The 2009 Life Member Designates were honoured on Monday, October 26 at CFIG’s Luncheon of Honour, as part of Grocery Innovations Canada 2009.

(L to R)CFIG President and CEO, John Scott, Bob Adams, Sue Adams, CFIG 2008-2009 Chair, Dave Delchiaro

Bob & Sue Adams

In 1988, the Adams bought “The Grocery Store” in the heart of Whistler village, a 5,200 square foot store. Charged with the daunting task of offering a full service supermarket with a very small footprint, Bob and Sue Adams rose to the challenge and doubled sales in the first three years. Then, in 1998, the duo built a commercial building in nearby Pemberton to house an 8,000 square foot grocery store, called “The Pemberton Valley Supermarket”, which has also been tremendously successful.

Throughout it all, the Adams have remained staunch supporters of CFIG and have contributed generously with their time and dedication. Bob has served on the CFIG Board of Directors and both have separately been Honorary Chairs of Grocery Showcase West. In addition, they have served on committees for their home community and represented CFIG in regional forums. Under their guidance, the staff of The Grocery Store has won numerous awards including the coveted Canadian Independent Grocer of the Year Gold Award and the Hall of Fame designation.

(L to R)CFIG President and CEO, John Scott, Charlie Coppa, Louie Coppa, and CFIG 2008-2009 Chair, Dave Delchiaro

Charlie & Louie Coppa

The Coppas are well known independent retailers in the Toronto area. The story of Highland Farms evolved from the brothers’ belief that to be successful, they required a significant point of differentiation. They developed their stores using only fresh produce selected from early morning visits to the Ontario Food Terminal, and have gained a reputation as one of the country’s finest produce merchants. Today, Highland Farms stores boast the largest selling area dedicated solely to groceries in Canada.

The Coppas have long been strong supporters of CFIG as well as various charities, community building projects, and hospitals such as St. Michael’s Hospital, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, Scarborough General Hospital, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and fundraising galas.

2008-2009 CFIG Chair, Dave Delchiaro, Pierre Groulx, and 2009-2010 CFIG Chair, François Bouchard

Pierre Groulx

Pierre Groulx started in the grocery business with his partner, A.L. Richmond in Hull on April 1, 1964. After a period of managing six stores in the Hull-Gatineau area and one in the Ottawa area, Pierre managed three different stores for Loeb. In 1982, Pierre bought his first franchise IGA store with Yvon Labelle, and later became sole owner of Blackburn Hamlet IGA in 1986. In 1992, Pierre bought a National Grocer franchise with his partner, Mario Lalande, and opened a 70,000 square foot store called Pierre & Mario’s Your Independent Grocer.

Throughout his career as an independent grocer, Pierre Groulx maintained a close relationship with CFIG. While serving on the CFIG Board of Directors, Pierre had the vision that with a concerted effort, the retailers of Quebec could become much better connected with CFIG. Over the past six years, Pierre has worked towards the fulfillment of that goal and was instrumental in building the relationship which CFIG now has with the Associaion des détaillants en alimentation du Québec.

Do you know of an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution to the independent grocer community?

Each year, CFIG honours the lifetime achievements of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the independent grocers and to the food industry.

Independent Grocer Category
Honours a retailer who has demonstrated a commitment to the industry through their work, community involvement, and CFIG activities.

Industry Builder Category
Recognizes outstanding suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, or anyone directly involved with the betterment of the independent grocer.

Nominations

To nominate an individual for the Life Member designation, please fill out the online form at the top of this page.

We will contact you shortly upon receipt of your nomination form for a short interview to get to know more about your nominee. Nominee profiles will be presented to the Life Member Committee for review.