<p><strong>LINCOLN, NE</strong> – Ric Jurgens, Chairman and CEO of Hy-Vee stores, has been honored with the National Grocers Association, Spirit of America Award. He was recognized at the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association’s Annual Legislative Dinner. The N.G.A. Spirit of America Award was established in 1982 and recognizes industry and community individuals who have presented leadership in community services and government relations as part of a free and independent food distribution system, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> The 42-year veteran has spent his entire business career with Hy-Vee, mastering the roles of store manager, district manager, regional manager, Sr. Vice President, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, President. Mr. Jurgens has plans to retire from Hy-Vee on June 1st of this year. Under his watchful and experienced eye, they company has grown to 235 stores in eight states and has increased its sales numbers to a record $7.3 billion for 2011. The company is ranked among the top 25 supermarket chains as well as the top 50 private companies in the US.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> N.G.A. President and CEO Peter Larkin, who presented the Spirit of America Award, states, “Ric has been a steadfast leader in our industry for so many years, always leading the way with his vision, innovation and compassion toward others.” Mr. Larkin, continues, “Our industry has not only benefited greatly from his commitment, service and dedication, but so too has Hy-Vee and the customers and communities it serves.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>www.hy-vee.com<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">www.nationalgrocers.org</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
