SCOTTSDALE, AZ — January 15, 2002 —Food Marketing Institute (FMI) announced Christy Spoa, president, Ellwood City Save-A-Lot, as the recipient of the 2002 Glen P. Woodard, Jr. Award. The Woodard Award honors an FMI member who has made outstanding contributions in shaping public policy, legislation and regulation at the national and local levels. The award was presented during the 2002 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference being held here.

In presenting the award, FMI Chairman Ron Pearson stated, “No one has served our industry more in the public affairs arena than Christy Spoa. His commitment and excellence in issues regarding the environment, health care, education, communications and community are second to none.”

Spoa has been instrumental in helping FMI advocate for repeal of the death tax. He has also assisted in food stamp, WIC and EBT issues. He has held numerous leadership positions at FMI including chair of both the Independent Operator and Communications Committees. He has also chaired the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

In his home state, Spoa was the key figure in rebuilding a thoroughfare essential to local businesses. He lobbied the state government and gained a grant, completing the job in only six months. He has also been influential in promoting college scholarships for two decades through the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). He serves on the state’s DECA board and hires DECA students. He has also helped FMI endow a national DECA scholarship program.

“Christy has been an outstanding leader to his community and to our industry.”