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Emerson Breeden and wife, Leslie stand on stage with their grandchildren.
2007 Grocer of the Year- Emerson Breeden
Emerson Breeden, community relations director for Food City’s Knoxville division
was named Grocer of the Year by Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association during their annual convention, April 15.
At the conclusion of the festivities, TGCSA selects one outstanding Tennessee retailer who exemplifies the high standards of integrity and efficiency upon which the organization was founded to be named Grocer of the Year. Emerson Breeden was named to receive this year’s prestigious award.
“I want to thank the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association for honoring me with the Grocer of the Year Award,” said Breeden. “It’s so rewarding to work for a company (Food City) that encourages you to serve your community. I accepted this award with a great deal of humility and would like to thank everyone who helped make this possible.”
Emerson grew up in Knox County, entering the grocery industry during a time when local chains were flourishing throughout East Tennessee. He began his career as a courtesy clerk for the Knoxville based White Stores in 1952, while attending school. Breeden joined the Food City team when they purchased the White Stores in 1989. He entered the company as a member of their Human Resource department and was later promoted to his current position of Community Relations Director for their Knoxville division.
“We are fortunate to have a qualified individual like Emerson Breeden working with our company,” said Steve Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “His service to the community provides an outstanding example for our associates and inspires us to continue to fulfill our corporate obligation to give back to the community. Emerson is well-deserving of being named Tennessee’s Grocer of the Year.”
Emerson considers one of the highlights of his career to have been the opportunity to serve as honorary starter for the Food City 500 NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The company selects one outstanding individual annually to waive the green flag to start of one of NASCAR’s most popular motor sports events. Breeden was especially thrilled to have been bestowed such a prestigious honor by his company and fellow associates.
Danny Potter and wife, Joan pose at the Vendor of the Year reception.
2007 Vendor of the Year- Danny Potter
Danny Potter, vice president of sales for Elm Hill Meats was named the inaugural Vendor of the Year by Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association during the annual convention, April 14.
At the conclusion of the festivities, TGCSA selects one outstanding Tennessee vendor who exemplifies the high standards of integrity and efficiency upon which the organization was founded to be named Vendor of the Year. Danny Potter was the first member to receive the prestigious award.
“I'm very blessed because there are many people that have supported me throughout my career in the Food Industry,” Danny said after being presented the award. “I am very thankful for all our customers, both wholesale and retail, that sell Elm Hill, Cades Cove and Wampler's Farm products. I'm thankful to the companies I work for and the people I work with, especially my sales team for their support over the years. I am also thankful to TGCSA and past Board of Directors for their friendship and support.”
Danny has 47 years of experience in the grocery industry and 35 years in the meat industry. In 1991 Danny became division sales manager for Family Brands International, also known as Elm Hill Meats, where he served until being named vice-president of sales in 1998.
Danny is currently serving as a board member of the TGCSA board of directors and has served as a convention committee member for 12 years. He is also co-chairman of the TGEF middle Tennessee golf tournament.
“Danny believes in treating everyone just as he wants to be treated,” said Scott Means, Owner of S & C Foods and the presenter of the evening’s award. “And if he tells you something, you can always depend that he will follow through. His reputation in the industry is second to none and I’m sure almost everyone in this room can attest to that.”
Danny has always been known as the association’s “Super Member” because of his involvement throughout the years. His years of experience with the grocery industry, TGCSA and TGEF has been invaluable to the board of directors, trustees and membership.
