Shoppers in beautiful North Central Washington have come to rely on Martin’s Market IGA, the only grocery store available for miles.

Owner Phil Blackburn’s experience working with bigger grocery chains has been helpful to him in creating a community treasure, serving the specialized needs of his customers from all over the region.

The award, presented at a surprise event at the Cashmere store Thursday, recognizes Blackburn’s lifetime commitment to the industry and exemplification of business leadership. The honor also recognizes the retailer’s commitment to the prosperity, ethics, and image of the independent food industry and WFIA.

“For years, Phil has worked to ensure customers feel at home at Martin’s Market IGA. He works hard to make sure his stores are stocked with a variety of items customers want to keep pace with local trends and interests in specialty foods. He also takes care to support local suppliers, which has been so important during the pandemic,” said WFIA President & CEO Tammie Hetrick. “It’s this attention to detail that has made Phil and Martin’s Market IGA a part of the community not just in Cashmere but all over North Central Washington. It’s clear that Phil enjoys what he does and is always the first one to share a new idea with fellow WFIA members, always doing his best in representing the grocery community,” she added.

“Phil Blackburn truly cares about his customers and his vendor partners, and is revered by his peers within the Washington grocery community. For these reasons, we are honoring Phil and Martin’s Market IGA with the Retailer of the Year award.”