Makenzie Wood, a bagger from Fresh Market in Layton, Utah, showcased her skills at the National Grocers’ Association event on February 24 in Las Vegas, representing Fresh Market and Associated Retail Operations. Although she did not take home a national title, Wood’s performance was widely praised, and she even won a Pepsi drawing for tickets to next year’s Super Bowl.
Wood, who had already made headlines after winning first place at the Utah Food Industry Association’s best bagger competition on August 6 at the Davis Conference Center, impressed national judges with her precise technique and engaging personality. In the competitions, baggers are evaluated on speed (10 points), proper bag building technique (10 points), weight distribution (5 points), and style, attitude and appearance (5 points).
“I’m really excited and proud of my work,” Wood said. “It really brings a sense of pride to our store, and I’m thrilled to represent our team.”
Greg Welling, vice president of retail operations for Associated Retail Operations, praised the collective efforts of the team. “The coaching and mentoring our team members receive is phenomenal,” Welling said. “Our stores provide an atmosphere where team members can be successful at work and develop a pattern of accomplishment for life.”
Wood, who has worked at Fresh Market for more than three years, continues to set high standards in her role, reflecting the passion and commitment of the teams at both the state and national levels.