By: Elizabeth Mackin, Assistant, Education, Food Marketing Institute

I was sitting in a waiting room recently and I noticed that everyone around me was transfixed by their smartphone—a pretty common sight these days. In a world where social media, digital ads and the latest apps are all accessible, it becomes a point of differentiation to have quality, meaningful connections with people. That’s where store managers come in. They are the heart of the grocery store—motivating their employees to create memorable in-store experiences that keep shoppers engaged and coming back for more.

Here’s how Sheila Laing, executive vice president and chief administrative office for Hy-Vee, Inc. puts it:

Know a store manager who is all heart? Nominate them for FMI’s Store Manager Awards. Deadline is now extended to February 26.