The National Grocers Association has given Cheryl Sommer, owner, president, and CEO of Kaune’s Neighborhood Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. Presented during a virtual ceremony hosted by Mondel?z International Inc., the award celebrates an independent retailer that demonstrates tangible examples of persistence, vision, and creative entrepreneurship throughout the year.
“Cheryl has not only achieved tremendous success for Kaune’s Neighborhood Market but has consistently been a strong advocate for the entire independent grocery industry, serving as chair of the NGA Board of Directors and in various other roles on councils and committees,” said Mike Stigers, chair of the NGA Board of Directors, in a statement. “In these roles, she has demonstrated many of the traits that made her a successful independent operator, helping NGA continue representing independent grocers effectively at the national level. I congratulate her on receiving this award and look forward to working with her for years to come.”
Sommer acquired Kaune’s Neighborhood Market in 2003, though it had a strong presence in the area since it opened in 1896. It is the only locally owned independent grocery store in Santa Fe, said the NGA.
The association recognized Sommer for taking decisive action during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly implementing safeguards and installing protective equipment to protect associates and customers. She also created early hours for shoppers age 60 and up, opened on Sundays, and provided free grocery delivery for all customers.
“For anyone who knows Cheryl, it becomes apparent within minutes that she embodies what it means to be an entrepreneurial independent grocer and that became even more apparent as she rallied during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the community of Santa Fe,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO, in a statement. “Anytime a barrier was presented, she and her team found a creative way to overcome the challenge, including breaking open packages of paper products to ensure as many customers as possible could get them. Over the years, she has also found time to give back to the industry and NGA. The association and our industry are in a better place today because of her commitment.”
The Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award has been presented annually since 2009 to recognize an independent grocer’s persistence, vision, and creativity. Zaucha, NGA’s first president and CEO, retired in 2010 after 28 years leading the association.
Related: NGA: Independent Grocers Contribute to U.S. Economy; National Grocers Association Rebrands.
Image: NGA