Entries must detail why the nominee is qualified for this recognition. Qualifications could be related to an independent grocery operators investment in their stores, infrastructure, operations and technology, commitment to supporting neighborhood charities and community involvement, and investment in their employees’ training and advancement.

Nominations are free; there is no charge/fee to nominate.

EIA Nomination Form

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You may submit up to 6 nominees
We will only contact you regarding important information related to your Exceptional Independents Award nominee and/or EIA event details.
Nominee Company Address(Required)
We will only contact your nominee regarding important information related to their Exceptional Independents Award nomination and/or EIA event details.
What region is your nominee's corporate headquarters located?(Required)
What is your nominee's number of store locations?(Required)
Please provide a 2500 maximum character description (about 550 words) about why your nominee is qualified for this recognition. This could be related to the independent operator’s investment in their stores, infrastructure, operations and technology, their commitment to supporting neighborhood charities and community involvement, and their investment in employee training and advancement. Please note that if your nominee wins, this is the description that will run in the Exceptional Independents in the Grocery Industry feature in all five March 2026 regional editions.
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    Terms and Conditions(Required)

    Accepting Nominations Now!

    Nominations are now being accepted for Shelby Publishing’s 4th Annual Exceptional Independents Awards. Nominations are open to all independent U.S. grocery operators.

    If your independent grocery operator has already won an Exceptional Independents Award, they are still eligible to win again this year as long as they are still exceptional.

    Deadline: December 12, 2025

    The Shelby-Griffin Report will highlight each honoree in a special editorial spotlight in the Exceptional Independents Awards feature in all five March 2026 regional editions.

    Questions or comments:

    Stephanie Reid
    President and Publisher
    Phone: 678-520-4949
    Email: [email protected]