Jurgens Salutes ‘Hy-Vee Family’

COLORADO SPRINGS – Ric Jurgens, retired chairman and chief executive officer of Hy-Vee, West Des Moines, Iowa, put his former colleagues in the spotlight as he accepted the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s Hall of Achievement Award here.

“I accept this on behalf of the great Hy-Vee family,” said Jurgens (right) during the award presentation at the GMA Executive Conference.

The 42-year Hy-Vee veteran called the food business “one of the most honorable of industries,” and said that as he begins his retirement, “the industry is in good hands.”

In the photo, Jurgens (right) accepts the award from Gary Rodkin, chairman of GMA and CEO of ConAgra Food.

Also honored with the Hall of Achievement Award was Dean Pappas, former CEO of Clement Pappas & Co., Carneys Point, N.J.

Pappas said he was “humbled and honored” by the award, and said businesses that focus on the satisfaction of customers and employees have a good shot at success.

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The awards were presented at the annual Chairman’s Dinner at the conference, which has attracted some 700 industry leaders this year, according to GMA.

“Lifetime achievement is the hallmark of the GMA Hall of Achievement Award, and by that standard, no two people are more deserving than Ric Jurgens and Dean Pappas,” said GMA President and CEO Pamela G. Bailey in a statement. “Their business savvy, their desire to make the world a better place and their compassion for their associates, their communities and their consumers sets them apart.”

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