How do you inform over 2800 employees about the acquisition of your 22-store grocery chain with 546 business units across eight states? Gather them all together in one room to welcome them into the family! That’s exactly what happened this week as Hy-Vee Supermarkets welcomed Strack & Van Til associates from all 22 stores to three separate meetings on April 22 and 23 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville.
I had the privilege of working with HQ Production Audio to photograph these events as they unfolded. It was a sight like no other. The Iowa-based Hy-Vee company was out in full force, bringing with them their specially designed Disaster Relief Command Center Truck (one of over 30 in their fleet), a rolling medical unit used to serve rural areas with vaccinations and other medical services, a KIDSFIT car representing one of Hy-Vee’s programs, and even an Indy 500 Race Car soon to display the Strack & Van Til Logo on the front spoiler for the 2024 race season. The venue was adorned with marketing banners and items as associates arrived by bus from the 22 different Strack locations for the meetings. The attendees were divided into three groups to accommodate everyone, and after enjoying a fantastic meal provided by Avalon Manor, they engaged in a three-hour presentation by Hy-Vee executives, including Randy Edeker, the Executive Chairman of the Board, and Jeremy Gosch, Hy-Vee’s CEO.
This wasn’t just a simple slideshow; it was a top-notch production complete with large rear-projection screens ensuring that everyone had a good view of Hy-Vee’s message and warm welcome. The presentation included informative slides and multiple high-quality videos, giving attendees a comprehensive look into what Hy-Vee stands for. Remarkably, the two companies share similar roots, with both companies being founded by friends in 1929 and 1930 respectively, with aligned core values that make this acquisition a perfect match.
Strack & Van Til President, Jeff Strack, kicked off the program by welcoming his employees and expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity ahead. He introduced Donna Tweeten, one of Hy-Vee’s Presidents responsible for marketing, merchandising, private brands, and digital development. Donna, in turn, introduced Aaron Wiese, another President overseeing Hy-Vee’s healthcare and retail pharmacy operations.
Randy Edeker delivered an engaging presentation on Hy-Vee’s history and diverse divisions, highlighting many exciting opportunities approaching for Strack & Van Til associates. Under the acquisition, Strack & Til will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hy-Vee, with Jeff Strack remaining as President, and all upper management and employees remaining intact. Mr. Edeker emphasized Hy-Vee’s commitment to supporting Strack’s operations and offering its renowned employee programs to benefit all associates.
CEO Jeremy Gosch closed the presentations with a deep dive into Hy-Vee’s programs, subsidiaries, and global philanthropic initiatives. The meetings were personally captivating for me, given my background in photography and 40 years in the retail and wholesale grocery business. Having previously worked for a store acquired by Strack & Van Til, I felt a connection to the event. It was an honor to document this significant occasion through photography.
Congratulations to the Strack & Van Til company. I eagerly anticipate experiencing the new offerings as a customer.
-Rick Bella, Co-Owner of Bella Photography Studios, Valparaiso, Indiana, and President of the Merrillville Town Council, Indiana’s Largest Town