NGA Foundation Honors Rudy Dory of Newport Avenue Market with its Inaugural Catalyst for Independence Award

• October 22, 2026

New award recognizes independent grocery leader for his commitment to mentorship and developing the next generation of industry leaders

Chicago, IL - The National Grocers Association Foundation (NGAF) presented the inaugural Catalyst for Independence Award to Rudy Dory, Executive Chairman of Newport Avenue Market in Bend, Oregon, during the 2026 NGA Executive Conference.

The award recognizes leaders within NGA member companies who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to mentoring, empowering and developing the next generation of independent grocery leaders. Dory was selected for his dedication to developing emerging leaders, advancing employee ownership and strengthening the future of the independent grocery industry.

Dory has spent more than 50 years in the grocery industry, beginning his career by building the first grocery store in La Pine, Oregon, from the ground up. He later helped guide Newport Avenue Market through its evolution into an award-winning, employee-owned specialty grocery store known for its distinctive offerings and commitment to customer experience.

"The future of independent grocery depends on leaders who are willing to invest in the next generation," said Greg Ferrara, NGA President and CEO. "Rudy Dory has spent more than five decades building a successful grocery business, but his greatest contribution may be the opportunities he has created for others to lead."

A defining part of Dory's legacy has been his investment in the next generation of leadership. By sharing ownership of the business with his daughter Lauren G.D. Redman, he provided her with the responsibility, trust, and opportunity to grow into a leadership role. Under her leadership, Rudy's Markets grew from $20 million to more than $50 million in sales, expanded from one location to four, and increased its workforce from 50 to 180 employees.

"The Catalyst for Independence Award recognizes the leaders who are helping secure the future of the independent grocery industry," said Chelsea Matzen, NGA Foundation vice president. "A strong independent grocery industry depends on leaders who create pathways for the next generation to succeed, ensuring that independent businesses can continue to grow, serve their communities and remain independently owned for years to come. Rudy Dory embodies the spirit of this award, and we are proud to honor him as its inaugural recipient."

Established as part of the NGA Foundation's strategic commitment to preserving independence for generations to come, the award celebrates individuals whose leadership and investment in others help strengthen the future of the independent grocery industry.

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About the National Grocers Association Foundation

The NGA Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Grocers Association. We work alongside the independent grocery industry to invest in its people, strengthen its operations, and protect its future. We cultivate talent, ignite innovation, and preserve independence across generations - so that grocers can continue to serve the communities that depend on them. Our programming encompasses students, leadership development, supporting women in the industry, frontline worker training, free personalized support for business innovation, and succession planning. For more information, visit www.ngafoundation.org.

About NGA

NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers' associations, manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.