FDI PRESENTS HOOVER AWARD TO MCLANE

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Food Distributors International presented its Herbert Hoover Award to industry leader Drayton McLane Jr. last week at the FDI Annual Business Conference here. McLane's leadership in the food industry stretches back to 1963, when he was named president of the Young Executives Division of the U.S. Wholesale Grocer's Association. In 1974, McLane was elected president of the Texas Wholesale Grocers Association, and in 1986 was elected chairman of the National-American Wholesale Grocers' Association.

brands. McLane Co. became a pioneer in efficiently supplying the fledgling convenience-store industry. Today, McLane is the largest distributor to this industry, serving more than 26,000 convenience stores, or nearly 40%

In 1990, McLane Co. merged with Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, Ark., and McLane assumed the responsibilities of vice chairman of Wal-Mart. He also maintained his position as president and chief executive officer of McLane Co. until 1992, when he became chairman. In 1994, McLane resigned from his post as chairman when he decided to devote more time to his multifaceted responsibilities as chairman of McLane Group, a family-owned holding company.

McLane's leadership is currently provided to numerous nonprofit organizations, including Children's Miracle Network, the Boy Scouts of America, the Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas, and the South Texas College of Law.

The Hoover Award was established in 1961 in honor of Herbert Hoover's lifetime commitment to humanitarian work. The recipient is chosen each year by food-industry peers.