Jan 23, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC — January 23, 2006 — Hy-Vee, Inc., Chairman Ronald D. Pearson received the Sidney R. Rabb Award last night, honoring a lifetime of exceptional service to the community, consumers and the industry. Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Board Chair Jeffery Noddle presented the award at FMI’s 2006 Midwinter Executive Conference in Scottsdale, AZ.
     

“Few people have given as much to our industry and the communities we serve in so many ways: food safety, technology, diversity, disaster relief, economic growth, education, children’s health and more,” Noddle said, presenting the award.
     

“Over the past 15 years, he has led numerous industry-wide initiatives as one of FMI’s most active leaders.


“Ron co-chaired FMI’s Managing Diversity Task Force in the mid-1990s to bring more women and people of color into the industry’s leadership ranks.


“He chaired the FMI Member Services Committee that launched MARKETECHNICS® — the show designed to help the industry integrate technology, merchandising and logistics into strategies for growth.


“Ron chaired all of FMI from 2001 to 2003 — a period marked by major government victories and new food safety initiatives. The Bush tax cuts were enacted. Congress killed the extremely costly and ill-conceived ergonomics regulations. And, FMI launched the first food safety training and certification program designed specifically for food retailers.”


The honoree’s record of community service “is nothing short of extraordinary,” Noddle
said, and includes generous support for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Hy-Vee has raised $6 million for this charity over the past eight years, making the company the world’s fifth largest contributor.
     

Another major benefactor of Pearson’s community giving is Variety — The Children’s Charity. Last year alone, Hy-Vee contributed more than $700,000 to this global charity devoted to helping children in need. In fact, Pearson and his wife, Ruth, received the Catherine Variety Sheridan Award, the charity’s most prestigious honor.
     

Pearson’s commitment to education is best exemplified by the company’s gift last year of $750,000 to schools throughout the Midwest. This donation was one of the many ways Hy-Vee celebrated its 75th anniversary.
     

“In Ron Pearson, the industry is fortunate to have a leader who truly loves the business, his associates and his customers. He is a visionary who knows how to turn dreams into action, benefiting the industry and society in countless ways.”
     

FMI established the Sidney R. Rabb award in 1977 to honor supermarket industry leaders for outstanding service to the community, consumers and the industry. Its namesake is credited with pioneering the role of the supermarket as consumer- and community-driven, leading The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company in the 20th century.
     

Pearson is the 34th person to receive the Rabb award.