Success Stories

Retail Management Program Hits Milestone of 3,000 Graduates

Posted on 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.

Chase Havlic Wins WAFC’s “Selfie Contest!”

Posted on by Linda Duffy

Chase Havlic, a Retail Management Program graduate from Ralphs supermarket, submitted the winning entry in the Western Association of Food Chain’s (WAFC) Fall 2018 “Selfie Contest!”

All Retail Management Program graduates were invited to submit a short video to share their experience with the program and it’s impact on their lives.  The submitted entries were inspiring, but Chase’s unique story of professional and personal success was particularly engaging.  Chase was invited to the 2019 WAFC Convention, where a professionally produced version of his video was premiered before member companies and guests.   After the video ended, it was announced from the WAFC main stage that Chase was being promoted to Assistant Manager; effective immediately!

You can view Chare Havlic’s story at this link: https://retailmanagementcertificate.com/

If you are a Retail Management Program graduate, we would love to hear your story!  Submit your own “selfie video” at this link: https://retailmanagementcertificate.com/for-graduates/share-your-story/  

Giving People The Tools To Do The Job Is Smart Business at K-VA-T

Posted on by Barbara Fanning

K-VA-T’s Director of Training, Barbara Thomas believes that giving people all the tools necessary to do the best job possible is vitally important. Wanting to give their employees the tools for success, Ms. Thomas began researching Retail Management Certificate Programs and quickly discovered the Retail Management Certificate created by the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) and endorsed by leading organizations such as the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and several state grocery associations. To get started, Ms. Thomas contacted Rob Ikard at the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Stores Association and others in the industry to garner support for the WAFC’s Retail Management Certificate in Tennessee.

Currently, the program is awaiting final review and approval from Dr. Warren Nichols, vice chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents. The program is expected to launch in Tennessee later this year.

To learn more about the program in Tennessee, read the full article in the Shelby Report.

Getting Ahead in Food Retail

Posted on by Barbara Fanning

The Retail Management Certificate was recently featured in a blog post on the Food Marketing Institute website as a program that supports career growth and aligns with the growing need for education beyond High School. Some key takeaways from the story:

According to the U.S. Department of Labor:

  • 68 percent of U.S. jobs by 2018—including the grocery industry—will require a credential, if not a degree.
  • In 2010, only 30 percent of adults ages 25 or older had a bachelor’s degree or higher and for those working in the grocery industry that number drops to only 14 to 20 percent.
  • Education is going to be key for those working in the food retail industry to progress their careers and for employers to retain quality talent.

Read the full story on FMI’s website.

Retail Management Certificate Presentations

Posted on by Barbara Fanning

IMG_7614Cherie 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.

 

First Superior Markets Cohort Completes Retail Management Certificate

Posted on 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.

superior1

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

I can’t go back to school

Posted on by Barbara Fanning

Finding excuses of why you shouldn’t go back to school are easy. The typical ones include:

  1. I am too busy.
  2. I can’t afford it.
  3. School is not my thing.
  4. I am too old to go back to school.

If you found yourself saying any these things — take a few minutes to watch our latest video featuring Retail Management Certificate students and graduates.  You might be surprised by what they have to say.

Who knows, maybe school is for you.