First Place Jordan Long, Avail Services Brian Niles, Crown Poly Mike Philipps, Mesa Verde Trading Company
Second Place – Crystal Creamery
Brian Carden Joe DiMaggio Richard Hunter
Third Place – Classic Wines of California
Damon Franzia Brian Hudgins Chris Oswald Marc Ventre
Best Effort Player Virginia Stephens, CA Fortune
Top Shot @ Topgolf Photos
Two women smile as they shake hands; one holds tickets, the other carries a large blue bag. They stand near a door with an Exit Route sign, suggesting a friendly interaction in a public setting.
A man in a black shirt smiles while holding a blue tote bag, standing in a hallway among a group of people. One person in the foreground gestures toward him.
A smiling woman hands out blue tote bags with a CGAEF logo to people in a doorway. Another woman behind her also holds a bag, and several people are in the background. The setting appears to be indoors at an event.
A display banner with the logos of Vital Farms and HS&R Sales & Marketing Solutions hangs above golf club bags at an indoor golf facility. The setting includes golf bays, striped chairs, and glass windows.
Three men in golf attire stand smiling at a driving range, each holding a golf club. Two wear name badges, and the background shows a sunny day with green golf bays and distant trees.
Five smiling men holding golf clubs stand together indoors at a golf venue, posing in front of an OFI Organic Foods International sign. Golf bays and screens are visible in the background.
Two men smile and pose with golf clubs at an indoor golf venue. They stand in front of a sign that reads “Wheels Down for Retail” with the letters WMS above. Other people and golf bays are visible in the background.
Six adults stand together and smile for a group photo at an outdoor event. Most are wearing sunglasses and name badges. They are casually dressed, and the background shows a covered, open-air venue with sunlight streaming in.
Five people stand indoors holding golf clubs, smiling at the camera. They wear name tags and casual clothes. A UNFI sign is visible behind them, and the setting suggests an indoor golf or event venue.
Five smiling adults, three men and two women, stand closely together indoors, wearing name tags and casual clothes. The background shows a bright, sunlit view through tall windows.
Four men stand smiling in front of a Treasury Americas sign at an indoor golf venue. They are casually dressed and holding golf clubs, with equipment and other people visible in the background.
Six people stand side by side indoors at a golf venue, posing with golf clubs and wearing nametags. They are smiling, and behind them is a banner and golf equipment.
Four men in casual golf attire pose indoors with golf clubs, smiling in front of a Certified Federal Credit Union sign. Golf bags and equipment are visible around them.
Five men stand indoors holding golf clubs, smiling at the camera. They wear name tags and casual golf attire. A Molson Coors Beverage Company sign is visible behind them.
Four people stand smiling with golf clubs at an indoor driving range in front of a sign that reads Kellanova. Golf bags and driving range stalls are visible in the background.
Five people stand indoors at a golf driving range, holding golf clubs and smiling at the camera. The background shows golf bays, netting, and an outdoor field under clear daylight.
Five people stand and smile in front of a “Wholesale Curers” banner at an indoor event. Halloween-themed decorations and empty cups are visible on the table in front of them.
Two men sit on a black couch, engaged in conversation at an indoor golf venue. Both wear name tags, and one man has a drink on the table beside him. Golf equipment and a Honda sign are visible in the background.
Five men stand side by side at an indoor golf driving range, all smiling at the camera; three are holding golf clubs, and all are wearing name tags and casual attire. Golf nets and a clear sky are visible in the background.
Three people stand and smile near a “TruGrocer Federal Credit Union” sign at an indoor event. Two wear orange shirts and name tags; one is in a gray polo. Drinks and bags are on the table in front of them.
A smiling woman sits at a table speaking with a man in a plaid shirt. There are bags and a name badge on the table, and a banner with partially visible text is in the background.
Four men enthusiastically cheer with raised arms inside a sports bar or entertainment venue, drinks on the table, and sports screens in the background.
A man in a patterned shirt and blue pants prepares to swing a golf club at an indoor driving range, with other people and golf bays visible in the background.
Two men wearing name tags laugh together at an indoor event. One man holds a drink with a straw and an orange slice. Other people are visible in the background, but out of focus.
A man in a pale yellow polo shirt holds a can and talks to a woman in a denim jacket at an outdoor event, with golf clubs and another person blurred in the background.
People stand in individual bays at a multi-level driving range, some watching and others swinging golf clubs. Monitors are mounted above each bay, and a safety net runs along the open edge. The atmosphere appears lively.
A man in a blue shirt with a name tag speaks to another person at an indoor event booth. The booth has a banner in the background and various items on the table, including beads and small objects.
Two men sit on a black couch having a conversation at an indoor golf venue; one wears a cap and sunglasses, and the other has a wristband. Drinks and phones are on the table in front of them. Two more people sit in the background.
A man in a black cap and shirt swings a golf club at a driving range, preparing to hit a golf ball on a tee, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
Four people stand together indoors, smiling and posing with their arms outstretched in excitement. They wear casual clothes and name tags, suggesting a fun group or corporate event. Other people and tables are visible in the background.
A person wearing a patterned shirt, black shorts, and sneakers is swinging a golf club at a driving range, with trees, a road, and buildings visible in the background.
A large group of people sit at round tables in a modern, bright event room, engaging in conversation. Some look toward a speaker, while others talk in small groups. Event materials and tote bags are on tables and chairs.
Five people stand and chat in a modern conference room, holding tote bags. Screens display event and scholarship information in the background. Some are casually dressed, and everyone is smiling or engaged in conversation.
Two men sit at a round table during a meeting. One wears a red polo and glasses, looking thoughtful, while the other in a gray polo smiles and gestures. Papers and a glass of water are on the table.
A woman in a blue shirt speaks into a microphone at a podium, smiling, while another woman stands nearby. White gift bags and a cardboard box are visible in the foreground. A screen displays a photo and text in the background.
A man stands and smiles while others seated around him clap and smile in a conference room setting. The atmosphere is lively and positive, with food trays on a table in the foreground.
A smiling woman with long blonde hair and glasses holds a large gift basket with a red and gold ribbon. People are seated in the background at an indoor event.
A man smiles while arranging a figurine on a table next to a large yellow cooler and a white gift bag. There are chairs and another person in the background of the room.
A man in a light blue polo shirt holds a boxed Bose speaker and stands indoors. Gift bags and a table are visible in the background.
A smiling man poses with a maroon shoulder bag, making a shaka hand gesture. Other people and tables with bags are visible in the background at an indoor event.
A smiling woman in a blue shirt sits at a table holding an Echo Studio box. Other people are around the table with colorful Topgolf decor in the background.
A man in a green shirt holds three yellow raffle tickets and a brown duffel bag, while gesturing with his other hand. A sign behind him reads, KEEP CALM ITS RAFFLE TIME.
Two smiling people pose indoors, holding a large Traeger Tailgater grill box. The woman shows a yellow raffle ticket. In the background, a sign reads “Keep Calm It’s Raffle Time.” Other people are visible behind them.
Retailer Participation
Cardenas Markets Adam Salgado, Chief Marketing Officer
Foods Etc. Darin Austin, Meat Department Manager Lamont Kucer, Store Manager Andrew Pierson, Owner
Gelson’s Markets Jacquie Slobom, Sr. Director, Store Operations
Grocery Outlet, Inc. Greg Kobayashi, Director, Purchasing – Beer/Wine/Spirits Paul Miller, Vice President, Purchasing – Grocery Lori Kunkle, Deli Buyer
Mar-Val Food Stores Jeremy Dodson, Supervisor Tyler Kidd, Supervisor/Buyer
North State Grocery Brad Askeland, President/CEO Doug Duggins, Vice President – North Division Laurence Kincaid, Sav-Mor Foods Director (Grocery) Patty Zimmerman, Holiday Market Director (DSD/GM/Liquor)
Nutricion Fundamental, Inc. Jon Giannini, General Manager
Raley’s Jon Haduca, Merchant – Center Store Edibles Mike Johnson, Merchant – Center Store Edibles Joe Lima, Senior Merchant – Center Store Edibles
Safeway Phil Fernandez, Assistant Liquor Manager Hector Fuentes, Store Director Matt Kurtz, Assistant Sales Manager (Beverages) Blake Mendenhall, Marketing Promo Manager Any Nunes, Assistant Sales Manager (Meals) Joe Ortiz, National Category Director, Corporate Merchandising Erica Tabler, Assistant Sales Manager (Hispanic/Ethnic) Steve Torgerson, Acting Center of Store Operations
Smart & Final Stores Mike Barter, Director of Operations Rich Tovatt, Group Vice President, Perishables & Merchandising
The Save Mart Companies Frank Chandler, Sales Director (Beer, Wine & Liquor) Greg Compagnone, Sr. Sales Director (GM/HBC) Scott Jardine, Vice President, Distribution John Norman, Vice President, Save Mart Operations
United Markets Andrea Franks, Store Director Jeffrey French, Store Director
"The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation has been an active participant in my educational journey. From Junior College to Graduate School, the CGAEF has been there every semester to assist me with tuition reimbursement. Although I took a slight turn from retail management to supply chain management, the CGAEF was still there for my family. My family and I are very grateful to CGAEF and the assistance the foundation has provided."
Scott MoyeCostco Wholesale
“The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation played an immense role in helping me achieve my WAFC Retail Management Certificate. Knowing that CGAEF would reimburse me for the qualifying classes was a huge factor in motivating me to attend. The knowledge that I obtained from each of the classes has been invaluable and has provided me with many more skills to be successful at my job. I appreciate the opportunity CGAEF has provided me and others in pursuing our educational goals!”
Kim GothierStater Bros. Markets
“The Tuition Reimbursement Program has helped me financially during these tough times in our economy. If it was not for them reimbursing me, I probably would not be able to take these classes. I am very thankful for the Tuition Reimbursement Program.”
Thomas WrightAlbertsons
“I am so passionate about education and I love school. Education can be expensive! The Foundation reimbursement program affords me the opportunity to take the classes I need in my current field, creating greater opportunities and options. I am an advocate for education that is why I constantly promote the CGAEF Program to my peers within our organization. Thank you for all you have done to help me achieve my goals.”