Stewart’s Shops was honored for the 9th time as a Top Workplace by the Albany Times Union newspaper.
The family- and employee-owned convenience store chain was among 56 businesses recognized at the 15th annual Times Union Top Workplaces event held April 9th at Daley’s on Crooked Lake in Averill Park.
“We are proud to have a team of dedicated, hard-working partners who are committed to supporting our customers and strengthening the communities we serve,” said Alison Abbey, Stewart’s vice president of personnel. “Being recognized as a top workplace reflects their commitment, sense of ownership and the meaningful impact they make every day.”
Stewart’s employs more than 5,500 people who make fresh soup and sandwiches, award-winning milk and ice cream and operate more than 400 convenience stores across upstate New York, Vermont and western New Hampshire.
The company and its founders, the Dake family, recognized decades ago that Stewart’s success is tied to the dedication of its employees, who they call partners because of their ownership in the business through a 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Stewart’s also prides itself on training and providing opportunities for advancement. Because of Stewart’s vertical integration, partners are encouraged to pursue roles in a variety of fields from retail, finance and transportation to manufacturing, management and marketing.