Supermarket Perimeter - March 2023 - 12

the industry to continue in their studies and pursue career opportunities in our
industry. In 2023, Bohr said, IFPA plans to roll out an online introductory course on
DEI that IFPA members can access for free and incorporate into their training and
orientation for their staff.
" We are all, including IFPA, on our own paths toward understanding what is
required of us to be inclusive and create a workplace, workforce and industry that
reflects the world and the communities we live in and the consumers we serve, "
Bohr said. " It's encouraging to see how many IFPA members are actively engaging
in and participating in IFPA events and programs that offer DEI content and are
continuing along their own paths toward advancing DEI among their teams and
within their companies. "
IFPA sees great opportunity and interest among its members in engaging underArdent
Mills hires
DEI director
Denver-based Ardent Mills, a leading
flour-milling and ingredient company,
has named Greg Garrett director of
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
In the role, Garrett will be responsible
for the creation, implementation and
ongoing evolution of Ardent Mills'
DEI framework. His team will develop
targeted programs and initiatives that
attract, hire, and maintain a diverse and
inclusive workplace and support Ardent
Mills' pursuit to lead the industry
toward a more equitable environment,
according to the company.
" DEI is a core part of our culture
at Ardent Mills as we aim to attract
and retain talent that represents the
communities in which we serve and
operate, " said Heather Dumas, the
company's chief people officer. " Greg's
experience growing and developing
DEI programs and driving employee
engagement will be invaluable to
our expanding Employee Resource
Groups (ERG) network, community
initiatives and HR practices. "
Garrett joins Ardent Mills most
recently from Westfield, where he
integrated DEI initiatives across
distribution, marketing
and HR groups.
represented talent and introducing them to careers in the industry and providing
resources to under-served small business owners seeking to build a viable
business in the industry.
" We're excited to roll out the online introductory DEI course for members, " Bohr
said. " This can be a strong addition to their HR toolkits and training. "
Such a course, when incorporated into staff training and orientation, is a
fundamental and important first step toward building knowledge and awareness
that is essential to creating an inclusive culture, he added.
" Diversity does not work without inclusion; the more inclusive the culture, the
more likely a company is to attracting, hiring and retaining a diverse workplace.
And, as studies have proven, a diverse and inclusive workforce makes for a high
performing team and company. "
IDDBA: Workplace culture front and center
The Madison, Wis.-based International Dairy Deli Bakey Association (IDDBA)
is fortunate to represent a diverse member base, said Whitney Atkins, global
marketing vice president.
It's the association's responsibility to provide tools and resources to help its
member organizations grow in today's marketplace.
" Regardless of the industry, DEI continues to evolve, " Atkins said. " Our
educational webinars, podcasts and What's In Store resources often provide
leaders with ways to grow diverse cultures and diverse thoughts. "
Doing that, Atkins said, creates a healthy and happy workplace, and workplace
culture tops the lists of both retaining and attracting talent.
IDDBA's annual tradeshow brings together diverse companies and attendees in
one place over three days with the opportunity to connect and grow business.
One of the most popular show floor areas is the What's In Store Live trends area,
where our What's In Store annual trends come to life.
In the association's recent What's In Store podcast, Heather Prach, IDDBA's vice
president of education, introduced the IDDBA five Guiding Trends for 2023 which
are designed around sensory experiences. One of those guiding trends is the
ABC's of ESG, which will be the partner of DEI.
" We are all here to meet and exceed consumer demand, " Atkins said. " In my
mind, that includes internal and external stakeholders and thus the partnership of
DEI and ESG now and into the future. "
UNFI earns two DEI honors
United Natural Foods Inc. has earned a top score of 100 in the Disability Equality
Index (DEI) and is being recognized as a DEI Best Place to Work for Disability
Inclusion. UNFI was the only North American grocery wholesaler to achieve the
score and recognition. This is the second workplace accolade UNFI has recently
received. The company has been designated as one of the Best Places to Work
12 - MARCH 2023
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Ardent Mills
http://www.supermarketperimeter.com
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