On Aug. 27 the National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) Spirit of America Award was presented to Linda Ryan of Dierbergs at the Missouri Grocers Association Annual Convention in Branson.
The award, presented by N.G.A.’s director of government affairs, Greg Ferrara, was given in honor of Ryan’s involvement in community and civic affairs, and in praise of her leadership and support of Missouri grocers and the independent retail grocer.
Ryan recently retired after 32 years with Dierbergs, serving most recently as the company’s VP of human resources responsible for recruitment, retention, training, associate relations, customer service training, payroll, benefits and labor relations for more than 4,000 associates.
“Her commitment to the Missouri Grocers Association is second to none and she can always be counted on for her leadership and participation,” said a N.G.A. press release announcing the award. “Linda is a familiar face in the halls of the capitol in Jefferson City advocating in support of Missouri’s supermarket industry and the independent grocery industry.”
The N.G.A. Spirit of America Award, established in 1982, honors key industry and community figures who have provided leadership in the areas of community services and government relations on behalf of a free and independent food distribution system. N.G.A. has given this award to more than 400 individuals, including Presidents George H. W. Bush and Gerald Ford, and Vice President Dan Quayle, as well as other distinguished individuals serving the public interest.
