Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. has elected Joe Polizzi to the company’s board of directors.
Polizzi serves as president and CEO of Town and Country Supermarket Inc., which has been operated by the Gott family since 1962. The company currently operates 28 grocery stores across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas, along with four Ace Hardware stores. The company’s home office is located in Salem, Mo.
Polizzi practiced law before joining the family business in 2011 as vice president and general counsel at the request of his father-in-law, Dennis Gott. He succeeded Gott as president and CEO following Gott’s unexpected passing in 2016.
“Joe is an excellent addition to the board,” says Barry Queen, AWG board chairman. “His leadership within his company and his service across multiple industries and community organizations reflect the values and commitment that are central to our cooperative. We look forward to his contributions.”
“Joe brings a unique combination of strategic insight, operational leadership and a deep understanding of independent retail grocers,” says Dan Funk, president and CEO of AWG. “Polizzi fills a seat previously held by Jim Brown, owner of Doc’s Food Stores, who served on AWG’s board of directors for 24 years. We are deeply grateful to Jim for his dedication to the cooperative. His leadership and insight will have a lasting impact on AWG and its members.”
The company says Polizzi is dedicated to service in his industry and community, where he lends time and talent to professional groups and youth sports. He serves on the board of directors for Town and Country Supermarket (chairman), Town and Country Bank, National Grocers Association, Missouri Grocers Association (chairman), Harris Baking Co., Phelps Health Charitable Foundation, Phelps County Community Foundation, Rolla Board of Public Works and Rolla Knights Soccer Club. Polizzi is also a long-time soccer coach.
“I am delighted to join the AWG board of directors,” Polizzi says. “I hope that my perspective will contribute to the ongoing innovation and growth of the cooperative.”
