Hall of Achievement Dinner - CGA Educational Foundation

Shane Sampson, Jim Perkins, & Herb Smith honored at Foundation’s annual awards event

Three distinguished grocery industry leaders with longstanding ties to California’s grocery community were inducted into the Foundation’s esteemed Hall of Achievement on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Turn 11 venue @ Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California.

Nearly 400 industry peers, colleagues, friends, and family members joined the gala in celebration of Shane Sampson, retired CEO for The Save Mart Companies, Jim Perkins, President & CEO for The Save Mart Companies, & Herb Smith, Vice President of Off-Premise Customer Development & Category Management for Gallo.

The Hall of Achievement recognizes exceptional grocery executives whose leadership has made a lasting impact on both the grocery industry and the local communities they serve. Event proceeds directly support the Foundation’s college scholarship and tuition reimbursement initiatives, which are projected to distribute more than $1,000,000 in educational assistance to members of the grocery community in 2026.

“Shane, Jim and Herb exemplify the very best of our industry’, said CGAEF President Ron Fong. “Their induction into the Hall of Achievement is not only a well-deserved honor, but also a moment for our industry to come together in celebration and purpose. The industry’s support of the HOA event enables the Foundation to continue investing in the next generation of grocery leaders and ensures its impact continues for years to come.”

The Hall of Achievement Dinner also celebrated CGA’s Rising Stars, emerging professionals recognized for their impact on the industry, leadership potential, and commitment to uplifting teams, inspiring communities, and investing in their own growth. The 2026 Rising Stars recipients included:

Courtney Carranza, Director of Public Affairs & Communications, Albertsons/Vons
Christian Spoor, Director of Customer Development, Botticelli Foods
Katee Gustavson, Community Engagement Coordinator, BriarPatch Food Co-Op
Brie Walker, Account Executive, Flashfood
Branden Hester, District Director, Sprouts Farmers Market
Keely Antonio, Director of Sales & Marketing, Superior Brands
Parminder Dhillon, Senior Manager of Food Safety, The Save Mart Companies
Andria Monceaux, Vice President of Sales, Twang Brands

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Men in suits view items displayed on tables outside, including wine bottles and gift bags.

Three people in formal attire talk and smile at an outdoor event near a racetrack.

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Three people pose together and smile at an indoor event.

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Four people pose together and smile at an indoor event with tables in the background.

A woman speaks at a podium with a cgaef sign, in front of a black curtain.

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Seven people in formal attire holding awards, standing on a stage with a US flag behind them.

Five people in business attire sit attentively in a modern, stylish lounge setting.

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A man in a suit speaks into a microphone on stage at a cgaef event.

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People at an auction event holding up numbered bidding cards in a crowded room.

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Three people in formal attire pose together, with an American flag in the background.

Two men in suits smiling and holding an award together at an indoor event.

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Two people exchange an award and framed certificate at a formal event on a stage.

Two people in formal attire smiling and holding a glass award together on stage.

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Five people speak on a panel in front of an audience, beside the American flag on stage.

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Five people in formal attire sit on a stage panel with a U.S. flag in the background.

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Three men in suits sit; the man in the middle speaks into a microphone and points to the right.

Five people in formal attire posing together indoors in front of a black curtain and a U.S. flag.

Click here for more 2026 event photos

Hall of Achievement Award

The CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement is a prestigious award program developed to honor those who have contributed substantially to the benefit and advancement of the California grocery industry.

The Hall of Achievement provides the grocery industry with the opportunity to recognize the achievements of those individuals who, through their foresight and dedication, have enhanced California’s food-distribution industry. They are people who have made a difference.

Nominees must meet the following requirements:

Enhance the quality of California’s food industry.
Demonstrate a commitment to charitable activities and public service programs that enhance the quality of life.
Participate in major fund-raising campaigns and community charitable events.
Involve themselves in humanitarian and cultural causes and enhance community education, and
Volunteer for charitable and civic programs.

Past Hall of Achievement Inductees

The Hall of Achievement Dinner serves as the Foundation’s primary fundraiser that supports the College Scholarship, Tuition Reimbursement, and Industry Education Programs.

Consent to Use of Likeness: Registration and attendance at, or participation in, CGA or CGAEF meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to CGA/CGAEF’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendees’ imagine or voice in photographs, recordings, and electronic reproductions of such events and activities.

The CGA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit tax-exempt organization which supports and provides educational opportunities for the grocery industry. A portion of each ticket purchase is deductible as a charitable contribution. All Tribute Journal advertisements and event sponsorships are tax deductible contributions.