CHICAGO, IL — May 6, 2003 — In recognition of excellence in customer or community services, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), presented the 2003 Store Manager Superior Service Awards to four exemplary store managers. The winners were honored at the Annual FMI Reception and Dinner held here during the 2003 FMI Show.

Award recipients are Angel Andújar, Pueblo International, LLC, San Juan, PR; Kevin Fry, Roche Bros., Norton, MA; Yehuda Kabessa, Universe Club-Supersol, Tel Hanan, Israel; and Ed Moore, K-VA-T Food Stores, Kingsport, TN.

Store managers were asked to send in innovative stories of how they have excelled in the areas of customer or community service. The contest was open to in-store managers employed by food retail, mass merchandise and convenience store operators anywhere in the world. Entrants must have been employed at the same store for at least one year. An eight-member panel of judges — including two from Hallmark Greetings, the competition sponsor — then evaluated the entries on originality, creativity and significance of the customer service effort.

The winners received a plaque and a check for $1,000.

All 20 finalists receiveed hotel accommodations and complimentary registration for the 2003 FMI Show.

The other award finalists were also recognized during the ceremony:Benton “King” Vaughan, Alberston’s, Ft. Walton Beach, FL; Brent Roe, Safeway, Elizabeth, CO; Jeffery Iwamuro, Potash Bros. Supermart, Chicago, IL; Mitch Streit, Hy-Vee, Belton, MO; Cliff Allison, Carrs/Safeway, Fairbanks, AK; Mark Meadows, Harmons Brickyard, Salt Lake City, UT; Jim Ross, Safeway, La Plata, MD; Rob Ravel, County Market, Monmouth, IL; Jerry Paddack, Tom Thumb, Trophy Club, TX; Thomas McLawhorn, Farm Fresh Supermarkets, Virginia Beach, VA; Dean Sculthorpe, Ukrop’s Supermarkets, Williamsburg, VA; Craig Mytton, Vons Supermarkets, Las Vegas, NV; Bob Montgomery, Genuardi Family Markets, Voorhees, NJ; Sheila Carr, Safeway, Fort Collins, CO; Paul Herman, Giant Eagle, Avon Lake, OH; and Lee Harris, BI-LO, Chatsworth, GA.