C H E C K I N G I T O U T ! • F E b r U a r y 2 0 1 2 • V O L U M E 2 3 • N U M b E r 1

Celebrating Our People

wow of the yearAt OFG, we value world class service that consistently meets and exceeds our customers’ expectations. Once a year, an OFG team member receives our President’s Award for providing positively outstanding Customer First service. In addition, an OFG team award is presented to a team of people who’ve worked together to deliver a WOW service experience. Congratulations to our 2011 honourees.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the WOW of the Year Award Wes Nishi from Save-On-Foods Strathcona. Everyday, Wes goes above and beyond to wow his customers and make them feel valued and special.

Wes continually receives praise and recognition from customers and team members alike for his personalized and friendly approach in understanding their needs... and for always greeting them with a smile on his face! Congratulations, Wes.

Congratulations to our 2011 WOW of the Year Team Award

recipients, Larry Jang, Manju Nagra and Katrina Clausen

from the Pharmacy at Save-On-Foods in Magrath, Edmonton.

Whether they’re educating and empowering customers on

health and wellness, taking a proactive approach to helping

people manage their medications or going out of their way

to ensure they’re delivering

service when it matters most, this hard working trio is making

a difference in the lives of their customers and community.

Congratulations, team.

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Jim Pattison Group Personal Achievers

JuLi-ANN DzubA TErrY SEEKiNS LiSE SChMiDT

Juli-Ann Dzuba from Urban Fare, Yaletown is known for her many positive contributions to the success of the store. Widely respected for consistently exemplifying Urban Fare’s commitment to service and quality, Juli-Ann genuinely cares about making new team members feel like part of the family. She brings a lot of fun to the team and volunteers to support many worthwhile causes, including Children’s Hospital.

With 35 years of dedicated service to his store and community, Terry Seekins, Assistant Produce Supervisor at PriceSmart Foods Chilliwack, is known for his loyalty, commitment to excellence and passion for delivering exceptional customer service. A veteran leader with a giving heart who is open and approachable, Terry has helped guide his team through many challenges in a tough competitive environment, with great results.

In a fast-paced environment, Executive Administrator Dawn Lawlor never misses a beat. For the past 18 years, Dawn’s high standards, keen attention to detail and commitment to excellence have been complemented by her personable approach and eagerness to go the extra mile. Dawn eagerly tackles every challenging new assignment, and spearheads many continuous improvement efforts, all with a smile.

From Save-On-Foods Cambie, Cashier Lise Schmidt has achieved exceptional results in transforming the scheduling approach for a wide cross-section of departments and team members. Dependable, enthusiastic and full of energy, Lise is a key member of the store’s

team who also champions the store’s successful health and safety and fundraising initiatives.

Each year, The Jim Pattison Group Personal Achiever Award is presented to OFG team

members who stand out as shining examples of excellence in their commitment to service,

innovation, leadership, helpfulness, and teamwork. Congratulations to our 2011 winners

for achieving this honour.

DAWN LAWLOr

great job!!

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Clarence Heppell ScholarshipThe Clarence Heppell Scholarship, named in honour of one of our former presidents, is awarded to a team member or dependent of a team member who is graduating from high school and proceeding into a full time degree or diploma program at an accredited college or university. The successful recipient of this scholarship demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and community support.

Congratulations to Jordan Pryce, the 2011 recipient of the Clarence heppell Scholarship. Jordan is part of the bakery team at SOF Penticton and a recent grade 12 graduate from Princess Margaret Secondary School. Jordan has maintained an outstanding academic record while becoming a role model and leader in his school and community. This fall, Jordan began studies in Environmental Science at UBC. Jordan is passionate about our environment and is committed to making his community a great place to be. Congratulations, Jordan.

Russ Haddad ScholarshipIn recognition of Russ Haddad’s contributions to OFG, a scholarship in his name has been created for the benefit of OFG team members.

Recipient, Martin bohdal, is a recent grade 12 graduate of King George Secondary in Vancouver. As a member of the team at Coal Harbour Urban Fare since the store opened in 2007, Martin works in the grocery department and helps

out with receiving. Martin most enjoys working with his fellow team members and customers. We wish Martin all the best as he attends UBC to study Science this Fall. Congratulations, Martin.

OFG Team Member ScholarshipThe OFG Team Member Scholarship recognizes recipients’ contributions to their school, store and community and is open to team members in all stages of their careers and education.

congratulations to...

Congratulations to all of our recipients. For more info on OFG scholarships visit www.myofgteamsite.com

Alex Speckman, Cooper’s Foods deWdney

bethan Mansell, save-on-Foods Westbank

Drew Elder, save-on-Foods LetHbrIdGe

scholarship award winners

When it comes to supporting our communities all throughout the year, OFG teams put the fun in fundraising. Here’s a look at some of the events we were part of in 2011...

With the support of the team and a desire to fill the emptying shelves of the local food bank, store Manager, tony klyne

lived on the roof of soF Magrath for an entire week.

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supporting our communities

Kamloops stores celebrate Christmas in JulyOnce again, during their “Christmas in July” fundraiser, Kamloops Cooper’s Foods stores came together to support the local food bank. The stores collected donations and filled as many food bags as possible while enjoying a day full of bouncy castles, face painting, great food and family fun. The day was a big success and a lot of fun for the community.

SOF Stadium struts their stuffSeptember 13, 2011 was a proud day for the ladies at SOF Stadium when some of the boys “squeezed” into stilettos and “walked a mile” in high heels for the local YWCA’s Violence Against Women Fundraiser. The team raised $2200 for the cause. Congratulations.

K’s for kidsThis past summer, teams from OFG stores across BC and Alberta, including PSF Cameron, SOF Prince George, SOF Quesnel, SOF Spruceland, SOF Mayfield and SOF Lynn Valley, competed against one another in the K’s For Kids fundraiser in support of Children’s Hospitals. Altogether, the stores biked an amazing 1658 kilometres, burned a lot of calories, raised nearly $4000 for the kids and of course... had a lot of fun.

raising the roof at SOF MagrathThe team at SOF Magrath proved that anything is possible… if you can handle rain, wind and Mother Nature’s wrath! This past Spring, Store Manager, Tony Klyne braved the elements and camped out on the roof of the store for a week to help raise money for the Edmonton Food Bank. Tony and his team raised an incredible $60,000! Congratulations.

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supporting our communities

oFG president steve van der Leest presents bC Children’s Hospital president & Ceo, teri nicholas with a cheque for $875,767.

For the 16th year in a row, a team of dedicated volunteers headed out to edmonton save-on-Foods locations including, Mayfield, Magrath,

oxford and Londonderry to collect non-perishable food items in support of the local food bank.

OFG’s Annual Classic Fore Kids Golf TournamentMore than 300 OFG suppliers and team members came out to support the 16th Annual Classics Fore Kids Golf Tournament on September 15. This year, the sold out event raised more than $875,000 for BC Children’s Hospital.

Fun was in full swing with this year’s “Celebrities at Golf” theme which had teams dressing as their favourite celebrity personalities.

Thanks to fundraising efforts supported by team members and the commitment of our supplier partners, like Coca-Cola, Maple Leaf and Global Television, OFG has contributed more than $14 million to support Children’s Hospitals in BC and Alberta.

Stuff-A-Bus does it againIt’s been another successful year for Edmonton’s Stuff-A-Bus campaign.

Since its inception, the fundraiser has helped over 5,000 Alberta families in need, with over 317,188kgs of food and $325,000 in cash donations collected at Save-On-Foods locations.

Congratulations and great job to everyone involved.

Grey Cup makes a stop at Urban FareNovember 15 was an exciting day at Urban Fare Shangri-La as customers and team members had the chance to get up close and personal with the Grey Cup, as well as Grey Cup Champion, Tommy Europe.

Tommy was on hand to sign autographs, pose for pictures and even convince some unsuspecting customers to participate in an impromptu workout. Lots of fun!

every time you spend $50* or more until March 3, 2012

earn 1000 pointsREWARDS

team members only – bonus points card

until March 3, 2012

earn1000 points*

REWARDS

every time you spend $50* or more

Limit one bonus points card per customer per transaction. Present this coupon with your More Rewards card to the cashier at time of purchase. Coupon cannot be combined with any other More Rewards points coupon offer. Coupon valid at:

* Excluding: Lotto, tobacco, gift cards, prescriptions, clinics, diabetes care, restaurant, tickets, charities, insurance, bus passes, postage stamps, deposit & recycle fees, rewards and taxes, Limit one spend/receive offer per single grocery purchase. To the cashier: Scan coupon at end of order. Return coupon to customer.

team member offers

exclusive OFG team member offersThroughout the year on myofgteamsite.com, you’ll find a variety of special offers and discounts that are available exclusively to OFG team members.

Everything from smart deals on home insurance to discounted cell phone plans are available, so be sure to check in and see what’s new.

Visit myofgteamsite and click on team member offers.

Puerto Vallarta, here we come!

Visit morerewards.ca/contest by February 25 for your chance to win a 7 night vacation in sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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team member wellness

team member wellness website

Now, team members can enjoy health and wellness contests, services

and info with our team member wellness website.

February is Heart Health Month, log on to myofgteamsite.com

and click on team member wellness for great tips on how to keep

your heart healthy.

what’s a superfood anyway?

Most superfoods are a good pick when it comes

to heart healthy foods — especially olive oil, chia,

beans and lentils, berries, spinach and seeds.

Visit www.saveonfoods.com/superfoods

to learn more.

OFG pharmacy heart health clinics

All throughout the month of February OFG pharmacies will be

offering heart health clinics. Book an appointment with your

pharmacist and you’ll receive:

• Abloodtestofyourcholesterol

• Lifestyletips,includingdietandnutrition

• Acompletereviewofyourmedicines

book your appointment today

FEbruArY iS

heart health month

industry update

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In 2011, there were plenty of changes to the way we do business. Not just for us, but also for our competitors. With an increased emphasis on value, customers are shopping differently and expecting more. For many, the focus is shifting to discount retailers, and here’s a bit of insight into their activity in Western Canada.

Loblaw continues rollout of No FrillsIn Western Canada, Loblaw is continuing

with the rollout of their No Frills stores

— converting Extra Foods supermarkets to

the discount banner.

According to estimates by retail analyst

Perry Caicco at CIBC World Markets,

launching a No Frills is less than half

the cost of rolling out a traditional grocery

store. Lower expenses allow discounters to

offer prices that are roughly 25-per-cent lower

than those at conventional supermarkets,

the research found.

While most No Frills stores are unionized,

the ones that are being converted to

No Frills in Western Canada are mainly

non-union. Loblaw’s approach to unionized

Extra Foods employees in British Columbia

may serve as a model for how it intends

to convert stores to No Frills — and

lower labour costs. And, where Loblaw

has achieved an agreement, they have

dramatically lowered collective agreement

rates of pay and benefits.

In Maple Ridge, BC, Extra Foods

employees are in the 4th year of a strike

to stop what they say are Loblaw’s

proposals to slash wages by almost

half in some cases.

Wal-Mart SupercentreWal-Mart has put up 29 new Supercentres in our markets— with more than 300,000 square feet added last year.

In total, 51 Wal-Mart Supercentres are now impacting sales in 44 OFG stores.

No FrillsIn 2011, Loblaw opened 7 stores with their deep discount format, No Frills, and there are currently 32 of these stores in BC and AB. In 2012, 3 new No Frills stores will open in our markets. Loblaw is also continuing to remodel its Real Canadian Superstores (RCSS).So far, 37% RCSS stores have been completed, adding many new benefits and services.

In Abbotsford, BC, Loblaw has also converted their Extra Foods store to its Your Independent Grocer format with a new lower cost collective agreement.

In 2011, we had some big wins when we opened new stores and made improvements to others.

Congratulations to Gord Gauthier and his management team for a fun and festive grand opening.

east Meets West at pricesmart Foods #2274 richmond, a one-of-a-kind store that features a full offering of

international and western products.

during the grand opening festivities at save-on-Foods #6678 baseline, the team presented the final installment of their $250,000 pledge to stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Congratulations to the team at save-on-Foods #6650 West Lethbridge on a fantastic grand opening celebration.

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Save-On-Foods WhatcomOn October 5, we celebrated the grand opening of Save-On-Foods #981 Whatcom. This new location in East Abbotsford offers a great selection of local products and innovative meal ideas.

on the grow

Save-On-Foods BaselineOn November 16, crowds gathered at our newest Sherwood Park location to celebrate the grand opening of Save-On-Foods #6678 Baseline. This 42,000 sq. ft. store replaces the original Sherwood Park store, which has been serving the community for nearly two decades.

PriceSmart Foods RichmondOn November 19, residents of Richmond toured their new PriceSmart Foods. This store is the first of its kind in Canada with two complete grocery stores under one roof and offers a full complement of western products, plus a complete Asian and international selection.

Save-On-Foods West LethbridgeOn December 7, the doors to Lethbridge’s newest Save-On-Foods location officially opened to a crowd of excited customers. This much anticipated store is receiving rave reviews from customers in the area who are thrilled about the fresh, new offering and wide selection of local products.

Save-On-Foods #6608 Spruce Grove

Urban Fare #7623 Village at False Creek

Urban Fare #7638 Mission Park

OPENING SOON

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and the winners are...

Our Green Team has partnered with BC Hydro to encourage us all to get involved in conserving energy within our stores.

Congratulations to Glenna Dorrington from Save-On-Foods Sahali and ian Kato from the Langley Office People Department — they’re the lucky winners of our online environmental survey.

Watch for more contests coming soon...

Emerging Leaders Program

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is designed specifically for new managers and supervisors to help them develop important skills as they take on new leadership duties and responsibilities.

The program is a combination of online, self-study courses and classroom workshops, covering topics like coaching, conflict resolution, teamwork and delegation, as well as operational topics such as KPIs and stocktaking.

to date, over 100 emerging leaders have completed the program. Here’s what they’re saying about eLp:

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with people from all over the company that are dealing with the same challenges I am.”

“I can see the potential opportunities before me, and I am excited to get started.”

“…hands-on learning in a stress free environment was great.”

sign up today...To receive exclusive offers on nutrition, lifestyle and wellness topics that interest you, including:

• gluten-free meal planning • peanut-free products • new moms & moms-to-be • diets & weight-management • vegetarian tips & recipes • pharmacy services • kid-friendly lunches • women’s health • pet health & nutrition • product recalls

receive 1000 More rewards points when you sign up by April 30. For more information, visit your banner website.

To learn more about leadership opportunities, talk to your manager.

2011 business Leader of the year, John paisley (left) is pictured here with steve van der Leest and 2011 store Leader of the year, brad Hickey (right).

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Each year at the OFG Leaders in Action conference, we celebrate Leadership Excellence by recognizing team members whose performance is the “best of the best” among our OFG leadership team.

These are leaders who exhibit outstanding performance in the categories of Special Achievement, Leadership Excellence and Leader of the Year. This year, the winners are…

leadership excellence

brad hickey, Store Manager of Fort St. John PriceSmart Foods, is OFG’s Store Leader of the Year. With an award winning, customer focused and community minded approach, Brad’s vision and leadership inspires his team to achieve impressive results year after year and continually raise the bar on service excellence.

John Paisley, Director, Bakery, Deli & Urban Fare, was honoured with the business Leader of the Year Award. With a vision that exemplifies OFG’s innovative spirit, John’s creativity and passion is driving key growth opportunities throughout the business. His passion extends to a unique leadership style that has earned him the respect and appreciation of colleagues and team members alike.

Congratulations to all

Left to right: Gayle Corah, Ian ricketts, John paisley, Carl ryan, steve van der Leest, scott karran, brad Hickey, paul Cope, George Wickham and ryan dennis.

CHECK ING IT OUT! • FEbrUary 2012 • VOLUME 23 • NUMbEr 1

this newsletter has been produced for overwaitea Food Group team members. If you have information that you’d like to submit, please email us at:

checkingitout@owfg.com

visit myofgteamsite.com to find new information and offers exclusively for oFG team members.

leadership excellence cont’d

In addition to our Store Leader and Business Leader of the Year Awards (featured on page 11), Leadership Excellence Awards were presented to individuals for displaying outstanding leadership qualities and achieving distinguished results in their areas. Winners in this category were:

A Special Achievement Award was presented to George Wickham from Save-On-Foods Calgary Trail for his commitment to

community partnerships and support.

• Gayle Corah, General Manager, Information Technology

• ian ricketts, General Manager, Bulkley Valley Wholesale

• Carl ryan, Store Manager, Save-On-Foods Summerside

• Scott Karran, Store Manager, Save-On-Foods Grande Prairie

• Paul Cope, Store Manager, PriceSmart Foods Richmond

• ryan Dennis, Store Manager, Save-On-Foods UBC