Sherm’s Thunderbird Honored by Unified Grocers

Sherm’s Thunderbird Markets, with three locations in  Medford, Klamath Falls and Roseburg, Ore., has received Unified Grocers’ 2017 Ben Schwartz Retail Grocery Visionary Award. The award, named after a former Unified Grocers chairman of the board, is presented to an independent retail grocer or grocery company that's a leader and innovator in the industry as well as a pillar of its local community. This is the 12th year that the award has been given to a retailer that has consistently demonstrated initiative, creativity and leadership within the business while inspiring others.

“Sherm’s Thunderbird Markets certainly embody the values on which the award was built,” said Bob Ling, president and CEO of Commerce, Calif.-based Unified Grocers. “For 50 years, the Olsrud family has been committed not only to their customers and their staff, but also to the communities they serve. Their passion for innovation, quality and value for money is clearly evident as you walk through their stores, and reflected in their long and successful history. The Olsruds also do a tremendous amount of good through their charity work — especially in support of organizations dedicated to helping children in need in Southern Oregon.”

Sherm and Wanda Olsrud opened the first Sherm’s Thunderbird Market in 1967 in Medford, growing to three locations in addition to a Sherm’s Food4Less, also in Medford. Sherm’s employs more than 620 associates.