senior 

Major: Criminal Justice 

Works at Fareway in Urbandale 


Hank Johnson 

Gilbert 


Freshman 

Major: Actuarial Science 

Father works at Fareway in Ames 


Samanatha Johnson 

Slater 

Buena Vista University 

Senior 

Major: Political Science 

Works at Fareway in Ankeny 


Margaret Johnston 

Boone 

Des Moines Area Community College 

Freshman 

Major: Marketing 



Amara Jones 

Kalona 


Freshman 

Major: Biological Science 

Father works at Hy-Vee in Iowa City 



Nora Kalvik 

Ames 


Freshman 

Major: Industrial Design 

Works at Hy-Vee in Ames 



Tanner Knight 

North Liberty 


Freshman 


Works at Fareway in North Liberty 


Samantha Larson 

Sioux City 

University of South Dakota 

Senior 

Major: K-12 Art Education 

Works at Fareway in Sioux City 


Aldo Martinez 

Belmond 


Freshman 

Works at Fareway in Belmond 


Kylie May 

Cedar Rapids 

University of St. Thomas 

Freshman 

Major: Biology 

Works at Hy-Vee in Cedar Rapids 



Madisyn McCormick 

Ankeny 


Senior 

Major: Construction Management 

Works at Fareway in Cedar Falls 


Ashley McKim 

Bettendorf 


Senior 

Majors: Dance and History 

Works at Hy-Vee in Bettendorf 



Hallie McRoberts 

Knoxville 


Sophomore 


Works at Fareway in Knoxville 

Jerry Thede Scholarship - $1,000 


PROGRAMS 

SCHOLARSHIP 

GIFT HISTORY 

YEAR 

# OF 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

AWARDED 

AMOUNT 

AWARDED 

2001 62 $56,600 

2002 63 $64,600 

2003 72 $72,700 

2004 82 $84,100 

2005 86 $108,850 

2006 81 $105,850 

2007 85 $107,250 

$58,000+ 

FUNDRAISED 

during 2023 IGEF 

Scholarship Golf Tournament 

2008 86 $138,850 

2009 86 $139,750 

2010 85 $138,350 

2011 87 $139,350 

2012 86 $141,300 

2013 82 $136,600 

2014 91 $149,100 

1,957 TOTAL 

scholarships 

AWARDED 

2015 91 $146,650 

2016 92 $148,600 

2017 91 $149,350 

2018 90 $162,350 

2019 89 $160,600 

2020 90 $159,300 

2021 91 $160,850 

2022 96 $173,350 

2023 93 $170,050 

TOTAL: $3,014,350 

We could not be 

prouder of the program’s 

impact on local youth and 

their ability to reach their 

educational dreams. 

” 

— Michelle Hurd, IGIA President 


Cade Messer 

Farley 

Loras College 

Junior 

Major: Sport Management 

Father works at Fareway in Dyersville 


Nathan Miller 

New Providence 


Freshman 

Major: Agricultural Engineering 

Works at Fareway in Eldora 


Zachary Mineart 

Earlville 


Freshman 

Major: Graphic Technology 

Works at Fareway in Dyersville 


Emily Mortiboy 

Bettendorf 


Sophomore 

Major: Biological Science 

Father works at Atlantic 

Bottling Co in Walcott 

Atlantic Bottling Company Family 

Legacy Scholarship - $2,500 

Courtney Mumm 

Harlan 

University of South Dakota 

Senior 

Major: Dental Hygiene 

Works at Fareway in Harlan 


Erin Neppl 

Ankeny 

Coe College 

Junior 

Major: Nursing 

Mother works at Casey’s in Ankeny 

Grocery Manufacturers 

Association Scholarship - $500 

Garrett Pace 

Udell 


Freshman 


Works at Hy-Vee in Centerville 



Madeline Palas 

Manchester 


Freshman 

Major: Speech and Hearing Sciences 

Works at Fareway in Manchester 

Beckwith Foundation - $2,000 

Lucas Pierce 

Nashua 

South Dakota School of Mines 

Junior 

Major: Engineering 

Works at Hy-Vee in Charles City 



Anna Prouty 

Coralville 

Carnegie Mellon University 

Freshman 

Majors: Psychology and Biology 

Father works at Spartan Nash 

in Byron Center, MI 



Paige Richardson 

Monmouth, IL 


Freshman 

Major: Civil Engineering 

Mother works at Fareway in Monmouth, IL 


Allison Rohden 

Urbandale 


Sophomore 

Major: Finance 

Mother works at SHAZAM in Johnston 

Ken Uglum Memorial Scholarship - $500 

Rachel Rolow 

Ankeny 


Freshman 

Major: Accounting 

Mother works at SHAZAM in Johnston 



Jordan Sanders 

Marion 


Senior 

Major: Animal Ecology 

Works at Hy-Vee in Marion 



McKenzie Saxton 

Eldridge 


Freshman 


Works at North Scott Foods in Eldridge 



Addie Scanlan 

Fort Madison 


Sophomore 

Major: Music Education 


Grocery in Fort Madison 


Gabrielle Scheidel 

Lawler 

Hawkeye Community College 

Freshman 

Major: Liberal Arts 

Works at Fareway in New Hampton 


Easton Schemmel 

East Dubuque 

Northwest Iowa Community College 

Freshman 


Father works at Fareway in Oelwein 


Elijah Schipper 

Harrisburg, SD 

Augustana University 

Sophomore 

Majors: Government and 

Environmental Studies 

Works at Fareway in Harrisburg, SD 


Paul Schwartz 

Bettendorf 


Freshman 




Kyleigh Schwendeman 

Cedar Rapids 

Loras College 

Freshman 

Works at Fareway in Hiawatha 


Bree Severn 

Glenwood 


Junior 

Major: Business Marketing 



Mason Shepherd 

Ottumwa 

Evangel University 

Freshman 

Major: Outreach Ministry 

Works at Fareway in Ottumwa 


Cael Sherwood 

Cumming 


Freshman 

Major: Construction Engineering 

Father works at Fareway in Boone 


Hayden Sinclair 

Ames 

Central College 

Freshman 


Works at Fareway in Huxley 



PROGRAMS 

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 

POWERED BY IGEF 

SCHOLARSHIP GOLF 

To support the ongoing success of this 

scholarship program, IGEF hosts an 

annual Scholarship Golf tournament 

fundraiser. This year’s event was held 

on May 23 at Beaver Creek in Grimes. 

More than 200 golfers alongside event 

sponsors helped raise over $58,000. 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 

Hole Sponsors: Acosta, Advantage Solutions, Atlantic 

Coca-Cola Bottling, Bernatello's, Bimbo, Blue Diamond, 

Body Armor, Boston Beer, Burke, Capital City Fruit, 

Casey's General Stores, Coca-Cola, Cookies, Dean 

Snyder Construction, Dole, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, 

E & J Gallo, Fairlife, Fareway, Farmer's Hen House, 

Hy-Vee, Hussmann, Iowa Beverage Systems, Jack Link's, 

Johnsonville, Kemps, Keurig Dr Pepper, Kraft Heinz, 

Land O'Frost/Wimmers, Loffredo, Malk, Mike's Hard 

Lemonade, Militti Sales & Promotions, Mueller Yurgae 

Associates, Old Dutch Foods, Pan O Gold, Prairie Farms, 

Russ Davis Wholesale, Sazerac, Voss Distributing 

Lunch Sponsor: Bernatello’s Pizza (Brew Pub Pizza) 

Putting Contest Sponsor: Federated Insurance 

THANK YOU TO OUR IGEF 

SCHOLARSHIP GOLF COMMITTEE 

Joel Allen, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

Liz Baker, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company 

Erin Bailey, Hy-Vee, Inc. 

Valarie Withrow, Acosta Sales & Marketing 

Bob Gostomski, Mueller Yurgae Associates 

Nick Greiner, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

Nate Landas, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

Mike McCormick, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

Coby Newbold, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

John Rasley, E & J Gallo Winery 

Dana Sump, Casey's General Stores (Chairman) 

B.J. Van Der Linden, Fareway Stores, Inc. 

Zac Voss, Voss Distributing 


Jacob Smith 

Waukon 

Faith Baptist College 

Freshman 

Major: Organizational Leadership 

Works at Fareway in Waukon 


Nathan Stokes 

Sioux City 

Western Iowa Tech 

Community College 

Sophomore 

Major: Firefighter Paramedic 

Works at Fareway in Sioux City 

Fareway Family Scholarships - $2000 

Madison Strait 

Cedar Rapids 


Senior 

Majors: Chemistry and Mathematics 

Father works at Hy-Vee in 

West Des Moines 



Matthew Strawn 

Des Moines 

Indiana University Bloomington 

Freshman 


Father works at Iowa Lottery in Clive 



Alan Strettmatter 

Hazelton 


Freshman 


Works at Fareway in Oelwein 


Sydney Strunk 

Creston 

Southwestern Community College 

Freshman 


Works at Fareway in Creston 


John Swailes 

Cedar Falls 

Faith Baptist Bible College 

Sophomore 

Major: Biblical Studies 

Works at Fareway in Ankeny 


Jordan Their 

Dyersville 


Freshman 


Works at Fareway in Dyersville 


Jessica Thomssen 

Manilla 

Iowa Central Community College 

Sophomore 

Major: Accounting 

Works at Fareway in Denison 


Charles Thrasher 

West Liberty 


Junior 


Father works at Hy-Vee in Coralville 



Chancellor Thrasher 

West Liberty 


Sophomore 


Father works at Hy-Vee in Coralville 

Mary I. Fitzgerald Scholarship - $1,800 

Makayla Tice 

Lynnville 


Freshman 

Major: Medicine or Health Science 

Works at Fareway in Grinnell 


Treyton Turnbull 

Pella 


Freshman 


Works at Hy-Vee in Pella 



Emily Usher 

Charles City 

Northwest Iowa Community College 

Freshman 

Major: Family Consumer 

Science Education 

Works at Fareway in Charles City 


Deborah Vallejo 

Kalona 

Kirkwood Community College 

Sophomore 

Major: International Studies 

Works at JW’s Foods in Kalona 

JW’s Foods Scholarship - $750 

Lila Vaughn 

Steamboat Rock 

Black Hills State University 

Freshman 

Major: Business Management 

Works at Hy-Vee in Eldora 



Emily Waite 

Washington 


Senior 

Majors: Accounting and Finance 

Father works at Fareway in Washington 


Cheyenne Wallace 

Lacona 

Northwest Missouri State University 

Freshman 

Major: Animal Science 

Works at Hy-Vee in Indianola 



Alli Webster 

Urbandale 


Freshman 

Major: Public Relations 

Works at Fareway in Urbandale 


Nina Welter 

Exira 


Freshman 


Works at Hy-Vee in Atlantic 



Piper Wiedenhoff 

Garrison 


Senior 

Major: Education 

Works at Fareway in Waterloo 


Joel Winters 

Ionia 


Freshman 


Works at Fareway in Charles City 


Kellen Wright 

West Salem, WI 

Southwest Minnesota 

State University 

Freshman 

Major: Finance 

Works at Kwik Trip in LaCrosse, WI 



Sydney Zabel 

Bettendorf 


Junior 

Major: Family and Consumer 

Sciences Education 




PROGRAMS 

IOWA’S BEST 

contest 

BAGGER 

COMPETITION OFFERS “BAGGING” RIGHTS, 

CELEBRATION OF GROCERY INDUSTRY VALUES 

After a second-place finish 

in 2022, Harrison Dahm of 

Fareway in Denison had 

his sights set on winning gold – and 

the “bagging rights” that come with 

being named Iowa’s Best Bagger. 

With a bright smile, composure 

and laser focus, he brought home 

first place in the 36th-annual Iowa 

Grocery Industry Association 

(IGIA) 2023 Best Bagger Contest. 

Held at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater 

on Aug. 11 during the Iowa State Fair, 16 

contestants were asked to bag identical 

grocery sets consisting of approximately 

35 commonly purchased items into three 

reusable bags. Each is scored and ranked 

on weight distribution among bags, 

speed and proper item arrangement. 

“The contest spotlights the grocery 

industry in a positive way by 

promoting the ethics of hard work 

and community,” says Michelle 

Hurd, IGIA president. “Bagging is an 

important step for many grocery 

employees and can positively impact 

a customer’s shopping experience.” 

The top six finishers, narrowed 

down from three preliminary heats, 

competed in the final rounds. All 

non-perishable food items used in 

the competition are donated to the 

Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines. 


COMPETITION HEATS UP 

WITH AUDIENCE FUN 

Beyond the Iowa Best Bagger title, Dahm 

walked away with a trophy, $500 cash prize 

and a trip for two to Las Vegas to compete 

in the National Best Bagger Competition. 

Dahm, who is 19 years old and lives in 

Denison, has been bagging groceries for 

three years. This is his third year competing 

in the contest. 

Placing second in the Iowa Best Bagger 

competition was Aliciah Vasquez, who 

works at the Park Avenue Hy-Vee in Des 

Moines. She received a $250 prize. Daven 

Peterson, who works at the Fareway in 

Woodward, won $150 for finishing third. 

And Matt Moore, who works at the Prairie 

Trail Hy-Vee in Ankeny, placed fourth and 

took home a $100 prize. 

The annual event always draws a crowd 

of spectators to help fuel the contest’s 

2023 Best Bagger 

Contestants 

• Eva Aguero, Price Chopper 

• Harrison Dahm, Fareway Denison 

• Jonathan Drow, Fareway Decorah 

• Alexa Kirk, Fareway Cedar Rapids 

• Max Litwiller, Fareway Waverly 

• Nick Meyers, Hy-Vee West Des Moines 

• Harrison Miller, Hy-Vee Altoona 

• Matt Moore, Hy-Vee Ankeny 

• Efrain Paramo, Hy-Vee Valley West 

• Sam Pawlowski, Hy-Vee Urbandale 

• Daven Peterson, Fareway Woodward 

• Charlie Peterson, Hy-Vee Grimes 

• John Runestad, Fareway Boone 

• Austin Tigges, Fareway Carroll 

• Aliciah Vasquez, Hy-Vee Park Ave 

• Kayley Zanker, Jewell Market 

spirit of competition and community. 

Beyond cheering on contestants, 

audience members have the chance to 

win one of many gift cards for answering 

grocery industry trivia questions. 

IOWA SHINES ON THE 

NATIONAL STAGE 

Dahm will represent Iowa at the 2024 

National Grocers Association Best 

Bagger Contest on March 11, 2024. 

The reward for winning in Las Vegas 

includes a $10,000 prize. Once there, 

he will attempt to bring home a ninth 

national title for Iowa in a similar bagging 

contest, plus an on-stage interview to 

demonstrate good customer service 

displaying friendliness and personality. 

Iowans have a proud tradition of 

winning at the national contest, 

and currently hold more national 

titles than any other state. 

Thank you to all who make 

the annual Best Bagger 

contest a fun tradition! 

Thank You to 

Our Sponsors 

Coca-Cola, 

Title Sponsor (Trip) 

Cylinder Express, 

Trivia Contest Sponsor 

Iowa Food & Family 

Project, 

Groceries Sponsor 

Hiland Dairy, 

1st Place Sponsor 

Keurig Dr Pepper, 

2nd Place Sponsor 

Cookies Food Products, 

3rd Place Sponsor 

PepsiCo, 

4th Place Sponsor 

Frito-Lay, 

Event Sponsor 

Iowa Lottery, 

Groceries Sponsor 

Dupey Equipment Co., 

Scales Sponsor 


PROGRAMS 

IGIA GOLF CLASSIC 

BUILDING CONNECTIONS ON THE COURSE 

Sponsored by SHAZAM 

The annual IGIA Golf Classic, 

sponsored by SHAZAM, delivers more 

than just a beautiful day on the 

course – it’s a forum for members 

to network, build new connections 

and catch up with old friends! 

More than 100 golfers participated in the 

tournament on Aug. 15 at Tournament Club 

of Iowa in Polk City. The fun-filled event 

was made possible thanks to our 26 Hole 

Sponsors and outstanding IGIA Golf Classic 

Committee, and special contests throughout 

the event raised money for GroPAC. 


IGIA Golf Classic 

Hole Sponsors 

Acosta Sales 

& Marketing 

Boston Beer 

Company 


Casey’s 

Coca-Cola 


E & J Gallo 

Fareway 

Frito-Lay 

Hiland Dairy 

Hormel 

Hussmann 

Hy-Vee 

Johnsonville 

Kemps 

Land O’ Frost 


Old Dutch 

Foods 

Pan O Gold 

Pepsi 

Prairie Farms 

Ruan 

Russ Davis 

Wholesale 

Sazerac 

SHAZAM 

Voss 

Distributing 

IGIA Golf Classic 

Committee 

JOEL ALLEN, 

Hy-Vee, Inc. (Chairman) 

ERIN BAILEY, 

Hy-Vee, Inc. 

JEFF BORRILL, 


BOB GOSTOMSKI, 


NICK HUBERTY, 


DON RILEY, 


KRIS SCHMIDT, 


JEREMY THOMPSON, 

Sazerac 

CHRIS YURGAE, 



INSIGHTS 

Impact of the 

INDUSTRY 

Share Your Impact 

Check your inboxes! 

Questions or ideas? Contact 

Audrey Comer, IGIA marketing 

and communications specialist, 

at acomer@iowagrocers.com. 

Retailers across the state can expect an “Impact of the Industry” 

survey from Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) this fall. 

Findings will help us capture the collective strength and positive 

impacts of Iowa’s grocery and convenience industry. 

Your participation will help us better amplify the work our 

members are doing to make a real difference on workforce, job 

opportunities, local economies, sustainability, communities and 

quality of life. Summaries of this information will be leveraged 

with external audiences and at the state Capitol. 


thank you 

WE WANT TO RECOGNIZE PAST IGIA 

CHAIRMAN TOM LAVEN AND THE ENTIRE 

2022-2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 

AN OUTSTANDING YEAR! WE APPRECIATE 

YOUR LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT 

TO MOVING OUR ASSOCIATION 

AND INDUSTRY FORWARD. 

Get to know the full board at 

iowagrocers.com/board-of-directors 

IGIA Membership 

Renewals 

APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2023 

Aldi, Inc. 

Altria Sales & 

Distribution 


Companies 

Arctic Glacier Ice 

Boulevard Brewing 

Company 


Crossmark Sales & 

Marketing Co. 

Crystal Clear Water 

DGS Acquisitions, LLC 

Fresh Thyme 


Gateway Market & Cafe 

Green RU 

Hormel Foods Corp 

Hussmann Corporation 

Johnson Oil Company, 

Inc. 

Kickass Snacks 

KPI Concepts 

Liggett Vector 

Brands, LLC 

Loffredo Fresh 

Produce, Inc. 

Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce 

MAD Ave Quik Shop 

Midwest Best 

Water, Inc. 

Midwest Packaging, Inc. 

Mike’s Hard Lemonade 

Placon Corporation 

Red Bull North America 

RSM US LLP 


Southern Glazer’s 

Wine & Spirits 

Sunshine Foods - 

Milford 

Super Saver 

Swisher International 

Tarbell & Co. P.L.C. 

The Kraft Heinz 

Company 


MEMBERSHIP 

IGIA Supplier 

MEMBER 

DIRECTORY 

BAKERY 


(515) 963-8746 

Flowers Bakery 

(859) 801-8829 

Pan-O-Gold Baking Co. 

(515) 289-4502 

BEER 


(314) 577-2000 

Boulevard Brewing 

(816) 474-7095 

FIFCO USA 

(585) 546-1030 

Mike’s Hard Lemonade 

(515) 444-3851 

Molson Coors Beverage 

Companys 

(513) 571-4536 

Pabst Brewing 

(515) 344-9138 

Summit Brewing 

(651) 265-7800 

The Boston Beer Company 

(515) 322-7898 

BEVERAGE 

Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling 

(515) 987-1931 

Beliv 

(646) 477-1126 

BlueTriton Brands 

(774) 573-8142 

Body Armor 

(718) 357-7402 

Coca-Cola 

(515) 657-2882 

Crystal Clear Water 

(515) 265-2324 

Death Wish Coffee 

(518) 400-1050 

Fairlife, LLC 

(312) 624-9444 

Harvest Roasting 

(Scooter’s Coffee) 

(877) 494-7004 

Iowa Beverage Systems 

(515) 266-2274 


(515) 447-9385 

Mahaska Bottling Co. 

(641) 573-3481 

Midwest Best Water 

(651) 291-7244 

Monster Energy Company 

(612) 251-0426 

Pepsi Beverages 

(515) 270-1332 

Premium Waters 

(612) 379-4141 

Red Bull 

(417) 766-2834 

Shasta Beverages 

(225) 806-0367 

Verena Street Coffee 

(563) 556-3931 

Voss Distributing 

(515) 263-1777 

Welch’s 

(612) 386-2141 

Zevia 

(855) 469-3842 

BROKER 

Acosta Integrated Sales & 

Marketing Services 

(515) 278-2040 


(515) 278-1223 

CA Carlin 

(515) 314-0913 


& Marketing 

(515) 285-1101 

Cruise Marketing 

(515) 564-0990 

Daymon 

(515) 707-4078 

Dreyer Marketing 

(515) 986-5957 

Hockenberg Newburgh 

(515) 222-0100 


(515) 986-0491 

R.G. Sales and Marketing 

(515) 556-8018 

Schraad & Associates 

(515) 400-3535 

TMZ Brokerage 

(515) 556-6260 

Topco 

(515) 267-7750 

CANDY 

Ferrero 

(616) 916-6046 

Palmer Candy 

(712) 258-5543 

Siegert Enterprises dba 

Betty Jane Candies 

(563) 582-4668 

The Hershey Company 

(616) 254-9380 

DAIRY/EGGS 

AE Dairy 

(515) 265-2521 

Crystal Farms 

(515) 669-6062 

Farmers Hen House 

(844) 304-9424 

Hiland Dairy 

(402) 344-4321 

Kemps Dairy 

(608) 832-1313 

Prairie Farms 

(563) 391-3341 


(812) 497-2557 


(952) 475-0100 

Versova 

(515) 532-2240 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Wells Fargo Commercial 

Banking 

(515) 237-5100 

West Bank 

(515) 222-2300 

FLORAL/GARDEN 

Plantpeddler Inc. 

(800) 827-1654 

FOOD 

MANUFACTURING 

Cameron’s Coffee 

(952) 374-5026 

Campbells Soup Company 

(612) 206-4717 


(712) 664-2683 

Countryside BBQ Sauce 

(515) 295-3583 

Early Morning Harvest 

(641) 757-2620 

Famous Dave’s Products 

(952) 746-8800 

General Mills 

(952) 913-7395 

Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. 

(618) 826-2361 

Hain Celestial 

(763) 242-0768 

Hometown Food Company 

(262) 349-1384 

Hostess Brands 

(816) 701-4600 

Jimmy’s Dressings & Dips 

(507) 533-7786 

J.M. Smucker 

(888) 550-9555 

Kellogg Company 

(641) 259-2136 

Kens Foods 

(515) 707-7258 

KENT Corporation 

(563) 264-4211 

King Arthur Flour 

(901) 351-4751 

Klondike Cheese 

(608) 325-3021 


Lola's Fine Hot Sauce 

(515) 776-0086 

Midwest Foods, LLC dba 

Gino’s Food Products 

(515) 240-4698 

Milton Creamery 

(641) 656-4094 

molly&you 

(712) 662-7577 

Nestle 

(708) 307-5460 

Reser’s Fine Foods 

(816) 834-9472 

Shullsburg Creamery 

(608) 965-4485 

Simek’s 

(763) 442-6865 

Sioux Honey Association 

(712) 233-9175 

Tasty Toppings 

(800) 228-4148 

The Kraft Heinz Company 

(608) 628-1061 

Trilliant Food & Nutrition 

LLC 

(800) 415-7500 

Vanscoy Industries 

(319) 560-7459 

X-Tra Touch Products 

(712) 246-4376 

FROZEN 

Arctic Glacier U.S.A. 

(316) 529-2173 


(800) 942-3800 

GENERAL 

MERCHANDISE 


(712) 365-4740 

Grizzly Coolers 

(563) 202-9199 

Unilever 

(630) 339-7672 

GOURMET/ 

SPECIALTY/SPICES 

B & G Foods 

(973) 401-6500 


(319) 321-3524 

GOVERNMENT 

AGENCY 

Iowa Alcoholic Beverages 

Division 

(515) 281-7402 

Iowa Lottery 

(515) 725-7900 

WIC 

(800) 532-1579 

INDUSTRY SERVICES 

Associated Computer 

Systems (ACS) 

(515) 233-0078 

Backes Commercial 

Auctions 

(800) 876-8070 

CW Sales & Service 

(319) 931-8118 

Dean Snyder Construction 

(515) 289-0720 

Diversey 

(303) 910-5571 

E.T. Video 

(712) 999-2229 

Evolving Edge 

(515) 777-3638 


(507) 444-6503 

FUELIowa 

(515) 224-7545 

Grant Barco Capital 

(646) 477-1126 

Harms Oil Company 

(605) 696-5000 

Holmes Murphy & 

Associates 

(515) 223-6800 

International Paper 

(515) 635-6185 

Iowa Beef Industry Council 

(515) 296-2305 

Iowa Pork Producers 

(515) 225-7657 

Larry Elias Consulting 

(402) 499-9083 

Lifetime Solar 

(888) 477-8869 

Midwest Dairy Association 

(515) 964-0696 

North Risk Partners 

(515) 327-8464 

RSM US LLP 

(515) 558-6646 


(515) 245-5464 

Rug Doctor 

(630) 430-9054 

Semiotic Marketing 

International, LLC. 

(312) 802-5877 

Seneca 

(515) 262-5000 

SHAZAM 

(515) 288-2828 

Tarbell 

(515) 282-0200 

Tidel 

(972) 484-3358 

Tomra of North America 

(203) 447-8748 

Truno 

(800) 415-7500 

Windstream Enterprises 

(319) 924-9332 

MEAT/POULTRY/ 

SEAFOOD 

Amana Meat Shop & 

Smokehouse 

(319) 622-7500 

Double Dutch Meat 

(641) 628-2771 

Edgewood Locker 

(563) 928-6814 

Hormel Foods 

(515) 276-8808 

Kretschmar Deli 

(314) 625-9626 

Land O’ Frost 

(952) 270-2208 

Pilgrim’s 

(320) 493-3633 

Stone Ridge Wholesale 

(920) 539-2862 

Tyson Foods 

(515) 270-1739 

West Liberty Foods 

(888) 511-4500 

MEDIA/ADVERTISING 

Next Step Advertising 

(515) 327-1133 

Rock Communications 

(641) 792-8334 

PACKAGING & 

SUPPLIES 

Bunzl 

(314) 997-5959 

International Paper 

(515) 635-6185 

Midwest Packaging 

(515) 778-8731 

Placon Corp. 

(608) 422-1606 

The Brenmar Company 

(402) 592-3303 

PASTA/PIZZA 

Barilla America 

(515) 278-2040 


(715) 590-2626 

Dakota Growers Pasta 

(612) 396-5651 

Neva’s Noodles, LLC 

(641) 203-1860 

PHARMACY 

21st Century Healthcare 

(480) 966-8201 

Lil’ Drug Store Products 

(319) 393-0454 

PRODUCE 


(515) 981-5111 

Dole Fresh Vegetables 

(515) 630-4612 

Fresha 

(320) 219-0654 

Loffredo Fresh Produce 

(515) 285-3367 

PAT Brokerage 

(515) 278-5517 


(800) 214-4981 

Summertime Potato 

(515) 265-9865 

RECYCLING 

CRINC 

(515) 265-4275 

Green RU 

(855) 788-8733 

SNACKS 


(712) 239-1232 

Blue Diamond 

(847) 980-6118 

Frito-Lay 

(314) 583-7992 

Herr Foods 

(800) 344-3777 

Iowa Smokehouse 

(800) 434-7695 

Jack Link’s Beef Jerky 

(715) 262-2055 

Kickass Snacks 

(507) 961-1180 


(651) 633-8810 


MEMBERSHIP 

Old Trapper Smoked 

Meat Snacks 

(913) 481-4666 

PIM Brands, Inc. 

(201) 784-5800 

Second Nature Brands 

(248) 588-1903 

Shearer’s Snacks 

(614) 553-7584 

Sterzing Food 

(319) 754-8467 

Utz Quality Foods 

(630) 723-1192 

STORE FIXTURES & 

EQUIPMENT 

Dupey Equipment 

(515) 223-0700 

Hussmann 

(515) 262-8221 

KPI Concepts 

(319) 754-5922 

Marick 

(515) 243-8288 

North Country Business 

Products 

(218) 751-4140 

Performance Display 

(515) 986-0156 

Retail Data Systems 

(605) 310-4452 

RollSeal, Inc 

(256) 287-7000 

Semiotic Marketing 

International, LLC. 

(312) 802-5877 

TOBACCO 

Altria Sales & Distribution 

(608) 251-0815 

ITG Brands 

(515) 254-0629 

Liggett Vector Brands 

(262) 844-8204 


(336) 741-1486 

Swisher International 

(904) 598-4643 

WHOLESALER/ 

DISTRIBUTION 

CENTER 

Aldi, Inc. 

(507) 333-9460 

Associated Wholesale 

Grocers 

(913) 288-1510 

CERTCO 

(608) 278-2213 


(515) 432-2623 

Farner-Bocken 

(800) 274-8692 

Hy-Vee 

(515) 267-2800 

McCormack Distributing 

(712) 546-5133 

SpartanNash 

(319) 855-2742 

UNFI 

(715) 262-8634 

WINE & SPIRITS 

American Beverage 

Marketers 

(816) 777-7159 

Bacardi USA 

(614) 403-1410 

Banfi Vinters/Excelsior 

Wines 

(913) 208-9702 

Cedar Ridge Winery 

& Distillery 

(319) 350-9237 

Constellation Brands, U.S. 

(515) 289-6506 

Deutsch Family Wine & 

Spirits 

(515) 289-6506 

Diageo 

(847) 275-8880 

E & J Gallo Winery 

(515) 987-3935 

Foundry Distilling Company 

(515) 822-7545 

Johnson Brothers of Iowa 

(515) 262-1199 

Luxco 

(313) 333-4637 

Phillips Distilling 

(612) 362-7500 

Sazerac 

(515) 202-1661 

Southern Glazer’s Wine 

& Spirits 

(515) 252-7173 

Trinchero Family Estates/ 

Sutter Home Winery 

(414) 313-7919 

THANK YOU AGAIN TO OUR 2023 PREMIER SPONSORS 

PLATINUM 

Coca-Cola 

E & J Gallo Winery 


Hy-Vee 

PepsiCo 

SHAZAM 

GOLD 

Associated Wholesale 

Grocers 




Hiland Dairy 

Kemps/DFA Dairy 

Brands 

SpartanNash 


SILVER 


AE Dairy 




Certco 

Constellation Brands 


General Mills 

Iowa Lottery 


Kraft Heinz 

Kum & Go 

Kwik Star 

Molson Coors 




Sazerac 

Versova Eggs 


White Claw Hard Seltzer 

BRONZE 

Acosta Integrated Sales 

& Marketing Services 

Altria 


Company 

Barilla 

Body Armor 

The Boston Beer 

Company 




& Marketing 

Crystal Farms 

Fairlife 

Holmes Murphy 

& Associates 

Hormel Foods 

Corporation 

Hussmann 

Iowa Alcoholic 

Beverages Division 

Johnson Brothers 

of Iowa 

Lola’s 

Luxco 

Pabst Brewing 

Company 

Pan-O-Gold 

Baking Company 

Pilgrim’s 

Prairie Farms 


RollSeal 


RSM US 


Southern Glazer’s 

Wine & Spirits 


Tyson Foods 

UNFI 

Upside 

Voss Distributing/ 

Red Bull

HYVEE Full page ad 


CYLINDER EXPRESS is proud to support 

the Iowa Grocery Industry Association 

IN BUILDING A STRONG INDUSTRY 

TODAY AND INTO THE FUTURE. 

Family Owned and Operated | Battle Creek, IA | Call 1-888-365-1241 

GOLD 

IGIA Premier 

Sponsor 

At Cylinder Express, we take your business personally. A call to us means always being greeted by a person, not an automated message. It 

means never running out of cylinders so you can advertise a special on propane with complete confidence that your customers will always find 

a propane tank at your store. You can’t sell from an empty cage. It means value, quality and service. It means we treat you like family.

2023 Hall of Fame Issue

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