Members Show Outstanding Support of
June 17, 2010 Golf Outing

In its 23rd year, the annual Michigan Grocers Golf Outing boasted more sponsors than ever before and a field of nearly 140 golfers. Proceeds from the event, dedicated in support of the association’s government relations programs, far exceeded the initial $30,000 goal.

“We are grateful for such a strong showing,” said MGA President Linda M. Gobler. “There’s no better endorsement of MGA than our members giving us an entire day, and supporting the association with their donations and sponsorships. Plus, it’s a great networking opportunity for retailers and suppliers alike.”

The best weather day of the entire week proved to be the green light for a quick pace of play, some excellent shot-making and low scores. First Place honors required a score of 16-under par 56 by a team representing outing sponsor Sara Lee Bakery Group (see below). A team hosted by Double Eagle Sponsor Affiliated Foods Midwest (see photo at left) finished second by shooting 58 in the 4-ball scramble event.

The outing’s other Double Eagle Sponsor was SUPERVALU-Northern Region (photo below left) and Eagle Sponsors included Crossmark Sales Agency, Nash Finch Company, Pepsi Beverages Company and Spartan Stores. All outing sponsors are listed on page 12.

MGA’s Mike Hamelin had praise for The Emerald Golf Course, site of this year’s and two previous outings: “Between our spring and fall outings, MGA plays some of the state’s finest public golf courses,” he said, “but none offer the level of personal service that Jay Eccleton and his staff do at The Emerald. It’s an outstanding outing location.”

1st Place Team: Shane Riley, Gary Birkoff, Pat Tichuon and Matt Ayotte of Sara Lee Bakery Group.

2nd Place Team: Dave Hansen of Hansen Foods, Rick Langston of Hutch’s Food Center, Wayne Hall and Mike Wallace (not pictured) of Affiliated Foods Midwest.

(Front l to L) Dwayne Hazzard, Steve Caramagno and Jim Helmka with SUPERVALU; Rick Zahmwith L&L Food Centers. (Back l to r) John Stewart of The Warehouse House; MikeYoung, Stan Levandowski, and Mark White of L&L Food Centers.

Jack LaMothe with RepWorx, Inc., Tony Franchi, Thom Lipari and Bob Palmateer of Lipari Foods.

Spartan Stores’ Jim Gohsman, Thom Welch of Hollywood Super Markets, Steve Antaya of Tom’s Food Center and Zac Bernard, Roger’s Foodland.

Checking out the Silent Auction is the team from H.T. Hackney: Bill Hillman, Craig Diepenhorst and Dave Hodson. Hackney designed, packed and sponsored the great golfer “goody bags.”