CIGBA, DCI host charity golf tournament, announce 2024 Star Awards winners

The Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance (CIGBA) and Distribution Canada Inc. (DCI) recently held two back-to-back events.

The Charity Golf Classic, in association with the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), took place on June 3, followed by the annual Business Summit on June 4.

This year’s golf tournament brought together a record number of players and raised $12,000 for the Downie Wenjack Fund. The fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The summit also recorded record numbers with 200 attendees including members, partners and industry colleagues. 

New for this year was a member-focused morning, with a panel discussion consisting of independent retail leaders: Giancarlo Trimarchi, owner of Vince’s Market; Rima Rabba, head of marketing for Rabba Fine Foods; and Mike Sharpe, owner of Sharpe’s Food Market. 

The summit also saw the 2024 Star Awards handed out. See below for this year’s recipients:

Partner of the Year – Diamond Packaging Supplies Ltd., accepted by Jacob Edwin

Retailer of the Year – Sharpe’s Food Market accepted by Mike Sharpe

Social Responsibility – Fiesta Farms accepted by Keven Umana and Joe Furfaro

Innovation – Chapman’s Ice Cream with its Super Premium Plus Cold Brew Coffee Ice Cream accepted by Bob Brema of William M. Dunne and Associates

Leader of the Year – Kacee Kudrinko of Kudrinko’s 

Lifetime Achievement – awarded Posthumously to Ingrid Willemsen of SUNRIPE Freshmarket, accepted by husband Will Wilemsen, her son Ryall, and her son in law, Joe Grosso. 

Swipe through the gallery below to see photos from the events. Photography courtesy CIGBA/DCI