TGCSA Awards

2008 Grocer of the Year- Frank Dill

Frank Dill, owner of the Piggly Wiggly in Dover, Tennessee was recently named Tennessee Grocer of the Year by the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA) during its annual convention. TGCSA hosted its convention at the Knoxville Convention Center, April 17-20, 2008.

TGCSA annually selects one outstanding grocer to receive the prestigious Tennessee Grocer of the Year award. The selection is based on the individual’s contribution to the industry and organization and is given to recognize a retailer who exemplifies the high standards of integrity and efficiency upon which the organization was founded

Frank began working in the grocery industry over 50 years ago in his family’s retail store. He spent four years in the U.S. Navy before returning to Dover and opening his own grocery operation.

Frank is the former president of the Stewart County Chamber of Commerce, Mid-South Retail Group, Dover Kiwanis Club and Dover Manor House Nursing Home. He has served on the Boy Scout Troup 501 Advisory Board, the Stewart County Athletic Association and the F & M Bank Board of Directors. He has been a member of the Piggly Wiggly Operators Association since 1993.

Frank has been a member of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association since its founding in 1978 and served on the TGCSA Board of Directors from 1999 through 2007. He served as Chairman of the Board in 2005. His son Brien is currently serving on the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation Board of Trustees.

“We thank Frank and his family for their dedication to the grocery industry in Tennessee,” Jarron Springer, president of TGCSA, said. “Frank exemplifies what it is to be an independent grocer and through four generations the Dill family has served their community in Dover with pride.”

TGCSA is a Nashville based trade organization representing the interests of the Tennessee food market. The association’s primary function is to educate and promote the welfare of its business members, which is comprised of retail grocery, convenience and food industry suppliers throughout the state of Tennessee.
 

2008 Supplier of the Year- Mike Potts

Mike Potts of Nashville based Purity Dairies was recently named Tennessee Supplier of the Year by the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA) during its annual convention. TGCSA hosted its convention at the Knoxville Convention Center, April 17-20, 2008.

TGCSA annually selects one outstanding individual as the Tennessee Supplier of the Year. The selection is based on the individual’s contribution to the industry and organization and is given to recognize a food industry supplier who exemplifies the high standards of integrity and efficiency upon which the organization was founded

Mike has 40 years experience in the grocery industry and 32 years in the dairy industry; working for Sealtest, Malone and Hyde, Fleming, Southern Belle and Mayfield Dairy Farms before joining Purity Dairies in 2007. He served on the Nashville Hotel & Lodging Association Board from 2002-2003, on the Nashville Area Manufacturing Representatives Board from 1990-1997 and served as president in 1996-1997.

Mike served on the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation from 1996-2002 and was chairman in 2000-2001. He has served on the TGEF Middle Tennessee Golf Committee for over 15 years and has been critical in making that event an ongoing success for the foundation. Mike annually assists with the TGEF best bagger contest and has been recognized many times as a TGEF Traveling Pro for his participation in all three TGEF golf tournaments across the state.

Mike is very active in his community by coaching local sports teams and has been involved in various fundraisers to benefit the MS foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, MR Foundation, TJ Martell Foundation and Martha O’Brien Foundation.

“Mike is always there when you need him,” Jarron Springer, president of TGCSA, said. “Supplier’s are crucial to our retailers and to the association. Mike is the ideal winner of our Supplier of the Year award.”

TGCSA is a Nashville based trade organization representing the interests of the Tennessee food market. The association’s primary function is to educate and promote the welfare of its business members, which are comprised of retail grocery, convenience and food industry suppliers throughout the state of Tennessee.