Michigan Grocers Select Al Kessel Award Winners

Michigan Grocers Association (MGA) has announced the inaugural Al Kessel Outstanding Achievement Award recipients: Iron River’s Fred Angeli of Angeli Foods and Spartan Stores of Grand Rapids. “MGA created the awards to honor the memory of former grocer and MGA member Al Kessel, Jr., who passed away in December 2012,” says Linda M. Gobler, MGA President and CEO. “Al was the founder of Kessel Food Markets, which served Flint, Saginaw, Bay City and Corunna from 1981 to 2000. To reflect his generous spirit, the awards recognize the company, industry, and community achievements of one Outstanding Retailer and one Outstanding Business Partner.” Anyone could nominate a deserving MGA-member company or individual. Nominations were reviewed and winners were selected on August 6 by a 12-member MGA committee. The 2013 Outstanding Retailer, Fred Angeli, is a third-generation retailer who owns three grocery stores in Menominee and Iron River, Michigan, and Marinette, Wisconsin — employing more than 350 people. The Angeli Family has been in the food business for 96 years and Fred has helped grow the company into a successful regional business. He was nominated by Al Kessel’s son, James, who works for MGA member Kessel Enterprises, which operates Save-A-Lot and Pet Supplies PLUS stores in the Flint-Saginaw area. “While Angeli Foods has a long list of community commitments, James put it best when he said, ‘Angeli’s is the community,’” says Gobler. “Fred has earned the respect and admiration from his community, colleagues, and the entire food industry. His passion and dedication make his selection a well-deserved acknowledgment.” The 2013 Outstanding Business Partner is Spartan Stores’ “entire team of associates” as nominated by MGA Member Bill McDonough of McDonough’s Market on Beaver Island. Bill hails Spartan Stores because, “As individuals and as a team, Spartan Stores’ associates and their company have won many local, state and national awards and recognition,” he says. “As well as contributing in a professional manner to the entire grocery industry, as a team they demonstrate the qualities and contributions we all must accomplish to earn respect, loyalty, confidence, integrity, and longevity.” The awards will be presented at the MGA Fall Conference and Trade Show, on Sunday, September 15, at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan. This is the state’s premier event for the food industry. In its 115th year, Michigan Grocers Association is the voice of the state’s supermarket and grocery industry, representing more than 700 leading chain and independent retail stores and nearly 100 manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors. MGA provides Michigan food businesses with knowledge, solutions and connections to ensure the industry’s continued success.