LAS VEGAS, Feb. 19, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michael A. Provenzano, Sr., president and chief executive officer of Pro's Ranch Markets, one of the fastest growing supermarket companies in the U.S., was named the recipient of the first Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, which was presented by Kraft Foods at the recent National Grocers Association (NGA) convention here on Feb. 16, 2009.
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The award, named after NGA's current and long-serving president and chief executive officer, was created by Kraft Foods as a way to highlight and reward retailers that have shown the most tangible examples of persistence, vision and creative entrepreneurship throughout the past year. In presenting the award, Provenzano was recognized for his ability to develop his 12-year-old company into one of the largest -- and most successful -- Hispanic retail grocery chains in the United States. Pro's Ranch Markets presently owns and operates 11 stores -- four in California (Central Valley region), five in Phoenix, Ariz., one in Albuquerque, N.M. and one in El Paso, Texas. Later this year, the company expects to open two new stores in the Phoenix market.
Conceptually, Pro's Ranch Markets strives to re-create the festive atmosphere of a Mexican marketplace inside each one of their stores. By offering a wide array of fully-prepared, hot Mexican foods for take-home or in-store dining, unique perimeter departments that emphasize freshness (seafood, produce, creamery, in-store bakery, full-service meat case, tortilleria) and authentic Hispanic grocery and specialty items throughout the store, Pro's Ranch Markets have become a popular destination for anyone looking for an authentic Hispanic shopping experience.
"It's always nice to be recognized for your work, but it's particularly gratifying to be named the very first recipient of an entirely new award," said Mike Provenzano upon receiving the Zaucha Award. "My family and I have put our hearts and souls into building this business and we believe we have created something very special in Pro's Ranch Markets. The consuming public seems to agree -- and for that we are grateful and most appreciative."
Pro's Ranch Markets operates 11 Hispanic format retail grocery stores in four states -- Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. The stated goal of the company is to build long-lasting relationships with customers by providing only the highest quality of professional service on a daily basis. The company's motto is simple and direct: "From our family business to your family, we dedicate our service and smile to you."
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
