Executive of the Year and Elite Sales & Marketing Awards

Please join us on Monday, April 29, 2024, as we celebrate our annual Executive of the Year and Elite Sales & Marketing Awards presented by West Herr.  BNSME will honor the 2024 Executive of the Year:

John Persons, Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Grocery Inc. 
Parent Company of Tops Friendly Markets

About our 2024 Executive of the Year:  John Persons was named chief executive officer of Northeast Grocery Inc. in 2024.  Northeast Grocery Inc, is the parent company of Tops and Price Chopper/Market 32.  John previously served as president and chief operating officer for Tops Markets since 2015.  Tops operates 157 full-service supermarkets and 60 gas stations in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. John’s supermarket career began as a cart clerk in 1984, but it was his promotion to store manager in 1992 that started him down the path toward roles of increasing responsibility and leadership within the organization. Over his 36 years with Tops, John’s roles have encompassed oversight for various aspects of the organization, including operations, sales and marketing, and real estate. 

At the Executive of the Year Gala, we will also recognize the achievements of local Sales & Marketing professionals with our Elite Sales & Marketing Award. This award is given to individuals who have excelled in representing their companies.  

BNSME will also honor one college or university student who is majoring in business or marketing and has already made an impact in the industry. The Collegiate Award includes a $500 scholarship check payable to the award recipient.  

Event Schedule:
5:00 p.m.  Cocktail Reception including open bar and sampling by local vendors 
6:15 p.m. Dinner* and Awards presentation

*Attendees have a choice of entree: 
 - 8 oz. Prime Rib boneless cut served with au jus 
 - Bourbon Chicken (GF) grilled chicken breast served with sweet bourbon glaze and garnished with fresh pineapple
 - Salmon (GF) served with a lemon herb sauce 
 - Vegetable Napolean eggplant, roasted red peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash with balsamic glaze

Sampling Vendors: Sadie's Relish | Charlie the Butcher | Boar's Head | Rosina's & Celentano's | Rich Products | A.J. Letizio | Affinity Group Retail (Affinity brands will include Yancey's Fancy, Ithaca Hummus, Issa's Pita Chips, Formaggio Cheese, Taste of the South Dips, Fruit Fresh Up)

Thank you to our Master of Ceremonies:

Scott D. Levin
Evening News Anchor 
WGRZ-TV Buffalo, NY

Thank you to our event sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: West Herr Auto Group

Gold Sponsors: C&S Wholesale Grocers | Coca-Cola Northeast | JOH Upstate  | Kaleida Health | Frito Lay & Pepsi | Tops Friendly Markets  

Education Sponsor: Kreher Family Farms

Silver Sponsor: Affinity Group Retail  | Harter Secrest & Emery LLP  | WatchGuard Cybersecurity Solutions delivered by PCA Technology Group  |  UNFI

Dessert Sponsor: Perry's Ice Cream

Bronze Table Sponsor: Acosta |  Career Partners International Buffalo Niagara  | Reid Petroleum  | Rich Products

                   

Advertising Sponsor: Buffalo Business First

Print Sponsor: Marketing Tech

VIEW 2023 AWARDS PHOTOS