Join us in congratulating John Ciraulo for his recent promotion to Vice President, Meat Division of Stater Bros. Markets. John has been with Stater Bros. for over 28 years and has progressed through a range of both retail and marketing positions. In his new position, Ciraulo will oversee the marketing and retail operations of the company’s meat and seafood divisions.

He is a 2006 graduate of both the WAFC Retail Management Program at San Bernardino Valley College and University of Southern California (USC) Food Industry Management Program.  After completing his Retail Management Certificate, John earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from University of Phoenix and a Master of Arts Degree in Business Management from University of Redlands.

Congratulations John!

Hear what our friends at Smith’s and Kroger think about the Retail Management Certificate.

Last month the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) announced six winners of the 2013 Community Outreach Awards recognizing food retailer charitable programs focused on enhancing the lives of the communities in which they serve.

Programs addressing food insecurity, neighborhood health improvement, and youth development were recognized. Each of the recognized winning programs will receive $1000 from FMI to further their program.

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The National Retail Federation recently released its predictions for where retail is going in 2014. The story, What Lies Ahead, in their Stores Publication provides 7 predications for the future including the need for advanced order and delivery logistics, how wearable computers and social networking data is impacting the industry and the growing demand to provide ethical, sustainable and hyper-local products.

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A true food industry legend, Bob Hermanns passed away on February 10, 2014 in Long Beach, California.

Mr. Hermanns 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.

He, 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.com, 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.

His knowledge, expertise, generosity and mentorship will be missed. We’d like to thank Bob for his guidance, and support of our industry and the retail management certificate.

Robert P. Hermanns

November 18, 1943 ~ February 10, 2014

Retail has not traditionally been considered a career that requires an education but in today’s growing retail industry the need for people with the skills necessary to take on leadership roles is high. Programs like the Retail Management Certificate help address that need for 4 supermarkets including Safeway, Brookshire Grocery Co., Stater Bros., and Northgate Markets.

Learn how these industry leaders are approaching education for their employees in an article from Retail Leader.

It is not often that you encounter such an inspiring and outgoing individual like William Davila, former president of Vons Supermarkets. It is with a heavy heart that we pay tribute and say goodbye.

William Davila is a perfect example of how hard work, commitment, and belief in providing the best customer service can truly make a difference in one’s professional and personal life. In his obituary in the LA Times you can read more about the life and work of William Davila including how he worked his way up from sweeping floors, to his time as the spokesperson for Vons in television and radio ads, to how he encouraged food markets to expand to neighborhoods with large Latino populations to how he established and educational foundation that gives scholarships to Latino students who intend to work in the grocery industry.

William S. Davila
April 25, 1931 – February 14, 2014

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The Western Association of Food Chains is pleased to announce the launch of the new Retail Management Certificate website and blog. The new website and blog were made possible by a Federal Department Labor Grant that recently recognized the WAFC endorsed Retail Management Certificate as a model educational collaboration between business and industry.

We hope you find the website helpful and you enjoy hearing the latest about the Retail Management Certificate and the retail industry from the WAFC and our partner companies, colleges, and students.