The Minnesota Grocers Association, based in St. Paul, recently presented its annual awards recognizing the “best of the best” – those in the industry who demonstrate excellence, have made significant contributions and are highly respected by their peers.
This year’s award winners were presented by MGA Board Chair Doug Winsor and MGA President Jamie Pfuhl on Aug. 1, at the association’s annual conference in Brainerd, Minnesota.
The 2021 Outstanding Grocer award was presented to Mike Stigers, CEO of Cub Foods. He began his nearly 50-year grocery career as a part-time courtesy clerk at the age of 16. He took on managerial positions of increasing responsibility up to CEO and COO of various retailers and vendors throughout the U.S.
Stigers joined Supervalu in 2011 as president of Shaw’s/Star Market in New England. After it was purchased by UNFI in 2018, Stigers was named EVP of the company’s fresh division in addition to being named CEO at Cub Foods – the position he holds today. Since 1968, Cub Foods has been a steady community partner, providing more than groceries to the communities it served. The Stillwater, Minnesota-based company has a retail network of 71 supermarkets throughout the state.
Stigers is an active member of the MGA and has served on its board of directors. His commitment to serving his team and the greater community is epitomized through his collaborative approach for the greater good. Stigers’ leadership and passion exemplify what it means to be an outstanding grocer.
Dan Kueppers, general manager of Great Lakes Coca-Cola in Eagan, Minnesota, was honored by MGA with its 2021 Outstanding Vendor award. This award is given to those who show innovation in customer support and excellence in customer service, as well as involvement in the MGA.
Kueppers started his career at the age of 15 working at a beverage bottling plant in Burnsville on the grounds crew. He continued his advancement in the industry and has held his current position since 2017. Great Lakes Coca-Cola is a business unit of Reyes Holdings, one of the largest privately held companies in the country.
Kueppers’ approach has always been to be steady, loyal and strategic while putting his customer’s needs in the forefront. He is a leader and mentor within the Great Lakes Coca-Cola team. Kueppers serves as the chairman of the MGA Vendor Leadership Committee. This committee was formed in 1998 to advance the interests of the association’s vendor partners through engagement and partnership opportunities. This demonstrates why he was honored with the 2021 Outstanding Vendor Award.
Jim and Mary Anne Kowalski, owners of Kowalski’s Companies Inc., were inducted into the Minnesota Grocers Association’s Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding service and exemplary contributions to Minnesota’s food industry. The Kowalskis purchased the Red Owl grocery store on St. Paul’s Grand Avenue in 1983. Since the first market opened, the Kowalskis have been driven to give their customers a place where they truly love to shop. Today, there are 11 Kowalski’s locations in the Twin Cities.
The company gives to causes important to those who shop the markets through the Groceries for Good Causes program. Both Jim and Mary Anne have served on the MGA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. They were named MGA Grocer of the Year in 1990.
As an institution, the Kowalskis realized they had a larger obligation to the greater world than merely being a good business partner and employer. The company’s civic governing standards are something much bigger and broader than selling groceries. The Kowalski’s outstanding leadership, industry service and vision made this induction to the MGA Hall of Fame a well-deserved acknowledgement.
Additionally, this years’ award presentation celebrated industry heroes, showcasing the outstanding essential workers who were responsible for ensuring there was food on the tables during the COVID-19 pandemic. This celebration was concluded by remarks of appreciation from Gov. Tim Walz.
