Last updated on August 30th, 2022 at 02:56 pm
Idaho independent grocer Archie McGregor Jr., 75, president of Archie’s IGA in St. Maries, Idaho, and Dissmores IGA in Pullman, Wash., has been awarded the 2012 Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award.
First presented in 2009, the award is given each year by Kraft Foods Inc. at The National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) Show to an independent grocer who exemplifies persistence, vision and creative entrepreneurship. The award is one of the most prestigious honors awarded to independent grocers.
McGregor, a longstanding member of N.G.A., is a well-respected figure in the industry. He began his grocery career more than 50 years ago, working side-by-side with his father to grow the business and instill a sense of community among his family, workers and customers. His sons are actively involved in the business today, carrying on a family tradition that embodies the spirit of the independent, family grocer.
“Archie exemplifies the life of an independent grocer who not only cares about his customers and employees, but is deeply passionate about the communities he serves,” said Peter Larkin, president and CEO of N.G.A. “His leadership and steadfast vision has set an example in terms of innovation and service and highlights the rich history and bright future of our industry.”
In addition to his long career in the grocery industry, McGregor is a 25-year member of the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) and previously was named IGA International Retailer of the Year, competing against more than 2,000 other IGA retailers throughout the world.
He is a member of the IGA USA Board of Directors, and has been chairman of the IGA National Retailer Advisory Board for more than six years, during which time his leadership has significantly strengthened the value of the IGA brand. McGregor also is a past member of the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council, actively providing his independent insight and expertise based on consumer trends, issues and opportunities for independent grocers to be successful.
Within the communities of St. Maries and Pullman, where his two stores are located, McGregor and his family are an important part of the community. He came to St. Maries in 1986, where he bought a store which had gone bankrupt and, in a few short years, turned the business around by strong business principles and understanding the importance of price, creativity and always putting the customer first. The family established the Pullman Junior Cougar football program and the Greater St. Joe Development Foundation Timber Plus, which supports local businesses. Other community organizations in which they are involved include the 4-H program and local food banks.
“Kraft is honored to present this prestigious award to Archie McGregor for his lifelong service to the grocery industry,” said Rick Brindle, customer VP of eSales and industry development at Kraft Foods. “Throughout his career and life, Archie has demonstrated through his business ethics and community engagement what it means to be an independent grocer. He has set the bar high for others to follow.”
The prestigious award was presented to McGregor by Kraft Foods, Inc. at the N.G.A. Board of Directors dinner, which was held prior to the kick off the 2012 N.G.A. Show in Las Vegas, Nev. The event was attended by nearly 100 industry peers and colleagues.
McGregor is the fourth independent grocer to receive the award. Other recipients include: Mike Provenzano, president and CEO of Pro’s Ranch Markets (2009); Jeff Brown, president and CEO of Brown’s Super Stores (2010); and Keith Johanneson, president and CEO of Johanneson’s Inc. (2011).
Read more about Archie McGregor Jr. in The Shelby Report of the West’s March 2012 print edition.
