ARLINGTON, Va. — National Grocers Association here said Tuesday it has presented the NGA Spirit of America Award to Linda Ryan of Dierbergs Markets at the Missouri Grocers Association Annual Convention in Branson.
The award, presented by NGA's director of government affairs, Greg Ferrara, was given in honor of Ryan's involvement in community and civic affairs and in praise of her leadership and support of Missouri grocers and the independent retail grocer.
Ryan recently retired after 32 years with St. Louis-based Dierbergs. She most recently was the company's vice president of human resources, responsible for recruitment, retention, training, associate relations, customer service training, payroll, benefits and labor relations for over 4,000 employees. She is a familiar face in the halls of the Capitol in Jefferson City advocating in support of Missouri's supermarket industry and the independent grocery industry, according to NGA.
The NGA Spirit of America Award, established in 1982, honors key industry and community figures who have provided leadership in the areas of community services and government relations on behalf of a free and independent food distribution system. NGA has given this award to over 400 individuals, including Presidents George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford, and Vice President Dan Quayle, as well as other individuals serving the public interest.
