Published on: October 26, 2021
(Baton Rouge, LA) At its recent Annual Shareholder Meeting, Associated Grocers, Inc.’s Shareholders elected Daphne Lamendola (fourth-generation owner/operator) of Lamendola’s Supermarket in Gonzales, LA as its first female Board of Directors member. Lamendola’s is one of the oldest family-owned and operated establishments in Ascension Parish; as well as one of the most tenured retail members of Associated Grocers, Inc. Lamendola’s perspective will not only be unique, but as a single-store operator, she represents a large faction of retailers. “I can identify with the benefits and challenges that independent grocers face,” Lamendola stated. “I’ve always monitored the trends and forecasts within the grocery industry and sought ways to implement programs and ideas that are essential to our business. In essence, we want customers to have an ‘experience’ when shopping for their families.”
Lamendola is very detail oriented, as she lends focus to bringing projects to life, with great excitement. Now, she will use those attributes as a member of the Associated Grocers, Inc. Board of Directors, to undoubtedly help guide retail member stores. “I know first-hand, from watching my Grandfather (Sonny Lamendola) and my Dad (Blair Lamendola), of the support that Associated Grocers, Inc. and the Board of Directors have provided in shaping and advising retail members,” Lamendola stated. “I am honored to follow in those footsteps, humbly, and with great esteem, contributing to such an illustrious legacy.”
Lamendola bought Lamendola’s ten years ago from her father, Blair Lamendola. She is the mother of a 10 year old son, Easton Lamendola Brazzel, a graduate of Southeastern University, and a member of St. Theresa’s Church. Re-elected incumbents to Associated Grocers, Inc.’s Board of Directors are: Derek Benedetto, Vice-Chairman (Benedetto’s & Hubben’s Supermarkets), Greg Champagne (Champagne’s Markets) and Marc Robert, II (Robert’s Fresh Markets).
Other members of the Associated Grocers, Inc. Board of Directors are: Carl “Stan” Cain, Chairman (Carter’s Supermarkets), Michael “Chad” Soprano, Secretary (Soprano’s Supermarket), Barry Breaux (Breaux Mart Supermarkets), Jim Crifasi (Hi Nabor Supermarkets), Barry Loy (The Markets), and Ernie Matherne (Matherne’s Supermarkets).
For more than 71 years, Associated Grocers, Inc. has been “Dedicated to the Support and Success of the Independent Retail Grocer.” Associated Grocers, Inc. has over 180 independent retail members in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas who serve as cornerstones of their communities. The Associated Grocers, Inc. Distribution Center is located in Baton Rouge, LA.