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Honor Recognizes a Career Spent Helping the Next Generation of Independent Grocers Succeed
Rudy’s Markets is proud to share that our founder and executive chairman, Rudy Dory, has been named the first recipient of the National Grocers Association (NGA) Foundation’s Catalyst for Independence Award. He accepted the honor, which comes as Rudy’s Markets marks 50 years in Central Oregon, at the recent 2026 NGA Executive Conference in Chicago.
The new award recognizes leaders at NGA member companies who go out of their way to mentor, empower and develop the people who will lead independent grocery next. The Foundation chose Rudy for his work with emerging leaders, his support for employee ownership and his belief that independent grocers have a future worth investing in.
Rudy has worked in grocery for more than 50 years. He began in 1976 by building La Pine’s first grocery store from the ground up. Since then, he and his wife, Debbie, grew that single store into a family of markets across Central Oregon, which includes Newport Avenue Market, two Oliver Lemon’s locations and Ollie’s Kitchen. He also helped guide Newport Avenue Market as it became Central Oregon’s first locally founded, 100% employee-owned grocery store.
“It’s a great honor to be the first recipient of this prestigious award from the National Grocers Association,” said Rudy Dory, founder and executive chairman of Rudy’s Markets.
A central part of Rudy’s legacy is how he planned for what comes next. He mentored and shared ownership of the business with his daughter, Lauren G.D. Redman, and gave her the responsibility and the room to grow into a leadership role. Today she serves as CEO and President of Rudy’s Markets, evolving and carrying the family business successfully into its next chapter.
“An independent grocer’s greatest legacy isn’t the building they leave behind. It’s the leaders they leave within it. This award celebrates those who don’t just mind the store, but mind the future,” said Lauren G.D. Redman, CEO and President of Rudy’s Markets.
NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara said the future of independent grocery depends on leaders who invest in those who come after them and called the opportunities Rudy has created for others to lead his greatest contribution. NGA Foundation Vice President Chelsea Matzen added that Rudy reflects what the award is meant to honor by being a leader who opens the way for others so that independent grocers can keep serving their communities and stay independent.
