Dinkowitz, DelVecchio and Patten honored by N.J. Food Council

Daniel Dinkowitz of Allegiance Retail Services, Suzanne DelVecchio of QuickChek, and Paul Patten of Wakefern Food Corp. recently received Industry Achievement Awards from the New Jersey Food Council at its Night of Distinction event.

The awardees were noted as prominent food industry executives who continue to innovate and propel the industry throughout the state.

Daniel Dinkowitz. (NJFC)

NJFC CEO Linda Doherty said each recipient was uniquely qualified.

“We are so pleased and proud that we finally could produce a high-quality virtual event to celebrate three industry leaders who have made such a meaningful contribution to advance the mission of the Food Council, have achieved significant grocery industry success and have a history of civic service within the New Jersey food community,” she said.

“These individuals are truly an all-star lineup of industry leaders in New Jersey.”

Doherty said the virtual event was extra special, coming during a pandemic that has so tested the food industry.

Suzanne DelVecchio. (NJFC)

“It was a great privilege to honor these industry giants who work diligently to support our efforts and our association’s mission, even during the challenges of this pandemic,” she said. “They’ve all demonstrated tremendous abilities to adapt to changing market and supply chain forces. It is particularly relevant to be able to honor them this year through a virtual platform streamed across the region.”

Event Chair Michael Biase of Mission Foods agreed.

“The Night of Distinction truly represents the ‘who’s who’ as we celebrate and pay tribute to our industry leaders who have helped us strive to be `the best in class’ food trade association in the country,” he said.

Paul Patten. (NJFC)

A look at the honorees:

  • Daniel Dinkowitz, senior director of omnichannel sales for Allegiance Retail Services: “Danny is the perfect candidate to receive this prestigious award,” Jimmy Ostling of Ostling & Associates Sales and Marketing, said. “His energy level, passion, creativity and entrepreneurial mindset are among his key attributes. He’s a true merchandiser that has always focused on sales growth and has numerous accomplishments to support it.”
  • Suzanne DelVecchio, corporate counsel of QuickChek: “Suzanne is a colleague, a confidant and a friend,” Don Leech, vice president of marketing and development at QuickChek, said. “She has dedicated her entire career to QuickChek. Her role is not just counsel; she plays a much bigger role wherever needed. She’s always there to collaborate and is a real positive force for the entire food industry.”
  • Paul Patten, group vice president of Wakefern Food Corp.: “During the pandemic, Paul was a leader, a relentless, tremendous hard worker,” Saker ShopRites CEO Richard Saker said. “He understood the importance of essential workers and how critical the food industry is to customers. Paul was a stand-up guy through the crisis, with character and integrity. He is a giant.”

About the NJFC

The New Jersey Food Council is the Garden State’s preeminent trade association, representing almost 400 companies, including 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 250,000 associates in the state.