CGA member Northgate González Markets, which operates 38 supermarkets in Southern California, was the recipient of the 2014 “Ben Schwartz Retail Grocery Visionary Award” from Unified Grocers at a special awards dinner last night at Tamayo Restaurant in Los Angeles. This is the ninth year that Unified has presented the award to an outstanding independent retailer.

The annual award is named after Ben Schwartz, a former Chairman of the Board of Unified Grocers. It is an honor given to an independent retail grocer or grocery company that is a leader and innovator in the retail grocery industry. The award recognizes retailers who, by their practice and example, have consistently demonstrated initiative, creativity and leadership within their businesses and, in the process, have inspired others to think and act creatively and with passion in the grocery field. To be eligible, retailers must be — or have been — a member of Unified Grocers or one of its predecessor companies.

In presenting the award, Bob Ling, President and Chief Executive Officer, Unified Grocers, said that in addition to being an outstanding retailer, Northgate thrives because the González family have a strong set of values that define who they are and shapes everything they do.

“The award carries name of a true retail visionary. The idea behind it is to recognize someone in our retail community who exemplifies Ben Schwartz’s spirit, character and ultimately the vision that he demonstrated throughout his long career. We’re proud to give this award to the González family. Their passion toward customers and retailing is clearly evident as you walk through their stores,” Ling said. “Northgate González Markets is a great company and the best is yet to come.”

In accepting the 2014 Ben Schwartz Award, Northgate González Markets co-president Oscar González expressed his appreciation. “On behalf of my family, I want to thank you for honoring us tonight. This is a very special award for us. Ben has been a mentor to the family.”

In addition to the award that was presented to Northgate González Markets, a duplicate is on permanent display in the lobby of Unified’s headquarters building in Commerce, Calif. A plaque recognizing Northgate González Markets as the 2014 winner has been added to the permanent award.

A native of Joliet, Illinois, Bob Hermanns passed away on Feb. 10, in Long Beach, Calif.

A true food industry legend, Bob spent over 50 years in the food industry and for the past five years as Director of Food Industry Management Programs at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business.

Bob, graduated from the USC Food Industry Management Program in 1967 and served the food industry in leadership roles with Jewel Food Stores in Chicago; Red Owl in Minneapolis; Lucky Stores in both Northern and Southern California; American Stores in Salt Lake City; Shopeaze, Inc. in Santa Clara; Weis Markets in Central Pennsylvania; Associated Grocers in Seattle; Encore & Associates in San Ramon and Park City Group in Park City, Utah. Bob Served on the Board of Directors of the WAFC during his years with Lucky Stores and Associated Grocers.

Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carolyn, daughter and granddaughter, Stefanie & Sofia Stamires, and son Robert J. “Jeremy” Hermanns and daughter-in-law, Erika.

Plans are underway for a memorial service and the family is establishing a foundation to accept donations in lieu of flowers.

Those wishing to send condolences to Carolyn and family may do so at:
Carolyn Hermanns
4217 Cedar Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807