FRANKFORT, Ken. -- In recognition of his lifelong leadership in the Kentucky grocery industry, Bill Remke, president and CEO of Remke Markets Inc., was inducted into the Kentucky Grocers Association and Kentucky Association of Convenience Stores Hall of Fame in July.
The Hall of Fame is a way of recognizing outstanding lifetime leaders in the grocery industry. Remke became one of only five grocers inducted into the Hall of Fame in the association's 68-year history, and the first since 2006.
"We want to recognize Bill's achievements and pay tribute to a man who has [image-nocss] dedicated much of his life to the Kentucky food industry, and who has consistently exceeded goals," said Ted Mason, KGA executive director. "Bill has made a huge impact on the Kentucky grocery industry, and we are proud to honor him with this event."
Remke, a native Northern Kentuckian, is the third generation to be involved in the company. He started working at Remke Markets at a young age, and took over operations in the early 1970s.
During Remke's years as owner, president and CEO, Remke Markets has expanded to eight locations, opened pharmacies, and moved its warehouse and corporate office. Remke Markets just celebrated its 111th year of serving grocery needs in the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati area.
Induction attendees included KGA staff and board members, Remke Market employees, representatives from local governments, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and vendors who have longtime relationships with Remke. Messages from U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning and U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis were also read honoring Remke.
Remke received an engraved Kentucky Hall of Fame trophy and an oversized framed portrait signed by luncheon attendees, along with many awards and proclamations. A slide show and pictures from the event are located on the KGA website at www.kgaonline.org.
Remke graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1963 and the University of Dayton in 1967. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970. He has three children and five grandchildren and is a supporter of the Diocesan Catholic Children's Home, The Point, Rising Star Studios, Redwood and Mary Queen of Heaven Church. He has been a board member of the Boone County Conservancy since 2005.
Founded in 1941, the Kentucky Grocers Association and Kentucky Association of Convenience Stores is a joint statewide trade association representing approximately 550 member companies operating 3,300 retail locations across Kentucky. Membership includes retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and related suppliers to the grocery, supermarket, and convenience-store industries.
Remke Markets is an employee-owned business that began in 1897. Today, it has seven locations in Northern Kentucky.
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