Ralphs Prez Inducted Into CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. -- Dave Hirz, president of Ralphs Grocery Co., is being inducted into the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation's Hall of Achievement today. Hirz is being recognized for his years of service to the California food industry.

"Dave is certainly a worthy addition to the Foundation's Hall of Achievement," said CGA president Peter Larkin in a statement. "He is highly respected in the industry, not only by his peers, but by his employees as well. His work ethic, character, and integrity in both his personal and professional life are unmatched."

Hirz got involved in the grocery industry at age 15 in Cleveland, Ohio, following his three brothers' footsteps. He later moved to Southern California, where he rose through the industry ranks quickly. His titles have included dairy clerk, assistant manager, store manager, district manager, manager of store operations/administration, director of store operations, and v.p., among others.

In 2004 Hirz was appointed president of the 323-store Ralphs Grocery Co., a unit of the Kroger Co. based in Glendora, Calif.

Hirz is a member of the board of directors and v.p. of the Western Association of Food Chains, a member of the board of directors for the Boy Scouts of America Orange County Council, an e.v.p. for the City of Hope Food Industries Circle, and a member of the Dean's Advisory Board for the College of Business and Economics at California State University, Fullerton.

Hirz joins an impressive list of California food industry leaders already inducted into the Hall of Achievement, including Byron Allumbaugh, Ralphs Grocery Co.; Lou Amen, Super A Foods; Jack H. Brown, Stater Bros. Markets; Jim Brown, Ralphs Grocery Co., Western Association of Food Chains; Steven Burd, Safeway Inc.; Charles Collings, Raley's; Paul Gerrard, Gerrard's Markets; Don Lee; Dairy Fresh; Bob Picininni, Save Mart Supermarkets; Al Plamann, Unified Western Grocers, Inc.; Thomas Raley, Raley's; Jerry Scolari, Joe Scolari, Joey Scolari, Scolari's Food & Drug Co.; Roger Stangeland, Vons Companies; Wilfred Von der Ahe, Vons Companies, Bob Wilson, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream.