CHICAGO -- Three longtime industry leaders were honored at the Food Marketing Institute's annual convention and educational exposition here earlier this month.
man of Sales Force Cos., Chicago; and E. Dean Werries, former chairman and chief executive officer of Fleming Cos., Oklahoma City.
Roger Stangeland, chairman of FMI, presented the three awards during separate presentations. Stangeland also is chairman of Vons Cos., Arcadia, Calif.
BLACKBURN RECEIVES ALBERS AWARD
Blackburn received the 1994 William H. Albers Industry Relations Award at the opening-night chairman's dinner.
Blackburn, who was a leader in the industry effort to pilot-test the Uniform Communications Standard when it was being developed in the early 1980s, was honored for his foresight and effective work to minimize the proliferation of differing communications standards.
"He was an active and valued member of the Joint Committee for Grocery Industry Data Transmission," Stangeland said. "In this capacity, he assessed the technical, economic and legal feasibility of a data transmission system, which has saved the industry hundreds of millions of dollars."
Blackburn also has been active in the industry's attempt to develop Efficient Consumer Response. The Albers award is named after the Super Market Institute's first chairman, William H. Albers. SMI is one of the two organizations that merged to form FMI.
RABB AWARD GOES TO WERRIES
E. Dean Werries, who was chairman of FMI from 1989 to 1991, received the 1994 Sidney R. Rabb Award at the annual banquet.
The award recognized Werries' commitment to the grocery industry and his community. Stangeland said Werries, during his tenure as chairman of FMI, addressed some of the industry's toughest challenges, including the class of trade issue.
"In the grand tradition of the bully pulpit, Dean invoked his position as FMI chairman to encourage suppliers to sign the fairness pledge -- and most of the leading companies did so," Stangeland said.
The Rabb award was initiated in 1977 in honor of Sidney Rabb, an industry pioneer and leader.
Grant Gets Peterson Award
Alexander Grant, who helped FMI develop a nutrition program for Hispanic consumers, received the 1994 Esther Peterson Consumer Service Award. Grant has worked in FDA's Office of Consumer Affairs for 22 years, including the last 15 as its chief executive officer. In presenting the award, Stangeland said Grant was a "champion of the consumer -- especially in the vital area of nutrition education. He has formed alliances with industry groups, such as FMI, that have enabled him to extend his educational mission."
Grant also has contributed to the Health Is Life program, which is aimed at African-Americans.
The Peterson award was established by FMI in 1986 in the name of the former consumer adviser to U.S. Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Carter.
