'Best Baggers' Instruct and Inspire
Commentary by Al McClain
At the recent National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) convention in Las Vegas, Brian Bay of Macey's (Utah) won the first annual "International Best Bagger Championship," edging out Joanne Edwards of Longo's (Ontario, Canada). At first glance, there may not seem to be much significance in an event that appears to be a throwback to a bygone era.
Contestants were judged on speed, bag-building technique, weight distribution between bags, style, attitude and appearance. By now, I imagine you're thinking we're making a big deal about bagging groceries. Yes, we are. But we're not the only ones. There is even a movie about bagging groceries coming out next year, called "Bag Boy," I believe. (It's a comedy.)
So here's the thing: this event wasn't goofy or quirky at all. Over the years, I've been to hundreds of conventions where executives of all types were honored for their contributions to industry, society, charity, their companies, and so on. And while most, if not all, of these awards were well deserved, it always seemed odd to me that so many retailing industry awards are handed out to those on the very top of the pyramid.
So there was something really refreshing about watching the "best bagger" contest. Seeing how well the contestants were able to do their jobs and how proud it made their friends and family, it was downright inspirational. Makes you think there ought to be more retailing industry awards for those on the frontlines - those who see customers every hour of every day.
Congratulations to all those retail workers who labor hard every day, for low pay, and less than premium benefits packages!
PS: Congrats to the runners up: John Sandell of Chris's Food Center in Minnesota, James Hunter of Nuggett in California, Karianne Sullivan of Village Supermarkets/ShopRite in New Jersey, and Casey Miller of Publix in Tennessee.
Discussion question: What other industry-wide awards would you suggest to demonstrate appreciation for store-level employees? What are the best examples of showing appreciation you've seen at the company level?