Longtime Associated Grocers exec Larry Chmielewski to retire

Larry Chmielewski, vice president of wholesale at Associated Grocers, is retiring after nearly 35 years with the Western Canadian company.

The executive, whose career spans 49 years with roles at such companies as Consolidated Grocers and Safety Mart Foods, will step down on September 30. 

“Larry will be dearly missed by all – customers, suppliers, colleagues, and none more than myself. Larry’s casual, friendly, can-do approach has been a key factor in the growth of Associated Grocers over the years,” Dan Bregg, president of Associated Grocers (a division of Buy-Low Foods LP and the Pattison Food Group), said in a statement. “On a personal level, I cannot adequately express my appreciation for the support and friendship that Larry has given me since we began working together more than 20 years ago. While I am saddened that we will no longer be working together, I take great comfort in the fact that we will remain friends and have many opportunities to share fellowship in the years to come.”