OLYMPIA, Wash., Oct. 3, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) announces a call for contestants to compete in their annual Best Bagger awards event. BUNZL Distribution USA, Inc. joins WFIA in partnering to co-sponsor the "Best Bagger" Championship Finals for Washington State. The event will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park in Spokane, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is FREE for guests to attend. Details on how to enter the contest can be found on the WFIA website: www.wa-food-ind.org. The deadline for entering the competition is October 10, 2011.
"In a grocery store, superior front-end service is the last — and perhaps the most critical — opportunity for sending the customer off with a good feeling about their shopping experience,' said Jan Gee, president and CEO of WFIA. "The 'Best Bagger' contest is one of the most effective and fun ways our stores support and train their front-end employees, teach proper bagging technique, emphasize great customer service and recognize and reward the best of the best in this industry," explained Gee.
In addition to winning a $1500 cash prize, the Washington state Best Bagger champion will get the chance to compete in the grocery industry's acclaimed 'national bag-off' event sponsored by the National Grocers Association (NGA) in February 2012 in Las Vegas, NV. Individual companies are encouraged to hold their own in-store competitions to select their best bagger for sending to the state competition. Or, stores are encouraged to just bring their top-notch employee. Don't miss the fun and the benefits of grocers highlighting a "customer care" image, recognition of outstanding employees, and a chance for employees to attend an exciting industry-wide event.
Last year, Washington State's Best Bagger champion, Jessica Lewis, of Yoke's Fresh Market-Foothills in Spokane, continued on to nationals and won 1st Runner Up in the Best Bagger Championship. WFIA is rooting for Washington State to bag up the Best Bagger national championship this upcoming February.
A special awards ceremony will follow the contest in which WFIA's next Best Bagger Champion will be announced and honored while contestants and guests are invited to enjoy ice cream and snacks provided by sponsors KRAFT and Williams Inland Distributing.
The Washington Food Industry Association is dedicated to promoting and protecting the independent, community-focused grocery industry and its suppliers. Founded in 1899, WFIA remains the only Washington State-based grocery industry association. They are a non-profit, state-wide trade association representing hundreds of grocers, wholesalers, and suppliers throughout Washington State. For more information, visit: www.wa-food-ind.org
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