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2009-2010

MGA Awards Scholarship to MSU Food Management Senior
MGA Announced Four Felice Scholarship Winners for 2010
MGA President Linda Gobler marks 25 years with Association
Michigan Grocers Foundation Awards 2009-2010 Scholarships
DJ Oleson Elected Chairman of the Board

MGA Awards Scholarship to MSU Food Management Senior

[July, 2010] The faculty of Michigan State University’s Food Industry Management Program (FIM) has selected Leanne Aline Zimba to receive a $1,000 MGA-Paul M. Felice Memorial food industry management scholarship for the 2010-11 academic year.

Zimba is an intern this summer with Coca-Cola Bottling of Lansing and she works part-time at the East Lansing Meijer. Both Coca-Cola Bottling and Meijer are MGA Members.

A senior anticipating Spring Semester 2011 graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in FIM, she also has three years of work experience at Ben’s Supercenter in Brown City. Prior to that, Leanne worked as a farm hand on family farms in the Marlette area transplanting and harvesting fresh produce, and carrying out routine veterinary work.

FIM at Michigan State prepares students for career opportunities in food marketing, sales, distribution, plant management, retailing, wholesaling, purchasing and human resource management. The program has an impressive track record of graduate placement and has produced many leading and successful food industry executives.

Michigan Grocers Foundation trustees authorized the scholarship at their annual meeting in November 2009. The Foundation accepts tax deductible contributions in support of MGA’s Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship Program.

MGA Announces Four Scholarship Winners for 2010

June 15, 2010

Michigan Grocers Association announces the 2010 Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship winners. Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship toward any accredited, nonprofit private or public U.S. University.

The four 2010 winners are:

	Stacy Boguszewski, Aquainas College;
	Katelyn Kaminski, Trine University;
	Christopher Lillie, University of Notre Dame; and,
	Lindsey Sollund, Saginaw Valley State University.

Scholarship winners are chosen each spring by an independent and impartial selection committee comprised of professional educators. In evaluating the applicants, the committee considers academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities and recommendations.

Stacy Boguszewski will be a freshman at Stanford Aquainas College this fall. She will major in chemistry/biology with plans to eventually become an optometrist.

A 2010 graduate of Byron Center High School with a 4.05 GPA, she was a member of the National Honors Society and made the High Honor Roll for four years. She received the "Top Dawg Award" for math and a National Scholar Award.

Boguszewski played the violin in the orchestra for eight years. In addition to working part-time at Woody's Pressbox restaurant, she also volunteered at the Metro Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Kent County Animal Shelter, Brookcrest Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, and Cutlerville Eyecare.

She is eligible for the scholarship because her mother, Debra Connor, works for MGA Member Spartan Stores.

Katelyn Kaminski will be a sophomore at Trine University in Angola, Indiana, this fall.

She majors in forensic science and chemistry, has a 3.70 GPA and participates in the freshman honor society of Phi Eta Sigma and the Christian sports organization - Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
A 2009 graduate of Catholic Central High School, she graduated Cum Laude and was president of the National Honors Society. Receiving the Gold Award in the President's Civil Service Challenge, she was also the captain of the varsity basketball team and the varsity track team, in addition to being All-Conference Champion for short put and discus.
She is eligible for the scholarship because her father, Stanley, works for Spartan Stores.

Christopher Lillie will be a freshman at University of Notre Dame this fall as a part of the Engineering Scholars program and the Army ROTC program. He will major in mechanical engineering; and upon graduation, he will be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army.

A 2010 graduate of Rochester Adams High School with a 4.0 GPA, Lillie was Valedictorian and captain of the wrestling team, finishing with over 100 varsity wins in his high school career. His high school honors include Michigan Math Prize Top 200, National Merit Commended Scholar, Physics Student of the Year and Calc BC Student of the Year.

Lillie is eligible for the scholarship because his father, Todd, works for MGA Associate Member Pepsi Bottling Group. Lillie’s sister, Elizabeth, is a previous two-time Felice Scholarship winner.

Lindsey Sollund will be a freshman at Saginaw Valley State University this fall where she will major in clinical laboratory science. Upon graduation, she hopes to work as a medical technologist.

A 2010 graduate of Clio High School with a 4.0 GPA, Sollund was a member of the National Honor Society, varsity cheerleading squad and varsity track team. She is eligible for the scholarship because her father, Bill, works for MGA Member VG’s.

The Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship Program was established by MGA’s Board of Directors to honor former board chairman “Paulie” Felice. He and his family owned and operated the Felice and Valuland Food Centers in Waterford, Macomb and Sterling Heights.

The one-year scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores or juniors who are the children of employees of MGA member retailers or suppliers or who are part-time student employees of MGA member companies for at least six months of the year in which the scholarships are awarded.

MGA President Linda Gobler Marks 25 years with Association.

[May 18, 2010] LANSING, MI
Michigan Grocers Association (MGA) has reached a significant milestone: President & CEO Linda M. Gobler celebrates 25 years with the Association this month.

Often cited as one of Lansing’s most effective business advocates, Gobler joined what is now the Michigan Grocers Association on May 6, 1985, as Director of Governmental Relations. Prior to that, she worked as a legislative analyst for the Michigan House of Representatives and as an administrator for the Urban League. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Michigan State University.

Hired to serve as the key liaison between the Association and the legislature/state agencies, her responsibilities included helping MGA members find answers to questions and resolve problems. She soon became Vice President of Governmental Relations.

On August 4, 1988, the Board of Directors appointed Gobler as MGA President. In addition to her duties in government relations, she became responsible for the daily administration of the Association, along with carrying out the philosophy and direction of the Board.

In 1998, MGA celebrated its 100th anniversary; and in 2006, it celebrated its designation as a Centennial Organization by The Historical Society of Michigan.

On May 18, 2010, Gobler was recognized by the MGA Board of Directors and Staff at the Board of Directors meeting held in Lansing, prior to the Association’s Annual Legislative Reception. Chairman DJ Oleson, Oleson’s Food Centers in Traverse City, thanked her for two and a half decades of dedicated service. “She is our voice in Lansing,” he said. “I hope she never gives up the battle she fights everyday on our behalf.”

Gobler was also honored in the May issue of the Michigan Food News, which included anniversary messages from legislators, state department heads and other dignitaries, including former Governor John Engler.

Michigan Grocers Association is the voice of the state’s supermarket and grocery industry, representing over 800 leading chain and independent retail stores and 100 manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors. In its 112th year, MGA provides Michigan food businesses with knowledge, solutions and connections to ensure the industry’s continued success. The association is recognized as an industry leader in government and industry relations, communications, education, technicalassistance and public advocacy support.

DJ Oleson Elected Chairman of the Michigan Grocers Association Board of Directors

[November 11, 2009] LANSING, MI
Michigan Grocers Association (MGA) announced today that DJ Oleson of Traverse City, vice president of Oleson’s Food Stores, was elected chairman of the MGA Board of Directors. He has served on MGA’s board since 2002 and on the executive committee since 2007.

Oleson is the fourth generation of his family to be part of the Oleson’s Food Store business, starting work pricing groceries while just a teenager. He later became meat supervisor and then moved into upper management in 1990 when he took over three Buy Low Foods, which the family later sold. He has served as vice president of the company for the past 12 years. Oleson is also a part-time buffalo rancher, owning a 500 to 600-head heard of buffalo just south of Traverse City that provides natural buffalo meat to Oleson’s Food Stores and several Michigan restaurants. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University.

Oleson’s began their grocery business in Traverse City in 1926. This year, the company marked their 75th year as a member of MGA. Having joined the statewide, non-profit food industry association in 1934, Oleson’s Food Stores has the distinction of being MGA’s oldest member. This milestone was recently celebrated in Traverse City at a one-of-a-kind event during MGA’sAnnual Fall Conference on September 15. The Michigan Legislature and Governor Jennifer Granholm commended Oleson’s and MGA with a Tribute.

Also elected to the MGA Board were Dave Duthler of Grand Rapids, Duthler’s Family Foods, as treasurer; Gary Gerlach of Spring Lake, with The Orchard Markets, as secretary; and Joe Risdon of Battle Creek, with Prairie Farms Dairy, as immediate past president.

The Lansing-based Michigan Grocers Association is the voice of the state’s supermarket and grocery industry, representing 900 leading chain and independent retail stores and over 100 manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors. In its 112th year, MGA provides Michigan food businesses with knowledge, solutions and connections to ensure the industry’s continued success. The association is recognized as an industry leader in government and industry relations, communications, education, technical assistance and public advocacy support. For the Michigan food industry, MGA is the connection that works. Back to Top

Michigan Grocers foundation Awards 2009-2010 Scholarships

[May 2009]

Michigan Grocers Association announces the 2009 Paul M. Felice Memorial Scholarship winners. Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship toward any accredited, nonprofit private or public U.S. university.

This year we were able to increase the number of scholarships from three to four, thanks to endowment earnings and ongoing fundraising.

The four 2009 winners are:

	Elizabeth Lillie, Vanderbilt University
	Christopher Maue, University of Michigan
	Sarah Rabeda, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
	Annette Stromberg, Alma College

Elizabeth Lillie will be a sophomore at Vanderbilt University this fall. She majors in biomedical engineering with a minor in biology. With a 3.4 GPA, she made the Dean’s List her fall semester.

She was recently accepted into a college research program called SyBBURE where she will perform cell research. She plays soccer for Vanderbilt and was captain of her high school soccer team.

A 2008 graduate of Rochester Adams High, she was named Top Scholar for the graduating class. A member of the National Honor Society, Elizabeth also played high school varsity tennis, ran cross country and participated in various community service activities .

A previous Felice Scholarship winner, she is eligible for the scholarship because her father, Christopher “Todd” Lillie, works for MGA Associate Member Pepsi Bottling Group.

Chris Maue will be a senior at the University of Michigan this fall where he has a 3.49 GPA. He majors in mechanical engineering.
He is a member of U of M’s Circle K service group, the Michigan Ice Carving Team, the Running Club and the Ultimate Frisbee Club.

In 2006, he graduated from Jenison High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society, Model United Nations and Top 10. He also received the Ottawa-Kent Red Conference Scholar-Athlete Award.

A previous Felice Scholarship winner, Maue is eligible because his mother, Loretta, works for MGA Associate Member Country Fresh Dairy.

Sarah Rabeda will be a junior at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the fall, where she transferred after attending the University of Michigan with a 3.678 GPA.

She will major in fine arts with plans after graduation to attend the Master of Fine Art program.

At U of M she was residence hall council president, a biology tutor and a lab assistant. She participated in the Relay for Life and Health Science Scholars Program.

A 2006 graduate of Forest Hills Northern High School, she was a member of the Honor Society and Women’s Crew Team and participated in Science Olympiad and the Multicultural Club.

Sarah is eligible for the scholarship because her father, Janusz, works for MGA Member Meijer.

Annette Strombert will be a sophomore at Alma College this fall where she majors in exercise and health science. After graduation she plans to attend physical therapy or medical school.

With a 3.586 GPA, she plays varsity soccer, junior varsity basketball and is part of the Fellowship for Christian Athletes.

A 2008 Summa Cum Laude graduate of North Muskegon High School, she was senior class president with a 3.9 GPA. She played varsity soccer and basketball, and participated in Student Council, Girls Club and Spanish Club.

Annette is eligible for the scholarship because her stepfather, Jerry Brininstool, works for Family Fare in Grand Rapids.

To donate money for the award, contact MGA’s Mike Hamelin at (800) 9-GROCER. Back to Top