ARLINGTON, VA – The National Grocers Association and their President and CEO, Thomas Zaucha presented Russ Hockin, Senior Vice President, Cross Channel Operations & Business Development of the Kellogg Company, with the N.G.A. Industry Service Award on September, 26, 2009 at the N.G.A. Board of Director’s Dinner at the Executive Management Conference in Dallas, Texas. Former Chairmen of N.G.A.’s Board of Directors, Steven Smith, President and CEO of K-VA-T Foods Stores, Inc. and Joseph H. Campbell Jr., President and CEO of Associated Grocers Inc. kicked off the award ceremony with moving and personal testimonials about Russ and his dedication to the industry and as a friend.
Tom Zaucha stated during the ceremony “Russ Hockin was awarded the N.G.A. Industry Service Award in recognition of his accomplishments and innovations in the industry, which served to enhance the working relations and understanding between retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers. During his 36 years with the Kellogg Company, and in the food industry, he has exhibited outstanding leadership in representing the Kellogg Company and serving his customers. A selfless leader who was always willing to give back to the industry, he served with distinction as President of the industries’ “Asparagus Club” and as well a board member for the California Grocers Association, the Western Michigan’s Food Marketing Board and St. Joseph Food Marketing Board and was a prominent member of GMA’s Industry’s Development Team.”
The N.G.A. Industry Service Award is awarded to an individual or company whose years of service in the food industry have contributed to better working relations and understanding between retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers. Past recipients include Gary Phillips, Associated Wholesale Grocers; Nick D’Agostino, Jr., D’Agostino Supermarkets, Inc., Thomas S. Haggai, IGA, and Phil Pellegrino, Kraft Foods Inc.
Source: National Grocers Association