Haggen Honored by Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce

Haggen, Inc. has been named the “Large Business of the Year” by the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an award bestowed to the company in recognition of its substantial contribution to the Whatcom County community, including community service, ethics and integrity, and longevity.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Clement Stevens, co-president and SVP of merchandising at Haggen. “For 80 years, Haggen has been an integral part of the Whatcom County community. Our customers are our friends, our neighbors, our family, and the same goes for the hundreds of local farmers, ranchers and purveyors whose products we so proudly carry. We are deeply invested in the communities around our stores, and this recognition is very meaningful to us, especially during our special anniversary year.”

Throughout the year, Haggen puts substantial resources and energy toward its local communities throughout Washington. In addition to numerous fundraisers and donations for local schools and organizations, Haggen sponsors annual Walk MS events for the National MS Society, Greater Northwest Chapter; the “Haggen to Haggen Run,” which raises money for Greater Bellingham Running Club’s Whatcom County high school scholarship program; and is the longtime sponsor of Bellingham’s annual July 4 celebration and fireworks display. This year’s inaugural “Haggen Best of the Northwest Giveaway” bolstered local businesses through the $60,000 Haggen spent on securing the various prizes.

Haggen also supports Washington schools through its School Bucks program, which raises money through Haggen CARD member purchases. When Haggen CARD members purchase participating School Bucks products, Haggen contributes a percentage of the sale of each item directly to the local school. Currently, 290 Washington schools are enrolled in the program.

Haggen’s community support is demonstrated through another long-standing core Haggen value as well: commitment to the local food economy. For 80 years, Haggen has had long-standing partnerships with local farmers, ranchers and food purveyors, and a desire to bring the best and freshest food experiences to its customers. In fall 2013, Haggen launched a new partnership with Shepherd’s Grain, an alliance of 43 progressive Northwest family farms dedicated to practicing sustainable agriculture.

“This award is the perfect way to wind up our 80th anniversary year, and we want to thank the communities who have supported us for the last eight decades,” said Stevens. “Most of all, we thank our tireless team members, whose passion and support drive all of our community events, and who make the personal connections in our community every single day.”

Founded in 1933, Haggen, Inc. is one of the Pacific Northwest's leading grocery chains. The Bellingham, Wash.-based company operates 20 stores in Washington and Oregon under the Haggen Northwest Fresh and TOP Food & Drug names.