Vollrath’s Bartelt Retires; Lampe to Join as CEO, President
After successfully navigating the global supply chain challenges and having a record-breaking year of sales in 2022, Vollrath Company President and CEO Paul Bartelt has decided to retire after leading the organization for over 15 years.
Erik Lampe will join the company in March to assume the position of president initially and then take over as CEO in June. He comes to Vollrath with a background in general management, strategic growth, innovation, and operational performance for industrial companies. He spent the majority of his career working for Oshkosh Corporation and McKinsey & Company, where he served in a variety of strategic leadership roles. For the last year, he worked as a principal for Comvest Partners’ Operating Advisory Group, where he served as a leader for the firm’s privately held companies, guiding them through the recent dynamic environment.Bartelt says: “There comes a time for all of us to move on, and I feel confident that this is the right moment for me to transition to the next phase of my life. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to be the President and CEO of this great company, and with Erik, I am confident to leave the organization in the most competent hands.” Bartelt will remain on the Vollrath Board for the foreseeable future and will continue to provide support for the company and the new CEO.
“Given Vollrath’s family-held history and long-term orientation into the future, I am proud to be a part of the company’s next chapter as it surpasses the 150-year anniversary,” says Lampe.
Additionally, VP of Finance and CFO Steve Heun has also decided to step down after being with the company for over 15 years also.
Tina Kreidler, the current director of finance & controller at Vollrath, will be promoted to VP of Finance and will work closely with Heun until his departure this fall.
Danielle Kohler, Chairwoman of the Vollrath Board, said: “The family wants to thank Paul and Steve for doing a tremendous job over their 15-year tenure. They have built an incredible company and team. We are also grateful they will both be with us for a smooth transition into the next chapter of the company. We are confident that Erik Lampe, who is stepping into Paul’s shoes as our next CEO, is highly qualified and will fit well into our culture as our new leader.”
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Goya Foods Sends Food, Drinks to East Palestine, Ohio
Goya Foods, through its Goya Gives global initiative, is sending ready-to-serve Goya food and beverages to the people of East Palestine and surrounding areas in response to the Ohio train derailment.
“The impact of this disaster is devastating on both the community and the environment. East Palestine has been treated like a forgotten town, and while this may be a small community, it is not a forgotten community by Goya. We are always present during moments of tragedy for all people in need,” said Bob Unanue, president and CEO of Goya Foods.
Goya products will be received and distributed with the help of Chaney Nezbeth, executive director of Way Station, a community resource for families and individuals in need.
“Being able to offer the residents of East Palestine food and beverages options that don’t require their tap water for preparation is something no one else had even thought of. The variety of items that Goya is providing is incredible and absolutely needed right now,” Nezbeth said.
Through Goya Gives, Goya is always at the forefront of natural disasters and humanitarian relief efforts, donating millions of pounds of food each year in the United States and worldwide. Most recently, Goya donated food to the people of Turkey and Syria.
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Louisiana Winn-Dixie Stores Celebrate Carnival
In the spirit of Carnival season, Winn-Dixie is honoring its long-standing heritage in the Louisiana community by celebrating traditions locals know and love. With nearly 67 years of experience serving the state’s diverse communities, Winn-Dixie is committed to commemorating Louisiana’s rich history and time-honored traditions with delicious food, local celebrations and of course by taking part in the biggest celebration of the year, Mardi Gras.
Lynn Rushing, regional vice president for Winn-Dixie, said, “At Winn-Dixie, we are excited to join the Carnival revelry with our local communities again this year! We are incredibly proud of our deep-rooted history in Louisiana, and it is a privilege to honor the culture and community that has supported us since 1956. Winn-Dixie celebrates the diverse traditions and unique foods that make Louisiana truly special – this Carnival season and all year long.”
To help customers easily enjoy a Carnival season staple in a variety of ways, Winn-Dixie is offering freshly baked king cakes in 50 different flavors ranging from traditional cinnamon to varieties that include moist, decadent fillings like cream cheese, strawberry, chocolate and much more. In addition to delicious and unique king cakes, Winn-Dixie is also offering a variety of deli assortments that are perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras, including a variety of flavored wings, live or boiled crawfish and fresh miniature muffulettas.
The neighborhood grocer is committed to bringing the spirit of Mardi Gras to customers throughout the season by hosting several free events to celebrate. Customers can enjoy fun-filled revelry with local favorite foods and community festivities to celebrate while they shop at their neighborhood stores. Attendees will enjoy live entertainment, king cake sampling, product giveaways, family friendly games and more:
Friday, Feb. 10 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Zachary Winn-Dixie, located at 5005 Church St., Zachary, LA 70791
Saturday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Covington Winn-Dixie, located at 2100 Collins Blvd., Suite 132, Covington, LA 70433
Saturday, Feb. 18 from 8 – 11 a.m. at the Algiers Winn-Dixie, located at 3008 Holiday Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131
Saturday, Feb. 18 from 12 – 3 p.m. at the Mid-City Winn-Dixie, located at 401 N. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119
On February 21, Mardi Gras day, Winn-Dixie will join the Krewe of Covington and Krewe of Argus in Metairie to celebrate with parade-goers. The community can enjoy the grocer’s signature throws including specialty beads, SE Grocers snack foods and Winn-Dixie swag items. In Metairie, neighbors are encouraged to look for the Winn-Dixie themed float. Local stores will remain open during normal business hours to serve customers as they celebrate.
With 28 stores in Louisiana and nearly 67 years of experience, Winn-Dixie remains steadfast in its goal to constantly improve the “makin’ groceries” experience for its customers. The grocer is committed to providing extensive selections of homegrown favorites and everyday brands locals love. Last year, Winn-Dixie launched its online shopping platform to save customers more time and money. The platform offers customers the same great promotions, savings and prices found in stores with the convenience of delivery in as little as two hours. For more information, including location availability, customers are encouraged to visit WinnDixie.com.
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