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Cooper’s Best Wins The 2018 Russ’s Market Best Local Product Award

Kearney, Neb. – Congratulations, Cooper’s Best! On March 15, 2018 at GROW Nebraska’s MarkeTech Conference, Susan Zink from Cooper’s Best accepted a trophy for the 2018 Russ’s Market Best Local Product Award. GROW Nebraska, an educational 501©3 nonprofit, and Russ’s Market teamed up to identify the best local company in the state, and contestants were judged on innovation, promotion, sales, and local involvement.


Nominees for the award were accepted until February 28. “After sharing the list with our category managers, Cooper's Best stood out,” said Marty Jarvis, Director of Marketing for Russ’s Market. “We have worked well with Susan Zink and her husband [Mark] for years.”

“Cooper’s Best is the perfect example of a company that is working to build up our state, create jobs, and expand into new markets,” said Janell Anderson-Ehrke, CEO of GROW Nebraska. “Susan is a charter member of GROW Nebraska, and we’ve been able to see first-hand their growth and dedication to our communities.”

Cooper’s Best is one division of a parent company: Heartland Gourmet. In 1996, the Zinks began manufacturing and the business has evolved into large-scale operation, which supplies products for both wholesale distribution and private labeling. Over the years, Heartland Gourmet has diversified to keep up with changing tastes and demands. For example, their 54,000 square foot factory is certified in organic and gluten free manufacture. They are a staple in the Lincoln community and throughout the state.


Both GROW Nebraska and Russ’s Market are committed to helping develop Nebraska companies and promoting them. Russ’s Market is proud to be a Nebraska company. They started in Lincoln in 1964. This award fits perfectly with their Nebraska pride and heritage.
“This is a win-win situation. We’re all about providing recognition to local companies, and Russ’s Market’s willingness to stock local products on their shelves is something everyone should celebrate. By getting products into Russ’s Market, it provides our businesses with the confidence and sales experience to capture additional marketing opportunities, which means selling in pallet lots, resulting in  more revenue and job creation,” said Janell Anderson Ehrke, CEO and founder of GROW Nebraska. 
Russ’s Market has been a member of GROW Nebraska since 2009. Today B&R Stores, Inc. operates six employee-owned Russ’s Market stores in the Lincoln area and one in Hastings. Russ’s son, Pat Raybould, serves as president of the company. In addition to operating the Russ’s Market stores, B&R Stores, Inc. operates ten Super Saver stores in Nebraska and western Iowa, Save Best in Lincoln, and the Grand Central Apple Market in Kearney.
GROW Nebraska is a nonprofit membership organization, serving over 400 Nebraska small businesses. The organization provides market access, education, and training to launch and connect Nebraska businesses to the global marketplace. GROW Nebraska’s educational programs and scholarship opportunities are funded in part by federal and state funding, along with generous support from foundations and individual donors.
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