[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 15, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAKEFERN FOOD CORPORATION

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 1996

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues one of the great business success stories in my State, 
Wakefern Food Corp. of Elizabeth, NJ.
  Wakefern, which to many of us is known as ShopRite, was born in 1946. 
The Second World War was one of the great tragic conflicts of human 
history, but the peacetime economy that was created in its aftermath 
laid the groundwork for so many positive opportunities to come. 
Wakefern was created out of just such an opportunity. In Newark, NJ, 
eight independent grocers joined together to create a buying 
cooperative, Wakefern Food Corp., so they could get the benefit of 
buying discounts. Like so many other companies, their earliest days 
were filled with endless challenges and difficulties. Yet, through hard 
work and dedication to a dream they persevered, and the company became 
the success that it is today.
  Today, Wakefern and its ShopRite supermarkets represent the largest 
retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and are New Jersey's 
second largest employer. Their 37 members own and operate those 
supermarkets employing 35,000 associates and serving 500 communities in 
New Jersey and more than 3 million customers each week. Throughout the 
region, the firm employs 15,000 more associates.
  Wakefern takes its mission of excellence seriously, and it also 
understands that this mission can only be extended through community 
involvement. ShopRite's owners and Wakefern have dedicated themselves 
to improving educational opportunities through programs such as the 
supermarket careers effort for special needs students. They have worked 
tirelessly to fight hunger through their support of the Community Food 
Bank of New Jersey, and they can continuously recognize the spirit of 
friendship and love through their sponsorship of the New Jersey Special 
Olympics.
  This past March, I was pleased to join with those congratulating 
Wakefern's general merchandise facility in Jamesburg for winning the 
Merit Site OSHA Award for workplace safety.
  This year, Wakefern is celebrating its 50th anniversary in grand 
style, with commemorative ceremonies and activities at Liberty State 
Park and Ellis Island. While we join in this celebration and recognize 
the dedication of so many that have worked so hard to make Wakefern and 
ShopRite the outstanding corporate citizen that it has become, we also 
pay tribute to an individual who helped build this company from the 
ground up, Tom Infusino. Tom has steadfastly led Wakefern as its 
chairman for the last 25 years. His vision has helped transform 
Wakefern from a group of local grocers to the great service corporation 
that it is today.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues would join me today in 
congratulating Wakefern, its 50,000 associates and its great leadership 
on 50 years of success, and in wishing them 50 more years of service to 
our community.

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