Ed Barrios, manager of FoodMaxx located at 5422 N. Blackstone Ave. in Fresno received the Building the Future award from The Save Mart Companies on Saturday, March 2. Photo contributed

The Save Mart Companies announced their awards recipients at the company’s 30th Annual Management Awards Gala last Saturday in Modesto, during which a Fresno area store manager was named as an up-and-coming leader.

FoodMaxx store manager Ed Barrios, who manages the grocery store located at 5422 N. Blackstone Ave., was one of three store managers to receive the Building the Future award, which recognizes managers who demonstrate integrity, compassion and an ability to lead by example in their workplace.

“We have several standouts among a very strong group of store leaders that meet and exceed the needs of our shoppers and motivate our associates throughout The Save Mart Companies,” said The Save Mart Companies’ senior VP and chief operations officer Donovan Ford. “It is truly inspiring to see these managers engage in their communities, mentor their teams, and lead from the floors of the stores.”

Alongside Barrios, Thomas Wilson, store manager of a Lucky San Francisco store and Kelly Bizzini, store manager at a Save Mart location in Modesto, also received the award, which honors the store managers’ commitment to develop, mentor and cultivate the next generation of leadership.

The ceremony also highlighted several other awards, including the overall 2023 Store Manager of the Year, this year presented to Robert Alton, who manages the Save Mart store in Oakdale.

Last year, Visalia store manager Noe Elizondo received the title of Manager of the Year.

“With humble roots firmly planted in California’s Central Valley, The Save Mart Companies has been a proud fixture in the communities we serve for more than 70 years,” said Shane Sampson, executive chairman of the board. “Each of our store managers provide leadership, guidance, and executes the organization’s vision for excellence. I want to congratulate Robert for continually rising to the challenge and earning this outstanding achievement.”

Also named during the event were three Building the Community award winners – Paradise Save Mart store manager Paul Azevedo, Martinez Lucky store manager Ann Bradford and Ukiah FoodMaxx store manager Jamie Hageman.

The Building the Community award honors three store managers for their commitment to local neighborhood and community organizations.