Buehler’s Fresh Foods promotes Mike Davidson as their new President/CEO

WOOSTER, OH (November 16, 2021) – Buehler’s Fresh Foods announced today that Mike Davidson has been promoted to president and CEO of the Ohio based supermarket chain effective 1/2/22. He will take over from Dan Shanahan who announced his retirement in early November.

“On behalf of our board of directors and ESOP trustee, we couldn’t be more proud in naming Mike as president/CEO. Mike has been with us for six years as EVP of store operations and more recently as EVP of sales and marketing.  He’s had a significant impact on the success of our company and our culture. We are confident that he has the leadership skills to take Buehler’s to the next level “said Shanahan.

Said Davidson, “I would like to thank Dan and our Board of Directors for the confidence they have placed in me. Since our management led buyout in 2017 a solid foundation has been established at Buehler’s Fresh Foods and I look forward to building on that. Being an ESOP allows all of our employees to think and act like owners.  I am honored to be leading the team.”

Previous to joining Buehler’s, Davidson was with Price Chopper supermarkets in Schenectady NY, as senior vice president of store operations. Prior to Price Chopper Mike worked with Ahold companies Finast and Tops Markets. While at Tops, Mike was regional VP of operations and VP of operations and merchandising.

Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s degree in business and attended the Cornell University food executive program. Mike is currently the chairman of the Ohio Grocers Association, past board member with the Muscular Dystrophy assoc., current board member of the Wooster Christian School and is a member of Rotary. Mike and his wife Joanna reside in Wooster; have three children and 10 grandchildren living throughout the United States.

Buehler’s Fresh Foods was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. In 2017, Buehler’s went through a  management buyout and formed an ESOP. Buehler’s operates 14 supermarkets, 7 liquor agencies, outside   catering, coffee shops and a Food Truck named Ferris. Buehler’s is proud to be recently Certified™ by Great Place to Work. Buehler’s Fresh Foods is committed to environmentally responsible behavior, local sourcing of product and supporting the communities in which we operate.  For more information visit www.buehlers.com.

 

Buehler’s Fresh Foods raises record funds to support heart and brain health through the American Heart Association

CANTON, OH November 9, 2021 — For the third year in a row, Buehler’s Fresh Foods joined the fight against heart disease and stroke by supporting the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. From September 17th through October 17th, Buehler’s participated in the AHA’s fundraising campaign, Life Is Why We Give™. At the register, the company asked customers to donate $1, $3, or $5, raising a record $55,043.

“Heart disease and stroke affects so many of our loved ones,” said Dan Shanahan, CEO of Buehler’s. “The American Heart Association truly makes a difference in the lives of those right here in Stark and Wayne counties, and we are honored to help bring their mission, to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, to life. This donation wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our customers, and for that, we are so grateful.”

Buehler’s donation supports both the 2021 Wayne Heart Walk and 2021 Stark Heart Walk campaigns. The dollars raised through both campaigns is used to improve the health of Stark and Wayne County residents. Currently, more than 25% of Stark and Wayne County residents suffer from hypertension, another 38% has high cholesterol, and 36% of the population is obese. In addition, 37% of Stark and Wayne County residents have limited access to healthy food, and 36% of high school students are users of tobacco products (including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes).

“These numbers are staggering,” said Tracy Behnke, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Heart Association. “But, the community, through the American Heart Association, is fighting back. In the last year, locally, the American Heart Association taught infant CPR to our Amish population, provided blood pressure monitors and best practices for community loaner programs, and equipped our schools with CPR training materials and curriculum for student training to meet state requirements. All of that was possible because of donations like those through the Life is Why campaign.”

Donations through the Life is Why campaign – no matter the amount – also allows the Association to:
• Fund research that can improve the health outcomes of heart and stroke patients;
• Train more than 2.5 million high school students in CPR annually;
• Support the work of local entrepreneurs and organizations working to improve health outcomes in under-resourced communities.

In addition to contributing to save lives through Buehler’s, donations can also be made directly to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org/lifeiswhywegive. To learn more about the Life Is Why We Give™ campaign and other participating companies, please visit www.heart.org/lifeiswhywegive.

###

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About Buehler’s
Buehler’s Fresh Foods was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. In 2017, Buehler’s went through a management buyout and formed an ESOP. Buehler’s operates 14 supermarkets, 7 liquor agencies, outside catering, coffee shops, and a Food Truck named Ferris. Buehler’s is proud to be recently Certified™ by Great Place to Work.

For Media Inquiries:
Jessica Smylie, Communication’s Director, American Heart Association
717-891-9122, Jessica.Smylie@heart.org

BUEHLER’S CEO SHANAHAN INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME – ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

WOOSTER, Ohio (November 2, 2021) – On Friday, October 29th, the Ohio Grocers Association (OGA) presented its prestigious Hall Of Fame award to Dan Shanahan, president and chief executive officer of Buehler’s Fresh Foods. During the ceremony, Shanahan took the occasion to announce his retirement effective on Dec. 31. He will continue in his role as board chairman and will be announcing a successor to the CEO position shortly.

Shanahan has led the Ohio-based Buehler’s chain since 2011, participating in a management buy-out and forming an ESOP in 2017. He began his career as a single store operator for a family-run Tops in Buffalo, NY before moving on as a Vice President in the Tops chain. He was a key person behind the food retail expansion into Asia opening the first Ahold Supermarket in Asia in 1996 and serving as Country Manager for Ahold joint ventures in Singapore and Malaysia. Returning from Asia he partnered with the Nanula family and BRS & Co. to buy the Buffalo-based Wilson Farms/Sugar Creek convenience store chain. The group sold the chain to 7-Eleven in 2011.

Dan earned an MBA from Canisius’ Richard J. Wehle School of business, receiving the Prentice Hall outstanding student award, finishing first in his class and being inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. He has served on the Board of the New York Association of Convenience Stores, the Ohio Grocers Association, the National Grocers Association and the Wooster, Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

The OGA Hall Of Fame is comprised of individuals who have dedicated their lives and years of service to Ohio’s food industry. Inductees to the Hall Of Fame are nominated by fellow OGA members and approved by a nominating committee. Dan has been recognized for his tireless work not only within the food industry but also in the communities served by Buehler’s Fresh Foods. “The Hall Of Fame award is the summit of personal achievement for our industry leaders,” said Kristin Mullins, President/CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association. “It recognizes those individuals who constantly represent the best of the industry – in their personal and professional lives. These are people not only dedicated to their craft, but also to others, and Dan is a perfect example of that service and commitment. We are honored to induct Dan Shanahan to the Ohio Grocers Hall Of Fame.”

The Ohio Grocers Hall Of Fame was started in 2000 to honor industry leaders. To date, there are 40 inductees. In addition to receiving the crystal award at the presentation, Dan also received a Proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives, and special recognition on the Ohio Grocers Association website.

Buehler’s Fresh Foods was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. In 2017, Buehler’s went through a management buyout and formed an ESOP. Buehler’s operates 14 supermarkets, 7 liquor agencies, outside catering, coffee shops, and a Food Truck named Ferris. Buehler’s is proud to be recently Certified™ by Great Place to Work.

Buehler’s Fresh Foods names Amy McClellan to their Board of Directors
Wooster, OH – October 28, 2021

Buehler’s Fresh Foods is pleased to announce the appointment of a new board member, Amy McClellan, of SpartanNash, effective October 28, 2021.
Amy is the vice president of fresh merchandising at SpartanNash having been promoted in March from senior vice president, Martin’s Super Markets and division vice president, retail for SpartanNash. While with Martin’s, Amy worked in the stores before progressing to market research, loyalty programs, vice president of sales and marketing and then senior vice president, retail merchandising and operations.
Amy earned a BS in business graduating cum laude (with distinction) and an MBA – both from Indiana University. She was on the board of directors for the South Bend chamber of commerce and the United Fresh produce association. Amy was recently recognized by Progressive Grocer as a top woman in grocery.
“We are thrilled to have Amy join our board,” said Dan Shanahan, Chairman, President and CEO of Buehler’s. “Her background as a senior executive, combined with store operations and P&L accountability and front line hands-on in the stores gives her a great perspective on our business. Her appointment was unanimous both with our board and ESOP trustee.”
Buehler’s Fresh Foods was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. In 2017, Buehler’s went through a management buyout and formed an ESOP. Buehler’s operates 14 supermarkets, 7 liquor agencies, outside catering, coffee shops and a Food Truck named Ferris. Buehler’s is proud to be recently Certified™ by Great Place to Work. Buehler’s Fresh Foods is committed to environmentally responsible behavior, local sourcing of product and supporting the communities in which we operate. For more information visit www.buehlers.com.

SpartanNash operates 154 supermarkets in Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the banners Ada Fresh Market, D & W Fresh Market, Dan’s Supermarket, Dillonvale IGA, Econofoods, Family Fare, Forest Hills Foods, Fresh City Market, Martin’s Super Markets, No Frills, Pick’n Save, SunMart, Supermercado Nuestra Familia, ValuLand and VG’s Grocery.

Galion/Crestline area Residents Will Have a New Supermarket to do their Weekly Shopping.
For the last few years, full-service grocery shopping options have been limited in the Galion/Crestline area.  That will be changing soon as Buehler’s Fresh Foods will become the newest addition to Galion West Shopping Center where the local, independent, employee-owned grocery store will open in October.  The new store occupies a 21,700 square-foot space at the intersection of SR 598 and Route 19 in the heart of Galion’s primary retail corridor.

Paran Management Company manages the property and negotiated the lease with Buehler’s. Paran’s Chairman & CEO, Joseph Shafran says, “Having Buehler’s Fresh Foods at Galion West is ideal for the health of the community and will provide a boost for everyone, including existing businesses at the center. I’m especially pleased that shopping for fresh food will be easier.” In addition to its reputation as having friendly, clean stores with a great selection of brands and healthy choices, Buehler’s has a 92-year history of community service, is a Leadership Partner of the Akron Canton Food Bank with over 200,000 meals donated this year and also a strong supporter of the American Heart Association.  A little over a year ago Buehler’s was recognized by the Ohio Grocers Association and received their Pinnacle Award. The OGA Pinnacle Award is given annually to recognize overall excellence in retail operations, and is the highest award given by the Ohio Grocers Association. The Galion store will mark the 14th in Ohio for the company and will add an additional 70 employees to its roster. 

Dan Shanahan, President and CEO of Buehler’s  says, ““We are excited to have an opportunity to serve the people of Galion, Crestline and the surrounding communities.  We think our formula of fresh, great tasting food combined with low prices will be well received. Included in our offering will be our very successful Healthy Living program which brings over 3,000 healthy living items at supermarket prices, conveniently located all throughout the store. In addition we will be carrying a variety of brands for all different shoppers. Premium brands such as CAB meats, Boar’s Head deli and Driscoll’s berries along with a full variety of local and value brands such as Open Acres and Our Family.  We think customers want more of a choice than just predominately private label items. 

Buehler’s will conduct local hiring events beginning in September. Look for job fairs at the Depot Pavilion in Galion on Thursday, September 16th and Friday, September 24th from 11 am to 7 pm. Buehler’s is an ESOP and in addition to being Employee Owned they are certified and named as “A Great Place to Work”.  The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Buehler’s Fresh Foods.

“Great Place to Work Certification™ isn’t something that comes easily – it takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place to Work. “It’s the only official recognition determined by employees’ real-time reports of their company culture. Earning this designation means that Buehler’s Fresh Foods is one of the best companies to work for in the country.”

They will also make sign-up for frequent shopper Advantage rewards easy through in-store and online sign-up and they plan to participate in online shopping through Instacart. For information about operations, hiring and store plans, please contact Jennifer Hudson, Director of Marketing with Buehler’s Fresh Foods.

The Ohio Grocers Hall Of Fame was started in 2000 to honor industry leaders. To date, there are 40 inductees.

Much like the Buehler’s vision of a company that puts people first and always strives to be better, Shanahan

spends his time doing the same: balancing work with family and making sure both “families” do their best through

service, quality and care.

The Ohio Grocers Association is the leading voice and advocate for Ohio’s grocery industry, and is headquartered

in Columbus, Ohio.

In addition to receiving the crystal award at the presentation, Dan will also receive a Proclamation from the Ohio

House of Representatives, and special recognition on the Ohio Grocers Association website.

The OGA Hall Of Fame is comprised of individuals who have dedicated their lives and years of service to Ohio’s

food industry. Inductees to the Hall Of Fame are nominated by fellow OGA members and approved by a

nominating committee. Dan has been recognized for his tireless work not only within the food industry, but also

the communities served by Buehler’s Fresh Foods. Dan has been an executive at Buehler’s since 2011 and

Chairman/CEO since 2017. His involvement in the food industry extends decades before that in retail operations

and management.

Buehler’s Fresh Foods was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. In 2017, Buehler’s went through

a management led buyout and formed an ESOP. Buehler’s operates 13 supermarkets, 7 liquor agencies, outside

catering, coffee shops and a Food Truck named Ferris. Buehler’s is proud to be recently Certified™ by Great

Place to Work.

###

“The Hall Of Fame award is the summit of personal achievement for our industry leaders,” said Kristin Mullins,

President/CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association. “It recognizes those individuals who constantly represent the

best of the industry – in their personal and professional lives. These are people not only dedicated to their craft,

but also to others, and Dan is a perfect example of that service and commitment. We are honored to induct Dan

Shanahan to the Ohio Grocers Hall Of Fame.”

WOOSTER, Ohio (Aug 2021) – On Friday, October 29th, the Ohio Grocers Association (OGA) will formally

present its prestigious Hall Of Fame award to Dan Shanahan, President and CEO of Buehler’s Fresh Foods. The

ceremony will take place at the Wooster Country Club at 3:30pm (1251 Oak Hill Road | Wooster, OH 44691) and

is open to the public.

For more information about the Hall of Fame or the Ohio Grocers Association, contact Kristin Mullins

at 614-442-5511 or email kristin@ohiogrocers.org

Wooster, Ohio — Buehler’s Fresh Foods is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place to Work. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Buehler’s.

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“Great Place to Work Certification™ isn’t something that comes easily – it takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. “It’s the only official recognition determined by employees’ real-time reports of their company culture. Earning this designation means that Buehler’s Fresh Foods is one of the best companies to work for in the country.”

“We are ecstatic to announce that we are officially recognized as a Great Place to Work®,” said VP of Human Resources Yvonne Monea. “As an Employee-Owned company, I want to congratulate all employee-owners on this achievement. This recognition could not have been possible without their hard work and dedication to continue making Buehler’s a fantastic place to be every single day.”

At Buehler’s we put an emphasis providing support to employees to help them reach their professional goals, or to start identifying a career path. We are thankful that employee professional development was not overlooked this year due to the craziness of the pandemic.

A special emphasis was placed on our Career Development program which helps any employee self-identify their interest in career development and management opportunities. Even though our main priority this year was to keep our employees safe during the uncertainty of the pandemic, we were thrilled to be able to provide programs to support our employees’ professional goals.

According to Great Place to Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

WE’RE HIRING!

Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit our careers page at: https://www.buehlers.com/careers

About Buehler’s Fresh Foods

Buehler’s Fresh Foods was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. In 2017, Buehler’s went through a management led buyout and formed an ESOP. Buehler’s operates 13 supermarkets, 7 liquor agencies, outside catering, coffee shops and a Food Truck named Ferris.  Buehler’s is dedicated to “Putting People First” and that starts with taking care of our employees.

About Great Place to Work Certification™

Great Place to Work® Certification is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place to Work-Certified.

About Great Place to Work®

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All.

Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Effective May 2, Rich Bidinger has been promoted to Vice President of Construction, Real Estate and Store Operations Support. In this expanded role, Rich will oversee construction, real estate, store repair & maintenance, acquisition candidates and be responsible for all in-store leasing.

Rich was originally hired in 1976 as a grocery clerk at the Wadsworth location. Over the past 45 years, Rich has worked at several locations in many different roles. In 2006, Rich became Director of Operations.

Most recently, Rich was integral in providing support to the Service and Facilities Managers at each location in their area of responsibilities: Point of Sale, Customer Service Centers, Scan Coordinators, Sub Leases and Maintenance. Rich also plays a leadership role in developing processes, initiatives, equipment, design, management, shrink reduction, labor management and budgeting.

Rich has provided Buehler’s guidance and direction and helped to successfully navigate our company’s transition into an employee-owned ESOP company. His extensive retail knowledge and invaluable grocer experience has prepared him for his next leadership role at Buehler’s Fresh Foods.

“Rich’s success in this company is not surprising due to his enthusiasm and loyalty to our stores, employees and company brand. He is a testament as to what you can achieve with dedication” said Dan Shanahan, President and CEO of Buehler’s Fresh Foods.

Rich and his wife, Jane, reside in Medina.

Buehler’s Fresh Foods operates thirteen Buehler’s Fresh Foods supermarkets located in Wooster (2), Orrville, Wadsworth, Medina (2), Ashland, New Philadelphia, Dover, Jackson Township (Canton), Coshocton, Portage Lakes (Green) and Massillon, Ohio.

“Buehler’s Fresh Foods would like to thank all of our customers and team members who went above and beyond this year in raising money for our community food banks during the Harvest for Hunger campaign.  I’m proud to say that each one of our stores exceeded their goals and raised the most donations ever, since we started the campaign 14 years ago.  We thank the Akron Canton Foodbank and their outstanding team who work hard to battle food insecurity every day.”  Paul Stefaniuk, Vice President of Operations at Buehler’s Fresh Foods.

Buehler’s Fresh Foods raised $172,488, which translates into 689,952 meals, through our register campaign, fun employee contests, and food bins. Everyone involved in this campaign recognizes the continued struggle for folks to put food on their tables due to the pandemic and how clearly vital the foodbank is to a multitude of families.

The entire Buehler’s team passionately worked together to make this campaign a success for the Foodbanks and all who benefit from their mission. 

“Buehler’s Fresh Foods is a one-of-a-kind partner in the regional fight against hunger.  Their deep local roots and employee owners bring a sense of community and pride to their outstanding work and generous philanthropy” said Dan Flowers, President and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. “Throughout the pandemic, they have been courageous innovators in service that chains across the industry have modeled.  At the same time, Buehler’s staff and shoppers have raised an incredible amount of money in support of hunger-relief efforts.  When the story of this era in our history is written, the courage, ingenuity and deep sense of community exhibited by this exemplary partner in the fight against hunger will always be in the headlines to us at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.  Our deepest respect and thanks to everyone involved in the Harvest for Hunger Campaign at Buehler’s Fresh Foods. “

When asked about how this campaign was different from previous years, Lisa Teuscher, a Service & Facilities Manager, commented, “I believe many people are truly grateful for not having to stress about food; especially given the amount of media coverage that has been given to those struggling due to the ongoing pandemic.  This gratitude may have contributed to many people wanting to help others”.

“Our customers were happy to be helping take a bite out of hunger for those affected by the pandemic!”, said Service & Facilities Manager, JoAnne Vrtacnik.

Laurie Adrian, a Buehler’s manager, stated, “I believe people are feeling better about getting out as well as peoples’ generous spirit during Covid and helping those in need.”

A few facts about the Foodbank:

  • The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank distributes food and other essential items through its network of more than 500 food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters, children and senior programs and other hunger-relief programs in Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties.
  • The Foodbank’s eight-county region has seen an increase in the number of people facing food insecurity because of COVID-19. Food insecurity affects 1 in 6 individuals and 1 in 4 children.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in the number of people seeking emergency food assistance. 30 percent of families visiting a pantry within the Foodbank’s network were visiting for the very first time, meaning they’ve never needed to seek help before.
  • Distributed the equivalent of 27.4 million meals to the local community in 2020
  • Delivered more than 1,000 food orders directly to hunger-relief programs with the help of the Ohio National Guard, saving them valuable time and resources.
  • Made more than 12,000 deliveries directly to home-bound families and seniors in need through a cutting-edge partnership with DoorDash, United Way of Summit & Medina and CARE, the Cooperative Assistance & Relief Everywhere, Inc.

Buehler’s Fresh Foods has proudly supported the Akron-Canton Foodbank as a Harvest for Hunger participant for the past fourteen years. We want to do our part to end hunger in each of the communities we serve.

Our partnership with the Akron-Canton Foodbank aligns with our corporate values and goals, hence our continued relationship. We are an organization committed to putting people first and this campaign is all about taking care of people in need in our communities.

About Buehler’s Fresh Foods

Buehler’s Fresh Foods grocery store was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. The family moved the business in 1932 to Wooster, and, after four generations, grew to 13 stores serving the northeast Ohio market. In 2017, Buehler’s became an ESOP (employee stock ownership program) with the belief that selling to their own employees was the best way to assure the continuation of the innovative and creative spirit which made the chain a benchmark for independent grocers. 

Buehler’s Fresh Foods operates thirteen Buehler’s Fresh Foods supermarkets located in Wooster (2), Orrville, Wadsworth, Medina (2), Ashland, New Philadelphia, Dover, Jackson Township (Canton), Coshocton, Portage Lakes (Green) and Massillon, Ohio.

Buehler’s Fresh Foods is committed to environmentally responsible behavior, local sourcing of product and supporting the communities in which we operate. For more information visit www.buehlers.com.

Pictured: Andy Williams (Wooster Milltown store manager), Joyce Keener (Wooster Milltown Services & Facilities manager), Jeff O’Dell (Wooster Towne Market cashier), Jody Dawson (Wooster Towne Market store manager), Mike Davidson (EVP Sales & Marketing), Wanda Zimmerman (Wooster Milltown cashier), and Jenn Fortney (Development Director for the American Heart Association) .

Buehler’s Presents $46,189 to the American Heart Association for Life is Why We Give campaign

 

Once again, Buehler’s Fresh Foods continues to go the extra mile for the communities in which they serve through their commitment to giving back. The grocery retail chain participated in the Life is Why We Give campaign September 19 – October 17, 2020, asking customers to buy a $1, $5, or $10 heart in support of the American Heart Association of Stark and Wayne counties. Customers were encouraged to write their why on hearts which were posted at each of the stores to raise awareness. Buehler’s Wooster Milltown Store Manager, Andy Williams, Milltown’s Service & Facilities Manager, Joyce Keener, Buehler’s Community Relations Manager, Gayle Martin, Wooster Towne Market cashier, Jeff  O’Dell, Wooster Towne Market Store Manager, Jody Dawson, Buehler’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mike Davidson, and Milltown cashier, Wanda Zimmerman, presented a check for $46,189 to Jenn Fortney, Development Director for the American Heart Association.

The funds raised through the Life is Why We Give Campaign helped the American Heart Association reach its $150,000 goal for the Wayne Heart Walk. The AHA is using those funds to gift 200 automatic blood pressure cuffs to our community – as well as the resources to educate our community members on the importance of blood pressure control.

Mike Davidson, Buehler’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, stated, “It has been an honor to partner with the American Heart Association in their battle against Heart Disease and Stroke. I am humbled by the efforts of our Buehler’s teammates and the continued generosity of our customers. Our customers and teammates deserve all the credit for this successful program.

The work we did will save lives in the communities in which we serve.”

“The generosity of the Wayne County community continues to blow us away,” said Jenn Fortney. “Thanks to Buehler’s support and the generosity of their customers, the American Heart Association is able to fund research, educate, make changes, and provide lifesaving resources right here in Wayne County. Until the world is free of heart disease and stroke, we’ll be here working to make a healthier life possible for everyone. Thank you to this wonderful community for standing by us in that fight!”

In Stark and Wayne counties alone, heart disease and stroke claim 2,500 lives every year. But we are fighting back. In just the last year, the American Heart Association has trained more than 22,000 community members in CPR, reached more than 21,000 people through blood pressure screenings, and funded $22.3 million dollars for research.

 

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

 

About Buehler’s Fresh Foods:

Buehler’s Fresh Foods grocery store was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. The family moved the business in 1932 to Wooster and, after four generations, grew to 13 stores serving the northeast Ohio market. In 2017, Buehler’s became an ESOP (employee stock ownership program) with the belief that selling to their own employees was the best way to assure the continuation of the innovative and creative spirit that made the chain a benchmark for independent grocers.

The 13 Buehler’s Fresh Foods supermarkets are located in Wooster (2), Orrville, Wadsworth, Medina (2), Ashland, New Philadelphia, Dover, Jackson Township (Canton), Coshocton, Portage Lakes (Green), and Massillon, Ohio. Buehler’s Fresh Foods is committed to environmentally responsible behavior, local sourcing of product, and supporting the communities in which we operate. For more information, please visit www.buehlers.com.