AWI'S YAHN GETS GMDC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

DAN ALAIMO

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Charles Yahn, vice president, merchandising, Associated Wholesalers Inc., York, Pa., this month received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the General Merchandise Distributors Council, Colorado Springs, Colo., during GMDC's annual General Merchandise Marketing Conference here.

Yahn was recognized as a longtime supporter of GMDC and was cited for his involvement in the creation of its Educational Foundation, as well as the trade group's movement into information technology systems.

"What excites me about Charlie's award is that it acknowledges a very talented wholesaler and merchandiser who is a great advocate for the small retailer," said David McConnell, GMDC's president and chief executive officer, who added that Yahn is widely respected and well-liked by the entire industry.

"I think a lifetime achievement award is a team victory for AWI and my associates," Yahn told SN. "An award like this is a function of the people you surround yourself with. It's very humbling."

Starting out in the supermarket business as a computer programmer with United Associated Grocers, which merged with Associated Wholesalers in 1984 to become what is currently AWI, Yahn held the titles of director of information systems, vice president of finance and, eventually, vice president of sales and marketing. In 1989, he was named vice president of nonfoods and began his involvement with GMDC.

In the years since, Yahn has held many positions in GMDC, including chairman of the board in 1997. He has been a board member for 12 years.

"Charlie's got an excellent relationship with our retailers, one he's earned over the years by his achievements for them," said Chris Michaels, CEO, AWI, in a videotaped presentation at the award ceremony. "He has remarkable accomplishments in each of our stores in terms of developing their sales and profitability."