Corporate office team members who completed the Declaration of Independents: 10 Years in Ten Minutes or Less audio series were recognized last Thursday in a special event hosted by President and CEO David Rice. The event was an important milestone in the company’s ongoing effort to connect leaders and team members with Associated Food Stores’ history. Similar recognition opportunities are in the works for distribution center and retail team members.
The audio series was introduced to make the AFS story more accessible and engaging. Most of the episodes were based on information found in The Declaration of Independents book that covers the company’s first 50 years. Subsequent years were compiled from annual reports, Team News stories and other documents by the company communications team.
In the introductory video, leaders reflected on their personal connection to the company, with one noting more than three decades at AFS and how that time shaped both professional growth and personal pride. Leaders emphasized that understanding AFS history provides important perspective, builds appreciation for the independent model and inspires confidence as the company looks ahead.
Acknowledging that the original AFS history book can be lengthy and dense in places, the series offers a concise alternative by breaking the story into short audio segments, each focused on a decade and designed to be completed in 10 minutes or less. Participants simply pressed play, listened and answered brief questions at the end of each segment to reinforce key takeaways.
Those who completed the full series earned a commemorative plaque. Dozens of participants were recognized during last week’s award presentation at the corporate office, where President and CEO David Rice thanked team members for their commitment to learning the company’s story and understanding why independence matters. Additional opportunities to complete the series and earn the award will be available in 2026. Leaders encouraged team members to watch Team News for details and echoed a shared invitation: to know the story, take pride in it and help carry it forward.