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KANSAS CITY, KS, and ST. CLOUD, MN, July 16, 2021 – Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) and Coborn’s, Inc. (Coborn’s) announced they have reached an agreement for AWG to serve as the primary wholesale supplier to Coborn’s. Based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Coborn’s is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,300 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin operating under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, and Hornbacher’s banners.

AWG will commence supply of grocery products to the Coborn’s stores in January 2022 from AWG’s new Upper Midwest Division in St Cloud, Minnesota situated in the former Creative Memories warehouse facility located in St. Cloud’s I-94 Business Park at Opportunity Drive and I-94. Fresh and frozen products will temporarily ship from AWG’s Nebraska and Great Lakes Divisions.

Later in 2022, AWG will complete a new fresh and frozen warehouse at a location still to be determined. Once completed, these warehouses will provide more than 650,000 square feet of warehouse space and accommodate the full-line distribution of products to Coborn’s and other AWG member stores in the region. Additionally, once a site is selected for the new fresh and frozen warehouse and completed, AWG plans a future expansion into a single state-of-the-art facility with automated high-tech operations and with up to one million square feet of space, based on retail demand. In total, AWG expects this project to create over 400 new jobs.

The Upper Midwest Division will supply and support current and future cooperative members closer to the new operation. The service area will include Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, providing those member-retailers a more localized assortment, lower cost of goods, and saving those AWG members millions of dollars annually through reduced freight expenses.

This expansion will create AWG’s ninth full-line wholesale Division. AWG currently operates Divisions in Kansas City, KS; Springfield, MO; Oklahoma City, OK; Southaven, MS; Goodlettsville, TN; Pearl River, LA; Kenosha, WI; and Norfolk, NE. The new Upper Midwest Division will be overseen by Danny Lane, AWG Senior Vice President, and long-time industry veteran.

“We are excited about the prospect of AWG’s newest facility opening in St. Cloud bringing investment, jobs, and services in support of existing local businesses,” said St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis. “The proposed state-of-the-art facility aligns with the City’s key industry sectors in automation and food manufacturing.”

David Smith, AWG’s President, and CEO said, “The upper Midwest is home to Coborn’s and other extraordinary independent grocers. We have experienced strong growth in this region, but distance and distribution costs weren’t favorable for our members or us. We believe this new Division will be a game-changer for grocers in the area and will quickly become our highest growth Division”.

“We are excited to embark on this new partnership with AWG and to be a part of their plans to expand into Minnesota. This partnership provides Coborn’s a strong wholesale partner and positions our company well for future long-term growth and stability,” said Chris Coborn, Chairman, President and CEO, Coborn’s. “As an employee-owned company, we are proud to join the AWG co-op which allows us to continue to serve our guests in a remarkable way. As community members, we are also pleased about the additional jobs this will create for Central Minnesota.”

“Coborn’s is one of the nation’s top independent grocers, with a rich history and impressive 100-year track record of retail excellence and growth while serving and supporting their communities. We’re very excited to welcome Coborn’s to the AWG cooperative family, and it’s a blessing to know that we can now support them as they enter the next century of their history”, said Smith.

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving over 1,000 member companies and over 3,100 locations throughout 28 states from 8 full-line wholesale Divisions. The consolidated sales for AWG are $10.6 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide specific real estate and supermarket development services, print and digital marketing services, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmaceutical products, specialty foods, and natural and organic products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com and follow @AWGCorporate on Twitter.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,300 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was recognized by the Shelby Report Midwest as their Retailer of the Year.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc. is excited to announce the grand re-opening of its recently-completed Park Rapids, MN location.

Several grand opening events will be held to celebrate the newly remodeled Coborn’s. The store will host a ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14th. The remodeled store will offer new, enhanced services, an expanded assortment of products and fresh, enlarged perimeter fresh departments and new updated décor and a refreshed north-woods themed exterior to make the shopping experience even more unique! During the grand re-opening event, guests can enjoy samples throughout the store.

Coborn’s, Inc. has updated 19 of its 28 Coborn’s locations to its new, next-generation format. The company first introduced the updated concept in its Coborn’s division at its Coborn’s Marketplace in Isanti, MN in 2016. Since then, the company has remodeled several other Coborn’s stores in Minnesota to this format. The company is also building a new store in Buffalo, MN, to open later in 2021.

Some features of the newly remodeled Park Rapids store include:

The Kitchen: This new centerpiece area will serve made-to-order entrees that are packaged in-store for easy, convenient pick-up and quick at-home preparation. Specialty pizzas, delicious sandwiches and other grab-and-go breakfast, lunch and dinner options are just a few of the items guests will find in the Kitchen, in addition to a newly added Bake Shoppe and fresh Popcorn and Cotton Candy offering.

New Offerings in Meat and Seafood: In addition to the already wide selection of quality fresh meat products, several new items have been introduced, including a variety of smoked meats, Legendary Angus Beef products, an expanded seafood selection and more. The meat department also offers a variety of grab-and-go meal options as well.

Expanded Farmers’ Market produce: The first department in the store, our newly expanded produce department is filled with the freshest produce and items of the season including fruits, vegetables, salads, cut fruit, trays and more.

Online shopping: Guests can place their order online by visiting Coborns.com or by shopping on any mobile or desktop device and have their order waiting for them for pickup at a designated timeslot they’ve chosen at the store. As more and more consumers are looking to save time, the online shopping service is becoming more and more popular, especially with many Park Rapids lakes area visitors who can order prior to arriving, swing by and pick up their order conveniently without even leaving their vehicle.

Coborn’s in Park Rapids is led by Store Director Jonathan Du Shane who has served the company in a variety of store leadership positions since joining the company in 2009.

About Coborn’s, Inc. St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,300 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was recognized by the Shelby Report Midwest as their Retailer of the Year.

ST. CLOUD, MN – The Coborn Family Foundation announced today, a $1 Million pledge to the Great River Children’s Museum. Additionally, the company announced that it is recognizing 10 St. Cloud area non-profit organizations with $10,000 gifts to commemorate the company’s 100th Anniversary celebration.

Local charitable organizations receiving $10,000 gifts from the company include Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, Anna Marie’s Alliance, Pathways for Youth, Paramount Theatre, Great Theatre Company, Tri-County Humane Society, Kiwanis, Quiet Oaks Hospice House and the St. Cloud Rotary. Check presentations were made to representatives from each of the organizations at the June 30th Summertime by George concert in downtown St. Cloud.

“The work that each of these organizations does for our community is truly inspiring,” CEO and Chairman Chris Coborn said. “Coborn’s is proud to support these organizations and the important work they do to help Central Minnesota families, children and our communities thrive. It’s important that we all support organizations in our region that make us stronger together and provide vibrant places for us all to live and work.”

Emily Coborn, president of the Coborn Family Foundation and vice president of operations for Coborn’s, Inc’s eastern region said, “We’re pleased to support the Great River Children’s Museum, where families can come together and be strengthened as they experience the joy of play together. This will be a significant addition to our community once it opens. We are thankful to the Central Minnesota community for the 100 years of support it has provided to Coborn’s, Inc. and we are pleased to give back to Central Minnesota families through these gifts.”

The Coborn Family Foundation was established jointly by Coborn’s, Inc., and members of the Coborn family in December 2015. The foundation facilitates the major gifts that Coborn’s, Inc., designates to communities where it operates retail locations and ensures that dollars set aside for charitable giving carry out the company’s core value of community giving. Annually, the company and its employees contribute more than $3 million in financial support as well as hundreds of volunteer hours to organizations and causes in communities where it operates.

About Coborn’s, Inc. St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,300 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was recognized by the Shelby Report Midwest as their Retailer of the Year.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc. is excited to announce the company’s 100th anniversary this year. Since its humble beginnings in 1921, Coborn’s, Inc. has been a leader in the grocery industry, growing from a one-room produce market in Sauk Rapids, MN to expansion of a regional employee-owned grocery retailer employing 9,400 employees and 59 grocery stores. The company operates more than 120 various retail and business support units across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

In 1921 Chester R. Coborn opened the Sauk Rapids, MN flagship store and during its first two decades, the grocer expanded in size and selection, changes that were driven by economic necessity and his commitment to innovation. The third-generation of family members, brothers Bob, Dan, Bill and Ron Coborn would begin the chain’s significant expansion during the 1970’s and 80’s¬, a time when changes in the grocery industry focused on services to provide convenient shopping to its customers. Considerable growth was seen during the 1990’s as the independent retailer remained committed to the pillars of fresh offerings, value and customer service. The turn of the century ushered in a new entrepreneurial spirit when fourth generation family member, Chris Coborn, became chairman, president and CEO. Chris has driven significant growth and change in the organization under his leadership over the past two decades. Two of Chris’s children, Emily and Peter, are now fifth-generation leaders in the organization as well.

As Coborn’s, Inc. celebrates 100 years, they live by their vision to “Be Remarkable!” The company remains committed to serving the communities where it operates and has donated millions of dollars, thousands of volunteer hours and numerous in-kind gifts to clubs and small non-profits that support youth and fighting hunger.

The grocer remains an industry leader through innovations in e-commerce shopping, a sophisticated customer loyalty program and ongoing investments in the company’s stores to modernize and meet today’s consumer demands.

“2020 was a challenging year for all of us as we dealt with the ongoing challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented. But since the company was founded back in 1921 by my great-grandfather, the company has stood the test of time through many difficulties,” fourth-generation Chairman, President and CEO Chris Coborn said. “Our guests, our business partners and our employees have made the difference. Through hard work, supporting one another, and giving back to our communities, we know we can manage through the tough times and celebrate the good ones, today and in the next 100 years.”

Coborn’s, Inc. will kick off their 100th year celebrations with special events throughout 2021 beginning April 11 with “Deals of the Century” in-store savings, special appreciation events, employee activities, a recipe exchange, and special commemorative website content featuring the history of Coborn’s, Inc. at www.coborns.com/100years.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,500 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, the company celebrates its 100th anniversary.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc. has named Chad Nellis as the new Director of Pharmacy Operations of the employee-owned grocery chain.

Nellis has held various management positions with Walgreens and most recently with Fairview Pharmacy Services. With over 21 years in the pharmacy industry, his passion for both store and pharmacy operations will be an asset to the Coborn’s, Inc. organization.

“Chad has vast knowledge in pharmacy management, supervisory operations and regional administration in greater Minnesota,” said Nathan Tykwinski, vice president of operations and retail services. “Chad’s previous pharmacy management experience will help us continue to grow our pharmacy operations.”

Nellis will oversee pharmacy operations of its 38 pharmacy locations in Minnesota and South Dakota, including long-term care facilities and Central Support Pharmacy.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,500 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, the company celebrates its 100th anniversary.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc. is excited to announce that the City of Buffalo has approved a development plan anchored by a Coborn’s Marketplace grocery store and proposed by Rice Companies along the Hwy. 55 and 25 corridor. With its continued growth and expansion in neighboring communities, Coborn’s, Inc. saw this as an opportunity to re-enter the Buffalo market. This store will become the 60th grocery store and the 29th Coborn’s supermarket in the company’s portfolio. The company recently completed updates at its Coborn’s Marketplace locations in Hastings, Foley, Big Lake and Princeton, MN and has several other locations currently being updated. Its newest store recently celebrated its grand-opening in Otsego, MN along the fast-growing I-94 corridor between Rogers and Elk River, MN.

The Buffalo supermarket will showcase the next-generation of Coborn’s offerings with much of the store dedicated to fresh departments. The store will include enhanced services, an expanded assortment of products and décor to provide a unique shopping experience for its customers. Store features will include a full-service Caribou Coffee, as well as a drive-thru pharmacy, curbside pick-up service and a fuel center. Construction will begin in mid-April with a store opening target date of November, 2021.

The location in Buffalo marks the latest updates in the company’s ever-evolving formats to best-serve its guests. Chris Coborn, the company’s chairman, president and CEO said, “When this parcel became available, we saw this as an opportunity to re-enter the Buffalo market. Our goal is to serve the Buffalo community with expanded offerings in fresh and remarkable guest service and value, all in a brand-new location along the highly traveled Hwy 55 and 25 corridor.”

This new store, when completed, will be the 19th next-generation store format. Coborn’s Marketplace opened its first next-generation concept store in Isanti, MN in 2016. Plans for the development are being finalized and more details about the store’s opening will be released in the future.

About Coborn’s, Inc. St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,500 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2018, Coborn’s was named to the Star Tribune’s “Top Workplaces in Minnesota” list and was also recently named to Achievers’ list of “50 Most Engaged Workplaces” for the third year in a row.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc., is pleased to announce that Produce Managers Shawn Fast from Coborn’s, Sauk Rapids MN and James Keller from Hornbacher’s Foods, Fargo, ND, are recipients of the 2021 United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Award. This program pays special recognition to produce managers–essential workers of the food supply chain–who work to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Shawn and James were nominated by operations specialists from their respective regions within Coborn’s, Inc. As part of the awards program, winners will participate alongside a Coborn’s, Inc., representative at the United Fresh 2021 Convention and Expo. Participation in the event will be a combination of virtual and in-person events to celebrate winners, given the unique circumstances of this year.

United Fresh Produce Association unites member companies together across the produce industry. Together with other members, United Fresh empowers industry leadership to shape government policy and delivers resources and expertise to companies in managing their business while training and developing individuals in the advancement of their careers in produce.

Coborn’s, Inc. employees strive each day to live out the words of the company’s vision to “Be Remarkable” through excellent customer service and serving the communities it represents. Shawn and James both exemplify remarkable examples of leadership and treating every customer with respect and superior product knowledge. Coborn’s, Inc. congratulates Shawn and James for this highly-respected award and for being exceptional leaders.

About Coborn’s, Inc. St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,400 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2018, Coborn’s was named to the Star Tribune’s “Top Workplaces in Minnesota” list and was also recently named to Achievers’ list of “50 Most Engaged Workplaces” for the third year in a row.