Managing a store in her hometown of McKenzie, Tenn., Emily understands the importance of roots. As she tends to this E.W James & Son Supermarkets site, she also recognizes the need to nourish, grow and branch out when needed.

For example, building on her strong local ties, she remains involved in local activities and events and encourages associates to do so, too. This keeps the store visible and top of mind among residents. She and her team regularly take part in Trunk or Treat Halloween programs in the community, host photos with Santa during the busy holiday season and frequently donate to local schools and nonprofit groups.

Emily has expanded community relations by delving into the online community, too, engaging in a proactive way on social media. In fact, a series of fun social media posts about the store’s deli offerings helped fuel a 9% increase in deli sales.

The deli provides a lot of fodder for social media because of this manager’s focus on that area. The department includes a full-scale steam table and drink fountain, which has made it a community destination for breakfast and lunch. People can take items to go, or sit and enjoy them in an onsite café.

Social media has also been a successful tool in encouraging shoppers to stay in town and support their local supermarket. McKenzie does not have any big box competitors, and although that can be seen as largely a good thing, Emily and her team work diligently to ensure that residents don’t drive to other towns to patronize other types of larger-format stores.

In addition to regularly promoting her store through events and social media, Emily keeps spirits strong among longtime associates and newer team members through regular meetings with the store’s crew, ensuring that everyone understands key targets and expectations. She is credited with leading by example and taking a hands-on approach that is inspiring as it is informative. “Emily fosters a positive and collaborative work environment where everyone feels valued and understand how important their role is,” her nominators wrote.

Her work has caught the attention of others. She was featured in an E.W. James & Sons employee spotlight that outlined her successes and she won an Idaho Potato Lover’s display contest.

Under Emily’s guidance, her hometown store is performing well. Gross margins have improved year over year, proving that finding new ways to do things and keeping what works can pay off, in both strong roots and new shoots of growth.