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Invest During Downturn, Associated CEO Says

Investments in independent businesses during the current economic turndown will ensure future success, Rich Parkinson, president and chief executive officer of Associated Food Stores here, said in his message to members in the company's annual report.

SALT LAKE CITY — Investments in independent businesses during the current economic turndown will ensure future success, Rich Parkinson, president and chief executive officer of Associated Food Stores here, said in his message to members in the company's annual report.

“The natural tendencies when faced with the reality of our existing financial downturn are to withdraw, to ‘hunker down’ or to wait out the turbulent times and hope for the good times to return. Embracing any of these positions is to turn against the essence of the free enterprise system and the spirit of an independent grocer.”

While some might want to stick with old methods and negate the need to make financial investments, they would be wrong, Parkinson pointed out. “Now is the time to be bold and set the foundations for our future with innovation,” he said.

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