Grocery group celebrates industry icons

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — The Grocery Manufacturers Association inducted Hy-Vee chairman and CEO Richard Jurgens, as well as Dean Pappas, CEO of Clement Pappas and Co., into its Hall of Achievement.

The recognition came at a gala dinner Sunday night as GMA held its annual executive conference in Colorado Springs. The Hall of Achievement Award represents the highest honor given by the more than 100-year-old association.

“Lifetime achievement is the hallmark of the GMA Hall of Achievement Award, and by that standard, no two people are more deserving than Ric Jurgens and Dean Pappas,” GMA president and CEO Pamela Bailey said. “Their business savvy, their desire to make the world a better place and their compassion for their associates, their communities and their consumers sets them apart.”

GMA announced that it would induct Jurgens and Pappas in late May.