Myers Group Celebrates 12th RMCP Graduate, Chris Kyser

Posted on September 2, 2022September 2, 2022 by Linda Duffy

Chris Kyser, Store Director of the Camano Plaza ACE Hardware, was presented with his Retail Management Certificate on Friday, August 12, 2022 by Tyler Myers, President of Myers Group which operates a variety of retail entities in the state of Washington.

Kyser, who had long wanted to go back to school, took advantage of the opportunity to complete the eight-course RMC Program through Clover Park Technical College. “The courses helped me learn necessary skills to increase my store’s bottom line and to better understand what it takes to be a successful manager and team leader,” said Kyser.

Kyser encouraged those thinking about enrolling in the Retail Management Certificate Program, to do so. He shared, “I was able to make it work with my busy schedule. The courses will help you elevate your career and grow as a person. I highly recommend it!”

Tyler Myers expressed his support and added, “We are super proud of Chris for completing this program and improving himself through advanced education. Way to go Chris! You are a star and stand for everything we try to be at the Myers Group.”

Retail Management Program Hits Milestone of 3,000 Graduates

Posted on November 4, 2019December 4, 2019 by Linda Duffy

The Western Association of Food Chains’ (WAFC) most widely-available education program; the community college Retail Management Certificate, reached a milestone number of 3,000 graduates mid-October 2019! This record number was attained just 18 months after the program hit 2,000 graduates in 2018.

According to Sarah Wehling, WAFC President Chairwoman and Vice President, Fresh Foods at Costco
Wholesale, “Achieving this significant milestone of 3,000 graduates is a celebration of WAFC’s
execution on our pure mission of ‘Advancing the Food Industry through Education and Leadership.”

The 8-course community college level curriculum was developed in partnership with our nation’s
community colleges, specifically to build the hard and soft skills required for careers in our industry. It
incorporates the foundational and critical knowledge, technology, communications and leadership
abilities required for career success in every facet of the increasingly sophisticated grocery
industry. The program is available 100% online nationwide, and at approved campuses as well.

For more information about the program, peruse the “About the Program” section of the www.retailmanagementcertificate.com website.

First PepsiCo Graduate Awarded Retail Management Certificate

Posted on November 4, 2019November 4, 2019 by Linda Duffy

PepsiCo Sales District Leader, Alex Branch (pictured on left), was awarded the Retail Management Certificate October 25th at a special ceremony in Everett, Washington. Branch, who completed his coursework at Clover Park Technical College, is the first PepsiCo associate to earn the certificate. He is pictured with Ryan Reygers, the Retail Management Program Director at Clover Park.

Gelson’s “Class of 2019” is Honored at Cerritos College

Posted on June 13, 2019June 13, 2019 by Linda Duffy

Gelson’s Markets is pleased to announce 19 Retail Management Certificate Program graduates completed their coursework in Spring 2019. Seven of these students along with AA candidate, Fernando Gomez, participated in graduation exercises at Cerritos College on Friday, May 24th. Gelson’s students have a tradition of academic excellence as demonstrated by Gomez, who graduated with honors, and Molly Martinez, who earned highest honors.

According to Beatrice Rojas, Assistant Store Director in Santa Monica, “The classes were a great learning experience! I acquired knowledge that I now use everyday at work. I’ve gained confidence which helps me to better manage my employees. I believe that in learning the parts of the retail industry, I have a greater understanding of the whole.”

“Going back to school after 40 years was a dream come true through the WAFC Retail Management Program!” added Training Coordinator, Molly Martinez. “I now feel more knowledgeable about the different areas of the retail business. This program is tailored so well, and is a wonderful opportunity for anyone to learn and grow in the retail field.”

Pictured Left to Right: Molly Martinez, Encino Office, Training Coordinator; Janneli Narez, Accounts Payable Clerk; Monica Argueta, Executive Assistant; Melissa Merchant, Buying Assistant; Marilyn Cabrera, Buying Assistant; Fernando Gomez; Charles Hill, Assistant Manager, Century City; Beatrice Rojas, Assistant Store Director, Santa Monica.

WAFC’s Retail Management Certificate Program Hits 2,700 Graduates in Spring 2019!

Posted on June 10, 2019June 14, 2019 by Linda Duffy

(LAKEWOOD, CALIF.) — The Western Association of Food Chains’ most widely-available educational program, the community college Retail Management Certificate, has experienced a “boon year” of graduates! With 700 students completing coursework between Fall 2018 and Spring 2019, the program now boasts 2,700 certificate recipients!

As the food industry evolves with changes in products, processes, technology and competition, the program provides relevant real-life learning to develop future leaders. Collectively, food industry workers across the U.S. complete nearly 10,000 courses a year as they aspire to earn the credential.

Introduced in partnership with 150 community colleges, the Retail Management Certificate is an accredited community college program designed to provide our workforce with the critical skills and knowledge needed to attain management roles in the grocery industry. The first graduates completed the program in 2002. Today, the eight-course curriculum is available at community colleges throughout the nation and 100% online.

For more information on the Retail Management Certificate and how to participate, go to www.RetailManagementCertificate.com. To learn more about the WAFC, go to www.wafc.com

Retail Management Certificate Presentations

Posted on November 20, 2015November 20, 2015 by Barbara Fanning

Cherie Phipps, WAFC – Director, Retail Management Certificate, joined Smith’s Senior executive team over a 3-day period Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas. The sessions, sponsored by the resource group called “Women’s Edge”, reached over 500 people with the message about how the Retail Management Certificate Program can help associates achieve their personal and professional goals.

As part of the event in Las Vegas, Angel Sherman was awarded her WAFC/Smith’s Retail Management Certificate. She was honored in front of 150 fellow Smith’s employees during a session where the Retail Management Certificate program was introduced. Colleen Juergensen, a Senior Executive for Smiths presented the certificate.

WGU Announces New Scholarships as Part of Ongoing WAFC Partnership

Posted on July 14, 2015August 24, 2015 by Barbara Fanning

Our partner’s at Western Governors University (WGU) recently announced a new scholarship opportunity for eligible Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) employees.

WGU will award five WGU Western Association of Food Chains Scholarships to employees of WAFC companies for any of its College of Business or College of Information Technology bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. The scholarships, each valued at up to $2,500 ($625 per six-month term renewable for up to four terms), will be applied toward WGU’s already-low tuition of $3,000 per term for most business and IT programs. Applications are currently being accepted at www.wgu.edu/WAFCscholarship.

Additionally, applicants who are WAFC Retail Management Certificate graduates can benefit from the partnership with a five percent tuition discount, as well as, generous transfer credits for their Retail Management Certificate credits.

“WGU’s partnership with WAFC centers on providing affordable and accessible degree programs and these scholarships will help open the door for more students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree or further their career by adding a master’s degree,” said Dr. Eric Goodman, WGU’s National Director of College of Business.

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be newly enrolling students who have been officially admitted to the university and complete an interview with a scholarship counselor. Special consideration will be given to graduates of the WAFC Retail Management Certificate Program. This is a competitive process and scholarships will be awarded based on the student’s academic record, readiness for online study, and current competency, as well as other considerations. To learn more about WGU and the WGU WAFC scholarship, visit www.wgu.edu/WAFCscholarship.

Find out if your employer is a WAFC member

First Superior Markets Cohort Completes Retail Management Certificate

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Barbara Fanning

Superior Markets’ first cohort of Retail Management Certificate graduates, were honored earlier this month at an awards luncheon. The first cohort was comprised of 30 graduates.

Congratulations to all graduates and a special thanks to instructors, Sharon Fantroy and Mike Acheson, who shepherded this first cohort through the program.

Special Pricing at WGU for Retail Management Certificate Graduates Makes Continuing your Education Easier

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Barbara Fanning

Western Governor’s University offers Retail Management Certificate Graduates a 5% Tuition Discount.

Many of our Retail Management Certificate graduates are eager to continue their education but are not sure how or they lack the extra funds to do so. To help make the next step a little easier, we have combined our efforts with Western Governor’s University (WGU) to provide Retail Management Certificate graduates a direct pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree and for some a Master’s Degree.

We selected WGU because they understand the needs of our industry, and provide our graduates with one of the most flexible and affordable options for continuing their education.

WGU uses a competency-based approach where students take courses 100% online in a modular format rather than in semester long courses, which allows students to complete courses at their own pace instead of in a traditional semester or quarter system. In addition, WGU accepts all required Retail Management Certificate courses from WAFC approved colleges for transfer and offers a 5% tuition discount to our graduates earning the Retail Management Certificate.

To learn more about WGU visit the Retail Management Certificate Welcome Web page.

Retail Management Certificate New LinkedIn Group

Posted on August 19, 2014August 14, 2014 by Barbara Fanning

We are part of an amazing community and as the Retail Management Certificate continues to grow, we wanted to provide a way to connect our current students, graduates, and partners together in one place to share ideas, updates, and news.

Please join the Retail Management Certificate group on LinkedIn and become a member of our amazing community “online.”

The group is open to Western Association of Food Chain (WAFC) Retail Management Certificate graduates, students, and friends interested in keeping up to date about program updates.

See you online!