Annual Award Will Recognize Independent Grocery Leaders Who Mentor, Empower, and Prepare the Next Generation for Leadership
Washington, D.C. – The National Grocers Association Foundation (NGA Foundation) today announced the creation of the Catalyst for Independence Award, a new annual award recognizing leaders who have made an extraordinary investment in developing and promoting the next generation of independent grocery leaders.
The award will be presented during the 2026 NGA Executive Conference, taking place October 20-22 in Chicago, Illinois and the winner will be acknowledged during the NGA Foundation Fundraiser that takes place in conjunction with the event.
The Catalyst for Independence Award will honor a leader whose mentorship, advocacy, and commitment to developing others has helped ensure the continued success and vibrant future of the independent supermarket industry. This new award ties into the NGA Foundation’s strategic plan which views the Foundation as a catalyst for a thriving independent grocery industry and has a core commitment of preserving independence for generations to come.
“An independent grocer’s greatest legacy is the leaders they build,” said Chelsea Matzen, NGA Foundation Vice President. “Our industry’s future depends on experienced leaders who intentionally share their knowledge, provide meaningful opportunities and empower the next generation to take responsibility. Through the Catalyst for Independence Award, NGA will celebrate those who cultivate the future of the independent grocery industry.”
The award will recognize leaders within NGA member companies who demonstrate excellence across four pillars:
- Proactive Mentorship & Talent Development
- Empowerment Through Responsibility & Accountability
- Excellence in Succession & Continuity
- Lasting Impact on Independence
Nominations are open and can be submitted here. Apply by August 21.
NGA Foundation is searching for a partner to sponsor this award and help show their commitment and support of the next generation of grocer leaders. Those interested can contact Chelsea Matzen at cmatzen@nationalgrocers.org.
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About the NGA Foundation
The NGA Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Grocers Association. We work alongside the independent grocery industry to invest in its people, strengthen its operations, and protect its future. We cultivate talent, ignite innovation, and preserve independence across generations — so that grocers can continue to serve the communities that depend on them. Our programming encompasses students, leadership development, supporting women in the industry, frontline worker training, free personalized support for business innovation, and succession planning. For more information, visit www.ngafoundation.org.
About NGA
NGA is the nation’s leading trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating in a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector accounts for 2 percent of the nation’s overall economy and generates more than $557.5 billion in annual economic activity, 1.5 million jobs, $115 billion in wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers’ associations, manufacturers, and service suppliers
