FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 17, 2022
[Burlington, ON] On June 14th, 2022 the annual CIGBA/DCI Star Awards were held at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel. With attendance from members, retailers, partners, distributors, media, and VIP, this year brought together our industry, and celebrated our colleagues who are creating change in our industry. This year the CIGBA/DCI Star Awards Gala were presented by Howell Data Systems Inc.
“I am proud to work with a wonderful group of professionals who are passionate, dedicated and committed to supporting their communities,” says Barry Lanteigne, DCI/CIGBA President and Director of Operations, “I would like to congratulate the well-deserved winners of the 2022 CIGBA/DCI Star Awards and all of the nominees! Thank you to everyone for making our first in person Summit and Gala Awards after two years be a complete success, and our strongest yet!”
Winning the Partner of the Year category was Maple Leaf Foods, with members noting that they were a reliable partner, with effective yearly promotions and contests to help drive traffic and business into their stores. Over in Quebec, Pasquier took home the category of Retailer of the Year, with a highlight of their incredible new 100,000 square foot store, and being a prime example of “Independent Strong”. Continuing with member success, Sharpe’s Food Market took the award in Innovation with their digitalization of their stores, including team management and digital shelf pricing, while Vince’s Market took the award for Social Responsibility with their “Vince’s Cares” program investing $45,000 annually into various charities and organizations, hospitals, and house league sports teams. This year, the Leader of the Year award was given to David La Mantia of La Mantia’s Country Market Fresh who took the category win for their effective advocacy and representation of independent grocers on various committees and his dedication and hands on approach to bringing quality products into his community. Finally, the most prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to Merlen Kropf (posthumously) for his decades of service in the independent grocery industry and for being a staple in his community with his L&M Food Stores. Accepting the award on his behalf was his daughter, Debra Kropf, and his grandchildren Noah Ramage and Alexis Kropf of The Geddes Street Market (formerly L&M Food Store). Congratulations to all those who are impacting our industry.
The CIGBA/DCI Star Awards Gala is part of the annual CIGBA/DCI Business Summit where independents learn, engage, network and celebrate the industry nationwide. For more information, please go to: www.cigba.ca.
