Meijer unveiled the winners of the 2023 Legacy Awards, the highest recognition a member of the retail chain can receive for being an upholder of Meijer’s values and helping to drive the company’s future success.
The company honored six employees in two categories: the Fred Meijer Award, named for the retailer’s co-founder, is given to one team member annually who demonstrates the values of humility, generosity, and passion for serving others, and the President’s Award, which recognizes team members who have a significant impact on the company’s success.
Meijer is a privately-owned and family-operated retailer since 1934 based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that operates 241 supercenters throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
“Meijer was built on a solid foundation of values – focusing on our customers and treating our team as a family,” Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said.
“Despite how much we have grown or how fast the industry changes, these values guide us along a path of positive growth. The Legacy Awards shine a spotlight on the leadership, innovation, and service of our team members who work hard every day to help shape the Meijer legacy,” Meijer added.
Lansing, Mich., Complex Director Fred Walker is the 2023 Fred Meijer Award recipient
Walker is a person of impeccable integrity who has built strong relationships with community leaders and represents Meijer in several organizations, including the United Way, Peckham Institute in the Lansing Community, and the Lansing Community Center.
He also serves on several committees at Meijer, including for Great Place to Work – contributing to the company’s fifth straight year of certification.
“I am ecstatic, surprised, and happy that the company noticed my contribution over the years with the Fred Meijer Award. I don’t do what I did to win an award. When you do what you do as a person who cares about people, everything else will fall into place,” Walker said after receiving the award.
Walker genuinely lives and demonstrates Meijer values, has a passion for developing talent, is personally engaged in the company’s success, and is an excellent role model for enriching lives in the communities he serves.
The retailer named five winners of the 2023 President’s Award:
Brandon Ford, Store Director in Avon, Ohio. “My goal every day is to make a difference in either a customer’s or a team member’s day; that helps me feel I’ve given back to my community and my team. I am both humbled and thankful that the work teams have put into the community has made a difference. Being a part of the Wisconsin and Cleveland markets has been the high point in my career.”
Cris Jones, Senior Real Estate Manager in Grand Rapids, Mich. “Receiving this award is humbling, exciting, and rewarding. It’s a testament to having great teammates as we consistently find ways to deliver results. My role is so forward-facing that reflecting on accomplishments rarely happens, but drawing from and imparting experiences is priceless.”
Amy Messing, Specialist of Senior Organization Development in Grand Rapids, Mich. “I am absolutely humbled and honored to receive this award. In my Meijer career, I have had the privilege to build trusting relationships, ask for different perspectives, and coach and develop leaders to reflect on strengths and opportunities, show up as their authentic selves, and cultivate an environment for others to show up at their best. You can learn a lot by being a good listener.”
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Sahar Nabbud, Cashier in Shelby Twp., Mich. “I am super excited to receive the President’s Award and feel very appreciated. To get an award like this truly makes me think that there are people who see the good and potential I have. I want to thank the whole Meijer team for what they have done for me!”
Chris Thurner, Indirect Procurement Support Manager in Grand Rapids, Mich. “It is really overwhelming to receive this award. One of my team members once thanked me for caring so much. I hope caring – about all things Meijer – is a piece of what this award represents.”
“Few things embody our culture more than our annual Legacy Awards,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. “These awards are especially meaningful because they’re decided based on nominations from the winners’ peers and coworkers. I’m honored to recognize their accomplishments in living our company’s values and making a positive impact on the people around them.”