Hal Blanton, owner of Blanton's Market in Packwood, was named retailer of the year by the Washington Food Industry Association.
Hal Blanton, owner of Blanton's Market in Packwood, was named retailer of the year by the Washington Food Industry Association.
Hal Blanton, owner of Blanton's Market in Packwood, was named retailer of the year by the Washington Food Industry Association.
Hal Blanton, left, owner of Blanton's Market in Packwood, was named retailer of the year by the Washington Food Industry Association.
For three generations of ownership, Blanton’s Market in Packwood has been serving East Lewis County residents with fresh produce, meat and plenty of other groceries.
On Tuesday, owner Hal Blanton was named retailer of the year by the Washington Food Industry Association, recognizing a “lifetime of commitment to the industry and exemplification of business leadership.”
“We heard over and over from his employees — ‘I'd never work anywhere else. Hal's the best boss,’” said Jan Gee, WFIA President and CEO. “He's kind to people, he's kind to the community. He's very generous in terms of community projects, donations, leadership — he's a man of a very great big kind heart.”
Gee made a surprise visit to Packwood Tuesday to present the award, honoring the standout store within the 590-member organization.
“It was a surprise to us,” Blanton said. “We had no idea we were even entered. It was exciting. … I told the staff the morning they gave that to us, we've been blessed here and we've been blessed with good staff that take care of our customers. It's nice to get recognized for this.”
According to Gee, the award was chosen by the WFIA board based on three categories — running a good retail operation, investing in employees and contributing to the community.
“When all the scoring came back to our office, Hal was a clear winner,” she said.
She noted the role grocers play in remote areas, where access to such products can be limited.
“The small, rural stores like Hal's, they are the heart of the community. They're what makes the community tick,” she said. “They're far more than a store. ... Hal is no different. He's been at the core of leadership of just about every major social service, fundraiser, community need and food drive.”
Blanton said the credit belongs to his staff, and to the close-knit communities of Packwood and East Lewis County.
“We take care of our customers, and our customers take care of us,” he said. “The customers that live here, we know them and know most of them by name. … We also have loyal customers, and that's gratifying.”
Meanwhile, Gee said Blanton’s store stood out because it offers an impressive array of goods, and new adaptations and offerings, despite being far from any population center.
“As a store culture, we try to listen very closely and very sensitively to what our customers are telling us they want and don't want,” Blanton said. “The food industry itself, from agriculture to transportation to us, it's a great system in this country. … It's an amazing system of being able to deliver products that allows us to in a fairly remote place — our customers are able to get pretty much whatever anyone else can get, regardless of where we live.”
The Tuesday visit, Gee said, was a special moment, surprising Blanton and his staff with the award.
“It is the best part of my job,” she said. “(Blanton) had the most fun, surprised look on his face. He was really touched by the people that were there, the people that nominated him.”
