Following on from last year’s successful participation by Clive Gould of SPAR South Africa at the international Food Marketing Institute (FMI) awards, we are once again calling on all SPAR Partners to nominate their retail stars to be recognised on this international stage.

FMI is an American based trade association that serves as the voice of food retail around the world. For retailers, wholesalers and suppliers of all types and sizes, FMI leads the way in providing comprehensive programmes, resources, guidance, advocacy and services for the food, pharmacy and grocery retail industry.

Awards are given to outstanding managers who creatively generate sales growth, effectively communicate objectives, demonstrate team leadership and provide exceptional service to customers and the community.

The deadline to enter is 16 February. While this deadline is tight, we believe it is worthwhile reaching out. No doubt many SPAR Partners will have Store Managers in mind who stand out and/or might have already been awarded on a national level. All finalists will receive two complimentary registrations to the FMI Future Leaders Experience in Louisville on 15-17 May 2018, including three nights of accommodation. The category winners will also receive $1,000 each.

Only Store Manager entries will be considered and they need to have worked at the same store for at least one year. The Store Manager Award Programme is open to FMI members only – partners can submit their entries under the umbrella of SPAR International’s membership.

Entrants will be scored on how they:

• Generate sales growth and positively impact the overall business of the store. Statistics on growth/sales should be included.
• Effectively communicate company and store goals and objectives from a sales and customer service perspective with store employees.
• Lead, mentor and motivate associates in the store/company. Specific examples of how they develop their employees, special awards they’ve received or unique/challenging attributes of the store should be listed here.
• Execute innovative instore programmes to improve overall customer service/satisfaction.
• Develop special events, encourage staff to do volunteer work, and/or participate in community organisations and activities that have improved overall community relations.

All nominations must be submitted electronically via https://www.fmi.org/store-manager-awardsh. An account profile must be created to begin the submission process (this can be done via SPAR International). All entries will be reviewed and judged by an outside panel of human resources professionals within FMI’s membership and by FMI staff. Entries will be scored by the panel, resulting in the selection of twelve finalists and four grand-prize winners.

Photos such as instore events, displays, and team building activities, should be included. If you are interested and have a retailer you would like to have SPAR International submit to this prestigious award on your behalf, please contact Jutta Klassen by 16 February.