Meyer wins USA Baby award
Staff -- Kids Today, 7/1/2005
Lombard, Ill.— Specialty retailer USA Baby has named Fred Meyer the 2005 winner of the Alan S. Levine Founder's Award.
Meyer, a 15-year USA Baby franchisee, runs a store in Battle Creek, Mich., with his wife, Patty.
The Levine award is given to the storeowner who has contributed the most to the success and growth of the USA Baby franchise system through dedication, teamwork and commitment. Franchise owners in the United States and Mexico vote on the winner.
"It's a great honor to be chosen by peers for such as award," Meyer said. "I've always enjoyed working with USA Baby and am thankful to my wife for allowing me to participate in an extended capacity."
Meyer's father opened the Battle Creek location in 1947, selling religious articles and greeting cards. Years later, he added toys and dolls to the merchandise mix. Meyer took over in the 1980s and began flooring collectibles and baby furniture. He became a USA Baby franchise in 1990.
Meyer serves as chairman of the USA Baby advisory board, which helps provide guidelines for corporate decisions and policies. He is also involved with several organizations in the Battle Creek community.
"We love what we do and want to continue with good quality products for our local families," Meyer said. "We have a strong name ...we have a great crew working here that does a fantastic job to meet the needs of our customers."
The first award was presented last year to Alan Levine, who founded the company in 1975.
