2020 Associated Grocers WOY

2020 SOUTHEAST WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR Anniversary

Honors

As it turns 70, company’s mission rooted in culture.

Supply Chain

Known for its strong relationships.

Retailers Supporting partners throughout pandemic.

Community Independent grocers praise partnerships with AG.

“Our employees care about what they do. It’s at every level throughout the company . When your mission statement is really what you’re about – it’s easy . Our employees are dedicated to the success of the independent retailer, and they truly believe that .”

— Manard Lagasse Jr., president and CEO of AG

Service to others – ‘We all live it and breathe it.”

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SEPTEMBER 2020 • THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE SOUTHEAST

2020 SOUTHEAST WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR

Shelby’s regional honoree known for forging strong relationships Employees in all divisions pride themselves on doing more

by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer The Shelby Report has named Associated Grocers-Baton Rouge Wholesaler of the Year for 2020. Join us as we explore what makes AG unique.

When retailers and industry personnel alike hear the word wholesaler, they may think of a supplier to independent grocers, which is true of Associated Grocers-Baton Rouge – especially the independent part. However, they are a total support and solutions operations center.

“We have 200 stores and probably 100 of them are all doing something differently from a go-to-market standpoint, whether it be the kind of products they want to carry or when they want to promote things, and that's a huge challenge for anybody that supplies independents,” said David Politz, AG’s SVP and CIO. “They're all kind of doing their own thing. And rightfully so,” he said. “They have their own brand.

They have their family name on the business, and they want to do their own thing.”

And AG and its employees encourage that mentality.

“It's got to start with having relationships with member stores and not just saying, ‘This is the way we do it. Take it or leave it.’ That's the last thing you'd hear coming from anyone here,” Politz added.

Going above, beyond

AG employees pride themselves in doing more than your typical wholesaler, no matter the department or division.

Kevin Landry is the general manager of Dart, a subsidiary of AG that serves as an in-house store development, refrigeration, sales service and installation company within the wholesaler – a department unique to AG. Kevin Landry “I don't think any other grocery wholesaler does it,” Landry said. “It's just another service that we, Associated Grocers, determined we could give a better value to our retailers if we had people with technical knowledge on refrigeration, cooking equipment, anything mechanical.

“A normal wholesaler may deal with some elements of designing new stores and store layouts, but we go beyond that. We can deal with

the mechanical side of everything also, so, it's very unique what we do.”

Landry went on to note that while some wholesalers may facilitate communication between vendors for items, such as new refrigeration, they don’t have mechanical experts on board. Dart does, and they can decipher pros and cons between different equipment.

“When a retailer is looking to do a project, they come to us to help them get all the ideas with what they're trying to do, as well as to get pricing,” Landry explained.

“We will go out to all the vendors, gather all of the information needed in an effort to get the retailer exactly what they want – from style, type and other details. Then we can give them a better idea on what they really need because of our mechanical background.”

Training key to success

Roeshawn Peters, corporate public relations specialist, said part of the extra effort on AG’s end is a ton of hands-on, in-store training. In addition, several merchandisers are on the ground to help stores with daily operations, special sales and other activities.

“That's your bakery deli people, your produce team, your meat team – they're going out,” Peters said. “Bakery/deli professionals are showing you how to make a great King Cake display so you can compete with the local bakeries. They're doing that [so well], our independents can score a prize at one of the King Cake festivals that we have in New Orleans.

“Our people here are showing them how to compete on that type of level and get that type of business. You don't have to think about just going to a bakery,” she said. “You could get it from your neighborhood grocery store because we're doing just as well, if not better.”

And this mission to serve others comes from a company-wide understanding that the success of independent retailers equals success for Associated Grocers. As Carl Marks, chief administrative officer, noted: “It all centers around the absolute most important value that we exercise here, and that is service.”

He continued, “Virtually every single decision we make here – the small ones and the big ones – are all done in the context of, how will this help our retailers in the marketplace? And so, we do that from every position in operations – our sanitation personnel

AG has 12 different merchandisers that are in stores helping independent retailers. Four of them are in charge of assisting with produce.

Looking forward

Barbara Bunker, deli/bakery merchandiser, is one of AG’s support team members who works in the bakery. On this day, she was at the deli of Frank’s Supermarket, an AG independent retailer.

to our receiving personnel, our shipping personnel, our transportation personnel. We’re all very much together in that common mission, which is to see our retailers succeed.”

Retailers’ perspective

Tara Guidry had worked for Frank’s Supermarket in Louisiana since 1994. It was all she knew. So when the owners broke the news to her last year that they were selling, she was understandably devastated.

“I felt like my life was ending, as if someone had died, and I didn't know what I was going to do,” Guidry said. “It was really, really bad.”

It was at that point – and with some encouragement – that Guidry decided to buy one of the Frank’s locations.

“So AG encouraged me. I thought I’m either going to work hard for someone else, or work for myself. At that point, I bought the store on July 1, 2019. We did special sales and other promotional events, and AG was here the entire time.

“Then, I did my grand opening at the beginning of August, which AG supported me 100 percent. I had all the help I needed. We did a big event outside, with a band and food for customers. And AG was here all along.

“Right after the grand opening, we had a very busy holiday season. Something we do during the holidays is we make our own tarte a la bouilli tarts – we make it all from scratch. We roll it out just like old times, and AG sends people out here if I need help to roll it out and prepare.”

As of summer 2019, Frank’s had been a retail member for about 10 years. And Guidry had noticed “what makes AG different from everybody else.”

“I was with another warehouse when I was first with Frank’s, and the support you had with them was they would call you on the phone,” she added. “You never knew who you were talking to – you never met that person. You meet everybody you talk to on the phone with AG. “You’ll see these people out there, helping out, getting buggies if they need to. They’re a big part of it all…they take care of you.”

Politz, the SVP and CIO, has been with AG for 35 years.

“I can tell you – this is an exciting time to be here,” he said. “The momentum we have and the excitement we have amongst our retailers, and the folks wanting to join AG and be a part of AG, I think is unprecedented.”

Politz highlighted some of the internal improvements in which AG is investing to better serve its retailers. Those include software technology and replacing the demand forecasting/procurement system and the warehouse management system.

“We've been on the same systems in those areas for over 20 years. It's certainly time to do so, but that’s always exciting,” Politz said. “And it just shows the direction in which we’re going. You don’t spend that kind of money unless you’re planning to be around for a long time.”

Another part of AG’s glimpse into the future is looking at warehouse capacity, said William Holtman, VP of operations, who is currently evaluating whether the company needs more room.

“Obviously, we want to continue to offer our customers a wide variety,” Holtman said.

And lastly, internal growth is important for AG’s upward trajectory.

“What we've continued to see is our same-store internal growth for those customers – adding different locations, expanding those buildings – and we’ve enjoyed that. We’ve seen that over these past 10 years or so,” Holtman said.

Internal and organic growth is also something that Manard Lagasse Jr. has driven home in his year as president and CEO. “That's where you want it,” Lagasse said. “It means you have strong retailers, who are willing to expand those sorts of things. And not just with a new location, but expand what they're doing.”

Mary Jo Lovisa, a deli/bakery merchandiser, holds up one of AG’s most popular recipes – Chantilly cake – at Lamendola’s, an independent retailer of AG. On any given day, Lovisa can be found in various stores helping with the bakery, whether it be showing kids how to ice cupcakes or teaching employees how to master the cakes.

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2020 SOUTHEAST WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR

On 70th anniversary, company’s mission remains rooted in culture Official: We ‘take care of’ our independent grocers

by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer The year 2020 marks Associated Grocers’ 70th anniversary as a wholesaler in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And the secret to those decades of success lies in the relationships, said David Politz, who’s been an AG employee for half of that time – 35 years.

“In my opinion, it’s the difference between being the supplier and being a real business partner for our retailers,” said Politz, SVP David Politz and CIO. “It’s more than just buying groceries online; it’s more than just being able to place your order electronically – it’s those relationships that I think are so important in the grocery business.”

And for proof of that, Politz said one need look no further than the retailers who have grown along with the company.

“To me, that’s always been kind of a testament to our success – how well those stores and those families that stay with us, how much they grow their business, through that partnership,” he said.

“We take care of them…I challenge you to find anybody that has a mission as ingrained in our culture and service as our retailers is to us.

Everything we do is about that retailer.

And from a technology perspective, it’s all about making their jobs as easy as possible.”

As the technology guru for AG, Politz recognizes how crucial the department he leads can be in making the grocers’ lives easier by taking care of the behind-the-scenes needs.

Manard Lagasse Jr., president and CEO of AG, stands outside one of the wholesaler’s independent retailers, Matherne’s, which is across from LSU’s stadium.

“That’s a tough job out there,” he said. “It’s an awful lot of hours, it’s an awful lot of manual things they have to do. We’re always looking for ways that we can apply technology to make that easier – to cut down the length of that work day, to cut down perhaps the number of employees they need.

“They’re best when they’re on the floor, speaking with and working with their customers, not behind a desk or a computer or anywhere else, and certainly not shuffling papers around.”

Part of truly taking care of the retailers, no matter what the situation may be, depends on finding the right people to do that work. AG seems to have done that well.

“We love being in this business…Louisiana – South Louisiana, in particular – is a food culture. And we all grew up in that culture…we love being a part of that,” Politz said. “When you think about Louisiana, if someone invites you to watch the game, the first thing we’re asking them is what you’re cooking, right? Everything revolves around food.

“For a lot of us here, we’re part of that. We’re part of the Super Bowl party or the crawfish boil or the backyard barbecue. And that’s just a big deal to us. And I think it is for our retailers as well.”

Manard Lagasse Jr., president and CEO of AG, echoed those sentiments.

“Our employees care about what they do,” Lagasse said. “It’s at every level throughout the company. When your mission statement is really what you’re about – it’s easy. Our employees are dedicated to the success of the independent retailer, and they truly believe that.”

And for Lagasse, the growing success of AG can also be traced back to the relationships the wholesaler has formed with the retailers. The Please see page 28

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2020 SOUTHEAST WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR From page 26

200 retailers are not just stores and store numbers, but people.

That personal flair gives AG an edge on other wholesalers because part of being an independent grocer means an amount of independence and customization – something AG offers.

Carl Marks, another longtime AG employee and current chief administrative officer, does his part to keep this energy alive in the workplace.

“Oftentimes in meetings, I ask that we try to remind ourselves before the end…to share a mission moment – about a conversation we had with one of our retail owners, or about something special we were able to do for them,” he said. “We try to always remind ourselves about the value we deliver and the fulfillment we get organizationally in seeing Carl Marks their success in the marketplace.”

According to Terry Palmisano, VP of center-store sales, AG hasn’t always been so retailer-oriented. However, it was a needed change when he came aboard about 25 years ago.

“I believe when I was brought on, the organization played more of just a wholesale role, in the sense of moving boxes from point A to point B,” Palmisano said. “Then, Jay Campbell took over as president and CEO, and one of his main goals was to become more retailfocused, pushing product through the regisTerry Palmisano ter as opposed to in stores’ backgrounds.

“I was with another wholesaler at the time and had previous chain experience in New Orleans,” he added. “And I was one of the pieces he

Please see page 30

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2020 SOUTHEAST WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR From page 28

brought over to really become retail-focused.”

Palmisano said many of the decisions for AG today depend on how they will affect the retail operation, as well as how they go to market, a mission that differentiates the company from others.

“Being with another wholesaler prior to coming here,” he added, “I can tell you they were very good at what they did as far as moving boxes from point A to point B. But what they fail to do is think about how it impacted the stores.”

This mentality to go the extra mile to care about people is not only external but internal.

Roeshawn Peters, corporate public relations specialist for AG, said she looks forward to coming into work every day because she enjoys the environment. Part of that is an open-door policy from leadership.

“We have accessible leadership. Anytime anyone in our department – for example, sales and marketing – when I need any type of support, such as with special projects, I can call the director and the VP. And it’s not like making an appointment. They have time to talk.

“We just have great leadership. When you have an idea, share the idea with your team. You don’t have to be in a certain position to share an idea.”

Part of the energy that Peters raves about comes from the top down.

Lagasse moved into his new role as CEO and president on May 21, 2019. He started off with AG in 2007 as general counsel.

In his current role, Lagasse had a goal to put some energy and enthusiasm into what they do, recognizing he couldn’t serve in his position without everyone else’s involvement.

“It’s not about me, because I’m nothing without them. I’m really not,” he said. “I can’t go do what [they do].”

The mission statement greets visitors to Associated Grocers’ corporate office in Baton Rouge.

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2020 SOUTHEAST WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR

‘They make sure you don’t have to go anywhere else to get anything’ Retailers long on praise for their partnership with AG

by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer Associated Grocers-Baton Rouge serves approximately 200 stores. And during recent visits by The Shelby Report to several throughout Louisiana, these retailers time and again shared the same sentiments about their partnership with the company – reliable, dedicated and capable.

Hi Nabor, a family-run grocery store in the Baton Rouge area, opened its first store in 1963. And that’s when AG came on board.

“When we first joined AG, I asked my dad the reason that he chose AG over other suppliers, and

Jim Crifasi, president of Hi Nabor, is one of eight children. His dad opened the first store in 1963, and they’ve been with AG ever since.

he said it was the character of the employees – the people that work there,” said Jim Crifasi, president of Hi Nabor. “And that’s been the same way ever since AG’s inception. They’ve always had quality people there.”

And, they’re reliable, Crifasi added.

“They’re always there to help – in normal times, ordinary times, extraordinary times and then catastrophic times,” he said.

“We had a flood in 2016, and we’d never experienced a flood before. We’d been in that store for 53 years…we had four feet of water. You can only imagine. You walk in and see this and what do we do? We call AG. “They were instrumental in getting us dumpsters.

They actually sent a crew in, and they stayed with us the whole time, getting everything cleaned up. And we were actually cleaned up, sanitized, restocked in one month’s time.”

Tony Matherne is co-operator of Matherne’s with his father, Ernie. All he has known in grocery is AG. “I grew up in the grocery business – my dad started our business,” he said. “I can remember going to food shows for Associated Grocers at 6 years old, so it’s kind of like a big family to me.

“And these guys – across every department – if there’s ever anything we need, they’re more than willing to help.

“They would send somebody to help me in the deli and say, ‘This is what you need to know,’” she said. “And now, my produce manager, who was with me probably 18 years, retired, so they’ve been coming in and helping my new manager fall into place…they never leave you hanging.

Ernie, left, and Tony Matherne, father-son owners of Matherne’s, have been working with AG for years. Tony started going to food shows for Associated Grocers at age 6, adding that AG is like a big family to him.

“The grocery business is a relationship business…We’ve got great relationships with these guys and everybody we’ve really dealt with. It’s been a good deal.”

Daphne Lamendola bought her father’s business, Lamendola’s Supermarket in Gonzales, back in 2013.

“I always tell people – the day I walked in, my dad walked out,” she said. “He was tired of it. He was burned. He was done. There was just a lot of stuff I didn’t know.”

Luckily, AG was there to help every step of the way.

Part of what makes independent retailers unique is their product selection and the merchandising that comes with it. Daphne Lamendola is the owner of Lamendola’s, which features a large display of Cajun cooking tools.

“They are a one-stop shop, that’s what I say. They make sure you don’t have to go anywhere else to get anything.”

And even if there’s not someone from AG physically on site, the company’s support is there. AG runs Lamendola’s Facebook page and creates any ads the store uses.

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2020 SOUTHEAST WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR From page 32

“Facebook has been amazing,” she said. “I can’t tell you how much business I’ve gotten through social media. Just putting a display on the floor, taking a picture, knowing it’s a hot item, and then my display’s gone. Like 50 cases the next day, so that’s been great.”

Lathan Alexander, owner and president of Alexander’s Highland Market, reiterated the onestop shop mentality of AG, saying its employees “roll up their sleeves and do whatever it takes.”

Lathan Alexander, owner and president of Alexander’s Highland Market, is the fourth generation of his family to continue their Louisiana legacy in the grocery business.

“Even if it’s out of their comfort zone, something they’ve never seen before, they’re not scared to say, ‘Well, I don’t know. Let’s lock arms and figure it out,’” he explained.

“I haven’t found anything that I could ask them to do that they haven’t been willing to do yet.”

Brandon Rivers, owner and operator of Norco Fresh Market, offered a different comparison of his relationship with AG.

“My goal is to grow not only the store but to help AG grow as well,” he said. “It’s our company – that’s the way I look at it. AG is our company.”

Associated Grocers offers specialty items to its retailers, such as its Louisiana Lagniappe cheese varieties. This display was found in Hi Nabor.

Brandon Rivers owns Norco Fresh Market, whose bakery features Almond Wedding Cake, an item unique to AG’s retailers.

“When you’re in a partnership with someone and you’ve signed the dotted line, I think it’s almost like a marriage,” he said. “And the way I was brought up is when you’re in a marriage with someone, it’s forever.

And that’s what I can say for AG. They’re a company that stands by you.”

And similar to wedding vows, Rivers’ goal is to flourish alongside AG in partnership and success.

From left, Randy Ashford, store manager of Oak Point Fresh Market, Summer Orges of the market, Megan Campagna, deli/bakery merchandiser with AG, and Jonathan Sumich, co-owner of the market, admire a cake in the bakery. Campagna spent a recent day there giving a helping hand to employees.

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2020 SOUTHEAST WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR

From warehouse to stores, AG listens and treats folks with respect Supermarkets: ‘They have been with us throughout’ stressful 2020

by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer Associated Grocers-Baton Rouge has a 640,000-square-foot warehouse that sits next to its corporate office building. Including truck drivers, the warehouse employs a staff of 343. On any given day, there may be between 85 to 120 employees working at one time inside.

William Holtman, VP of operations, is in his 22nd year with the company and Wilbur Fabre Jr., senior director of distribution, is in his 23rd year. From the warehouse, they’ve witnessed the unique work environment of AG, a feeling that starts with caring about each one of their employees.

This care extends to incentives such as motivational programs in the workplace. One of these is the Good Hands Team, whose members have a low error rate and maintain productivity at a minimum of 95 percent.

Employees who qualify for the program get to see their name flash across an LED board, providing incentive for them and their peers.

Part of AG’s positive work environment in the warehouse is flashing encouraging messages across a large LED board.

VP of Operations William Holtman, right, and Senior Director of Distribution Wilbur Fabre Jr. have worked for 22 and 23 years, respectively, in Associated Grocers’ warehouse.

Another program is Loading Up Excellence, which recognizes loaders who have no service issues, such as damaged pallets, and perform at a productive rate with 95 percent attendance.

Fabre Jr. said they’ve seen increased productivity as a result of the programs, further proof that they’re “treating people like you want to be treated” – with respect, dignity, and listening.

“Just take the time to listen and hear some of their problems out and try to mentor and coach them along the way,” he said. “I think once everybody gets that message, and we’re Being a quality wholesaler has on the same path, you see some of taken on a new meaning amidst the results and the success that we the COVID-19 pandemic. AG was have had.” on top of developing behind-theHoltman added, “We’re as scenes technology that gave productive as we’ve ever been. And retailers their normal order of it’s amazing how that focus on the product for that day/week. That employee can really alter outcomes. certainly helped, but it’s been hard not to notice the holes on When we honed in on our employshelves due to panic buying ees and their wants, they were very across the nation. small. Some of it was break rooms and some of it was scheduling, but what we saw was this increase in productivity.”

Prior to Holtman stepping into the role of VP of operations, Carl Marks served in that capacity. Marks started with AG in 1988 before leaving in 2005 to work in the nonprofit realm. Since returning in 2015, he has seen what makes AG special from all sides. “[Operations] gave me a lot of opportunity to try to turn the culture of our management of people, resources and assets to be more of a servant leader model of leadership,” said Marks, who currently serves as the company’s chief administrative officer. “And we had a lot of good success as a result.

“We regained, re-earned the support and trust of our workforce, Please see page 38

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2020 SOUTHEAST WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR From page 36

we turned our operational metrics around and really turned that ship around and positioned ourselves for future growth as that came our way.”

And part of what drew Marks back was AG’s undeniable commitment to serving others – or, as he put it, “good things that you don’t always find in a workplace” in this age.

“There are some very special things we do for our retailers that consultants have come in and looked at it and said, ‘Are you sure you really should be doing that in terms of the cost or inefficiencies involved in it?’

“Our response always is ‘yes.’ While we strive to be as efficient as possible, we also seriously consider what the needs of our retailers are.

And while some things may not be as efficient as they could be, they’re things that our retailers really rely upon us to do.”

In terms of recent response, AG’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic have stood out amongst wholesalers in the grocery industry.

While it was quite a feat, Holtman said AG was able to serve all of its

customers even on days when demand was greater than 200 percent from the previous year.

“The only reason we were able to do that and meet – that next day delivery – was because of our teams that we have in place…it’s the people, and it’s what we’ve done to put focus on our employees because we can’t have that service level without great teams in here,” he said.

Holtman recalled how some retailers were experiencing issues keeping their shelves stocked during the early days of the pandemic.

That’s when AG stepped in, sending retail counselors and various personnel to the stores to help.

“And while that may occur for other wholesalers,” he added, “I just don’t think it does to that magnitude. And those are the type of things

Associated Grocer’s warehouse is 640,000 square feet, and the wholesaler is thinking about expanding, too. The company currently services about 200 independent retailers. With growth, however, there may be a need for more space.

THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE SOUTHEAST • SEPTEMBER 2020

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Actively engaging with the community – AG has a ‘heart for that’ Support of local nonprofits stays steady during pandemic

by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer Since its inception, Associated Grocers-Baton Rouge has been involved in the community, whether that’s through partnerships with various cancer organizations or holding an employee Valentine’s Day bake sale fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

Roeshawn Peters, corporate public relations specialist for AG, seized on the wholesaler’s commitment to giving back.

“We have a great partnership with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank,” she said. “They come here for pickups and donations. Another way that we support them is through our two food shows a year. At both of those food shows, we have a lot of food that we donate to families in need within the Baton Rouge area – the 11

Associated Grocers has partnered with United Way to help the community with basic needs during the pandemic. Capital Area United Way, Women United teamed up with the organization, The Life of A Single Mom, to help feed single mothers and their children.

Registered attendees received fresh produce, clothing and gift certificates to Associated Food Stores. The distribution day was held off Highland Road in Baton Rouge and was also attended by the Mayor. The Life of A Single Mom, is a fully accredited nonprofit, which serves as a hub, providing support groups and resources in finances, parenting and health and wellness. Shown here are Rishi Banda, the United Way’s donor relationship manager, and Associated Grocers’ Roeshawn Peters, corporate public relations specialist, and Melissa Oubre, director of legal and labor affairs.

parishes that the food bank services.”

And AG’s commitment has remained steady throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly since the virus has negatively affected accessibility to food.

“We’ve been working with [United Way] heavily during this pandemic…we helped provide gift certificates to AG food stores so that they can go and get items that they need,” Peters said.

Another part of the wholesaler’s efforts amidst COVID-19 has been assisting local Thomas Miller and Thomas Neal, AG meat merchandisers, and schools, donating supplies so organizations can Bryant Hedrick, special sales manager, often park the wholesaler’s distribute lunches to students who can’t get meat sale truck near stores for customers to see. needed meals at school. Carl Marks, chief administra- work with on a regular basis from Associated Grocers, tive officer, said the pandemic has really highlighted the and they really know that we have their best interest,” importance of AG’s philanthropy in Louisiana. he said. “They’re visible to the retailers, so it’s not this “We saw how very valuable that is to those in our newness every time. They go in, they know what to communities who need help,” he said. “We really care do and the retailer knows what to expect from those about our customers, we care about our employees, we employees.”

Peters pointed to how, as a wholesaler, giving back care about our communities.

“Success in one’s career is best found in your capac- to local efforts supports AG’s relationship with retailers. ity, ability and willingness to be of service to others. And “They know that we are good stewards of their that was something that I learned how to do here at money and that we are supporting causes that are important to the health and benefit of the community,” Associated Grocers. We all live it and breathe it.”

Living it and breathing it requires being hands-on, she said. “We show that we’re out there actively engagday in and day out, which company CEO and President ing with our community – we have a heart for that.

“We’re not just a distributor. We’re far beyond that, Manard Lagasse Jr. points to as the bread and butter for and we try to show that in the community.”

AG. AG also participates in the Corporate Cup, an event “The retailers see some of the people who they where corporate employees go out and run, raising money for different parishes around the state. Peters added that Lagasse, the company’s CEO and president, participates with enthusiasm, showing some of his competitive side.

But that’s not to say that AG’s retailers aren’t also working toward their own efforts.

“They have causes that are near and dear to their heart,” Peters said. “Hi Nabor works Associated Grocers is a sponsor of the Physicians United “Unsung closely with MS Society, and they do events year-round with them because it affects their Heroes” Project, an initiative of United Way. On June 6, hospital workers received tokens of appreciation, which included gift cards family. Everyone has their passion, and through supportive events, we’re able to provide meanto AG retail member stores. The initiative is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ingful support to our communities.”

we do every week.”

Part of making that happen goes back to taking care of employees, something that AG has taken an extra step to do amidst COVID-19.

“With our own employees, we helped out by preparing goodie bags of essential things that they could take home with them, like masks and hand sanitizers and some food products, etc. so that their own families could have the things they needed,” Marks said.

“We also paid incentives, financial incentives, to a lot of our employees during the COVID time period because our industry was one that never ever, ever, ever stopped. We didn’t slow down at all during COVID. If anything, it’s been extraordinarily busy – busier than ever.”

David Politz, SVP and CIO for AG, offered an example of part of AG’s pandemic response from a warehouse technology perspective.

“I think oftentimes that the best technology is unseen. It’s stuff behind the scenes, that you see the result of it, but you don’t even know it’s there,” Politz said.

“We never put any kind of quotas on our stores as far as you can only get 1,000 cases or anything like that. Even though the supply chain is incredibly strained, what we did is, we created what we call an allocation bank. And we put this thing together in a matter of about eight days.

“We got a load of, say, toilet paper, and we allocated it to all of our customers based on their historical purchases in the toilet paper category. As soon as that came in, I’ve got 30 cases of it set aside for

you because that’s how much traditionally the percentage of what we just received, you’ve bought. It’s sitting here waiting for you.”

And with all of the moving parts of serving as a wholesaler in a pandemic, Politz said, “We had to react and react quickly. I think our biggest strength on the technology front is that we’re incredibly nimble.

We can turn on a dime, we can adjust to changing marketplace conditions, we can adjust to changing technologies.”

Signs throughout AG’s warehouse remind workers of safe practices on the job. At any point, there can be between 85 to 120 employees inside the facility.

This cake sits on display in Frank’s Supermarket, one of AG’s retailers.

Roeshawn Peters, corporate public relations specialist for AG, said that its support team is showing independent retailers how to make a great cake display to compete with local bakeries.

The Holiday Red Bag Program is affiliated with the Baton Rouge Food Bank and Second Harvest of New Orleans and Acadiana. It enables Associated Food Store members across all regions to participate. The program, which is recognized and established within the community, is a combined effort on the part of AFS and its partners to make sure families within local communities in 11 parishes have allocated food to support their families, particularly during the holiday season.

For Jonathan Sumich, co-operator of Oak Point Fresh Market in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, this response spoke volumes.

“Especially during this crazy time that we live in – things have changed so rapidly that you’re scrambling to find those items or to take care of certain things – they’ve been with us throughout this,” he said.

“We’ve been very appreciative because we know that some of those items are very scarce and hard to get. And they’ve really done a good job of getting those to us, sourcing everything.”

Outside of coronavirus response, AG has differentiated itself from other wholesalers through its consistent focus on people.

“We accommodate our special instructions…that other people don’t do. Such as requests to load tomatoes before the watermelon, or what have you,” Holtman said.

And similar to Marks, Holtman highlighted AG’s emphasis on customer service.

“We can be more efficient like other people, in terms of our tractors,” Holtman said. “If we forced our customers to take deliveries on very specific days and times, I probably would need half my fleet. But we don’t do that.

“We’re truly here for the support and success of an independent retailer.”

And as Fabre Jr. put it: AG strives to be a “one-stop shop” – a service provider that can provide everything for a retailer. They don’t have to go anywhere else.