Baker’s IGA receives Pinnacle Award
AWARD: Gary and Terrie Baker, owners of Baker’s IGA, received the prestigious Pinnacle Award from the Ohio Grocers Association at a special ceremony held at the Newcomerstown store on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Pictured from left are: Mark Cutshall, Director of Store Operations for Baker’s IGA; Terri and Gary Baker; and Kristin Mullins, President & CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association. Beacon photo by Beth Scott
NEWCOMERSTOWN – Gary and Terrie Baker of Baker’s IGA were awarded the Pinnacle Award on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at their Newcomerstown store location. The award is given annually by the Ohio Grocers Association to single and multi-store owners. Celebrating and recognizing overall excellence, the award is given to stores who excel at operations, community service, longevity, customer relations, and many other qualities.
“They are a long-time family organization, and that is something we value,” said Kristin Mullins, president and CEO of Ohio Grocers Association. “Their excellence is proven every day with their very strong and active role in the community.”
The store was originally opened in 1918 in Dennison by Gary’s grandfather Ed. He closed the store in 1932 after the railroad went on strike, which drove a large part of their business. The store was reopened in 1946 in Freeport by Gary’s father, who had recently returned home after being a POW during World War II.
Upon receiving the award, Gary said about his father and grandfather, “The main thing is, they didn’t think about awards and getting recognized back then. Our family did this to serve the community. If you do that, that’s an award in itself. For us, it’s about recognizing our people.”
Gary’s wife Terrie said that the business has become a part of their life and she is thankful for the staff she and Gary work with daily.
“For me, it has become our life,” she said. “It’s a part of who we are, caring for the customers and loving to work with the staff. That we are able to take a dream and the excitement of going through that with our staff and being able to work together. We are at our best when we take on a project. It’s the fact of working together as a team. Not often can a husband and wife work together and each one of us take on different tasks but still be part of the whole. We each have very distinctive roles, but when you bring us together, it’s a power house.”
Currently, each store manager, except one, began their job at Baker’s IGA as a high school student working in carry-out. Each manager was at the awards ceremony to be recognized as well.
“I am just so proud of these guys,” said Terrie.
Terrie also commented that it is important to her to set a role for her female counterparts.
“One key thing that’s important to me is being able to set an example for females in this business,” she said. “Often times, this type of business didn’t have management positions for females.”
In addition to the Pinnacle Award, Gary and Terrie were selected into the Ohio Grocers Association Hall of Fame two years ago. They own stores in Coshocton, Newcomerstown, Scio, and Sugarcreek.
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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