Each year, United Fresh Produce Association recognizes the top 25 produce managers within the industry during their annual convention.  Jimbo Howard, produce manager for Food City’s Cassidy Blvd. location in Pikeville, KY has been named as one of the 25 finalists contending for the coveted 2016 Retail Produce Manager of the Year Award.
Five grand-prize winners will be selected from among the field of competitors at the June industry convention in Chicago, IL.  Howard hopes to be among the grand-prize winners.   

“These men and women represent the “best of the best” in our industry,” says Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president & chief executive officer.  “Through their creative efforts and interaction with customers, they’re making produce a centerpiece of the retail shopping experience and wowing consumers everyday.”

The candidates are selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by supermarket chains, commissaries and independent retail stores throughout the industry.  The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the areas of produce merchandising/marketing, community service and commitment to total customer satisfaction.

“Jimbo is an exceptional merchandiser, who is constantly identifying new and creative ways to display the items within his produce department,” says Mike Tipton, director of produce operations for Food City.  “He’s a true asset to our company and the community at large.”

Howard is dedicated to exceeding the expectations of his customers, by making sure they are  knowledgeable about the items available within the department and satisfied with their purchases.  He is a strong supporter of the company’s locally grown produce initiative, devoting an entire aisle within his department to display locally grown fruits and vegetables. 

He is also committed to educating his customers and the public about the many health benefits of produce consumption.  A strong supporter of the company’s sampling program, Howard even delivers fresh fruits and vegetable samples to area schools, health departments, WIC offices, local outreach programs and numerous community events throughout the year.  He works closely with local school systems on their fresh produce purchases, offering recommendations on new and appealing items that might be of interest to the children and conducts store tours to introduce students to different fruits and vegetables.

Howard is also a strong believer in giving back to his community.  He participates in numerous community related events and activities, including Relay for Life, Christmas for Kids, Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools program and many other community events and activities.

Food City associates were also named award winners in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 – seven of those years, the company boasted a grand-prize winner. 

Pictured Above (left to right):  Mike Tipton - Food City Director of Produce Operations, Jimbo Howard – Food City Produce Manager & Steve Smith, Food City President/CEO

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 135 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia.