AWG Announces Retirement of Don Woods, Jr. From Board of Directors; Appointments of Successor

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) announced the retirement of Don Woods, Jr., Vice Chair of the AWG Board of Directors. Mr. Woods, owner of Woods Super Markets, Inc., served on the AWG Board for more than 38 years, serving as Vice Chair for 24 years. AWG Board member, Dale Trahan, owner of Dale L. Trahan Enterprises, Inc., was appointed to serve as AWG’s Vice Chair.

With Mr. Woods’ retirement, the board elected Steve Clarke to serve as Mr. Woods’ successor. Mr. Clarke serves as the Vice President of County Fair, Inc., a family-owned and operated company operating six stores in Nebraska and South Dakota.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Don for his unwavering dedication to AWG and its members for nearly four decades”, said Barry Queen, Chairman of the Board for AWG. “Throughout the years, his hard work, passion, and expertise have left an indelible mark on AWG, creating a positive impact on our members and the community at large.”

Mr. Clarke is a fourth-generation grocer, growing up in the family grocery business. County Fair has steadily grown over the years, with their newest store located in Wayne, Nebraska. The Clarke family has been part of a grocery cooperative for more than 80 years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Steve Clarke to AWG’s Board of Directors,” says Dan Funk, AWG President and CEO. “His hands-on experience as an operator of a successful, growing family business and his dedication to the industry and community involvement will make him a valuable member of the board.”

“Steve is a great addition to the AWG Board,” says Barry Queen, Chairman of the Board of AWG. “His perspective and expertise will represent AWG and the Upper Midwest and Nebraska Divisions very well. I look forward to working with Steve and our other esteemed board members as we navigate the future of AWG.”

Involved in his local community, Mr. Clarke serves on the Sioux Falls Abbott House Bridges Committee and the City of Dell Rapids Economic Board. He’s also the president of the Avera Dell Rapids Hospital Board. And he serves on the AWG Strategic Planning Committee.

“It is an honor to be chosen to serve on the AWG Board of Directors,” says Mr. Clarke. “I am looking forward to working with the current board of directors and AWG Leadership, to help continue AWG’s growth and success.”

ABOUT ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS, INC.
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and over 3,400 locations throughout 31 states from 9 wholesale divisions. Consolidated sales for AWG are $12.3 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmaceutical products, specialty foods, and natural and organic products.