Last week, OGA (Ohio Grocers Association) was invited to participate on a press conference call to discuss the "burning" issue of interchange fees. Senator Brown was specifically looking for a small business perspective and being extremely knowledgeable on the issue and the pending federal legislation, Stephanie Skylar, President and CEO of Chief Super Market, Inc. was selected to be on that call. Stephanie did an outstanding job articulating the damaging effects of interchange rates on our businesses and represented not only OGA and Chief Super Market, Inc., but our entire industry with distinction. A big THANK YOU goes out to Stephanie for her participation on that very important and timely call.

Listen to audio from the call.

WASHINGTON D.C. - As the U.S. Senate gears up for a final vote on Wall Street reform legislation, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) outlined how the bill would help Ohio retailers, businesses and consumers by cracking down on "swipe fees" charged on debit card purchases. Brown is fighting for a provision, passed as an amendment to Wall Street reform, that would help reduce the swipe fees that small businesses pay on credit and debit card sales.

"High swipe fees cut into the already tight profit lines for small businesses across Ohio. And too often, the cost is passed along to the consumers," Brown said. "Wall Street reform will prevent unreasonable swipe fees from undermining the growth of small business."

Brown was joined today by Tony Kenny, President of Speedway SuperAmerica - which has more than 440 locations in Ohio and is headquartered in Enon, Ohio, and Stephanie Skylar, President & CEO of Chief Super Market, Inc.-- which operates 13 stores in Northwest and West Central Ohio. Ohio convenience stores paid more than $341 million in interchange fees in 2008.

Congratulations to Therese Klaus from Delphos who participated in our survey and was drawn to win a $300 gift card.



Thanks to everyone; the response was great!

Defiance, OH -- Over $20,000 worth of groceries was grabbed during the 36 shopping sprees held at Chief and Rays this summer. Local residents had a chance to win one of three 90 second shopping sprees held this summer at Chief and Rays Supermarkets. Customers who spent $50 in one transaction received an entry form to enter the shopping spree contest. Each store had three winners.

While customers and store associates cheered them on, the winners had fun filling up their carts. One customer stated, "I know it was luck that my name was drawn - but I had a blast grabbing groceries." Another winner said, "My family and I have a stockpile of food!"

Annette Hoeffel, Director of Marketing, stated "The economy right now is especially difficult in Northwest Ohio where unemployment rates are above the state average. We wanted to find a new way to help our customers fill their pantries and freezers. This is a prize that our customers truly need and can appreciate. It literally puts food on their table."

Lima, OH. Family Meal Night - a Day to Eat Dinner as a Family is Monday, September 28th. This day is committed to encouraging families to sit down and eat dinner together as a simple, yet effective means of maintaining the bond between parent and child. Research by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University also has shown that the more a child eats dinner with his or her family, the less likely that child is to smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.

First Lady of Ohio, Frances Strickland, will present the Family Meal Night message to 6th grade students from Shawnee Middle School at Rays Market on South Cable Road on Monday, September 28th at 11:30 a.m. Mrs. Strickland will also speak about National Preparedness Month which is September. The First Lady will then "shop" with the students at Rays to find items to make a preparedness kit. The students will be given information on how to make a family emergency plan and encouraged to sit down at dinner with their families and develop their emergency plan.

In honor of the visit from the First Lady of Ohio, samples will be given throughout the store from Ohio Proud vendors 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. including Ballreich's Potato Chips, Velvet Ice Cream, Mission Kitchen BBQ Sauce, and meats from John Morrell. Ohio Proud will also be handing out giveaways during the event. Ohio Proud identifies and promotes food and agricultural products that are made in Ohio and grown in Ohio. Rays understands the importance of shopping local and is proud to feature many products made or grown in Ohio.

Defiance, OH -- . Chief and Rays Supermarkets offered customers the chance to win free groceries to fill up their pantries this summer. Local residents had a chance to win one of three 90 second shopping sprees held this summer at Chief and Rays Supermarkets. Customers who spent $50 in one transaction received an entry form to enter the shopping spree contest. Each store had three winners this summer. The third winners were drawn on Sunday, August 229th. Winners include:

• Andrea Kuehne - Celina Chief
• Diane Otten - Coldwater Chief
• Michelle McJunkin - St. Marys Chief
• Mary Lee - Defiance Chief
• Lisa Tippin - Bryan Chief
• Barbara Jacquot - Wauseon Chief
• Sue Brown - Paulding Chief
• Madelyn Schimmoller - Delphos Chief
• David Valentino - Napoleon Chief
• Chandra Nott - Rays Market, S. Cable Rd., Lima
• Susan Murphy - Rays Northland, W. Northern Ave., Lima
• William West - Rays Eastgate, Harding Highway, Lima
• Sandy Kelly - Rays Clocktower, N. Cable Rd., Lima

Winners will perform their shopping sprees on Saturday, September 5th at 10 a.m. St Marys' winner will perform her shopping spree on September 12th at 8 a.m. at the Celina Chief. The community is invited to come cheer them on as they grab for groceries to fill their shopping carts.

Annette Hoeffel, Director of Marketing, stated "The economy right now is especially difficult in Northwest Ohio where unemployment rates are above the state average. We wanted to find a new way to help our customers fill their pantries and freezers. This is a prize that our customers truly need and can appreciate. It literally puts food on their table."

Chief and Rays Supermarkets are offering customers the chance to win free groceries to fill up their pantries this summer. Local residents have a chance to win one of three 90 second shopping sprees held this summer at Chief and Rays Supermarkets. Customers who spend $50 in one transaction receive an entry form to enter the shopping spree contest. Each store will have three winners this summer. The second winners were drawn on Sunday, August 2nd. Winners include:

• Rita Prenger - Celina Chief
• Jan Reed - Coldwater Chief
• Sally Dicke - St. Marys Chief
• Brenda Dotson - Defiance Chief
• Candi Snider - Bryan Chief
• Minerva Rivas - Wauseon Chief
• Jim Myers - Paulding Chief
• David Strause - Delphos Chief
• Beth Junge - Napoleon Chief
• Chloe Jeffers - Rays Market, S. Cable Rd., Lima
• Delores Renner - Rays Northland, W. Northern Ave., Lima
• Michelle Evans - Rays Eastgate, Harding Highway, Lima
• Sue Barnett - Rays Clocktower, N. Cable Rd., Lima

Winners will perform their shopping sprees on Saturday, August 8th at 10 a.m. The community is invited to come cheer them on as they grab for groceries to fill their shopping carts.
Annette Hoeffel, Director of Marketing, stated "The economy right now is especially difficult in Northwest Ohio where unemployment rates are above the state average. We wanted to find a new way to help our customers fill their pantries and freezers. This is a prize that our customers truly need and can appreciate. It literally puts food on their table."
The final winners will be drawn on August 30th for a shopping spree on September 5th. Complete details are available at Chief and Rays Supermarkets.

Defiance, OH -- Chief and Rays Supermarkets are offering customers the chance to win free groceries to fill up their pantries this summer. Local residents have a chance to win one of three 90 second shopping sprees held this summer at Chief and Rays Supermarkets. Customers who spend $50 in one transaction receive an entry form to enter the shopping spree contest. Each store will have three winners this summer. The second winners were drawn on Sunday, August 2nd. Winners include:

• Rita Prenger - Celina Chief
• Jan Reed - Coldwater Chief
• Sally Dicke - St. Marys Chief
• Brenda Dotson - Defiance Chief
• Candi Snider - Bryan Chief
• Minerva Rivas - Wauseon Chief
• Jim Myers - Paulding Chief
• David Strause - Delphos Chief
• Beth Junge - Napoleon Chief
• Chloe Jeffers - Rays Market, S. Cable Rd., Lima
• Delores Renner - Rays Northland, W. Northern Ave., Lima
• Michelle Evans - Rays Eastgate, Harding Highway, Lima
• Sue Barnett - Rays Clocktower, N. Cable Rd., Lima

Winners will perform their shopping sprees on Saturday, August 8th at 10 a.m. The community is invited to come cheer them on as they grab for groceries to fill their shopping carts.

Annette Hoeffel, Director of Marketing, stated "The economy right now is especially difficult in Northwest Ohio where unemployment rates are above the state average. We wanted to find a new way to help our customers fill their pantries and freezers. This is a prize that our customers truly need and can appreciate. It literally puts food on their table."

The final winners will be drawn on August 30th for a shopping spree on September 5th. Complete details are available at Chief and Rays Supermarkets.

Defiance, OH -- On Saturday, August 1st, Defiance Chief held a Gourmet Burger Challenge with prizes totaling $700. To enter the challenge, potential contestants entered their gourmet burger recipe at Chief Market Square, or online at chiefsupermarkets.com. Six contestants were chosen for a live cook-off. Burgers were judged by a panel of judges consisting of store associates, customers, and Rick Small (WDFM). The grand prize winner of a $500 Chief gift card was Heather Buttermore, with her Saucy Buffalo Burger recipe. Heather edged out runner-up Joe Keween by just 3 points. Joe received a $100 Chief gift card for his Yummy Chorizo Burger recipe. The other four finalists and their burgers were: Pam Jones - Sam-Burger; David Perkins - Burgers Caprese; Lee Ann Mendoza - Open Faced Fiesta Burger; and Sue Shea - Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Burger.

Chief and Rays Supermarkets are offering customers the chance to win free groceries to fill up their pantries this summer. Local residents have a chance to win one of three 90 second shopping sprees held this summer at Chief and Rays Supermarkets. Customers who spend $50 in one transaction receive an entry form to enter the shopping spree contest. Each store will have three winners this summer. The first winners were drawn on Sunday, June 28th.

Winners include:

• Sara Beiler - Celina Chief
• Mary Jean Siefring - Coldwater Chief
• Maggie Cable - St. Marys Chief
• Amy Wright - Defiance Chief*
• Elsa Arnett - Bryan Chief
• Bev Hollingsworth - Wauseon Chief
• Lee Goodwin - Paulding Chief
• Sarah Schier - Delphos Chief
• Joyce Blair - Napoleon Chief
• Jack Hammill - Rays Market, S. Cable Rd., Lima
• Diane Fleischmann - Rays Northland, W. Northern Ave., Lima
• Lynn Cramer - Rays Eastgate, Harding Highway, Lima
• Becky McClure - Rays Clocktower, N. Cable Rd., Lima

Defiance, OH-June 17: America's leading supermarket industry publication has named Chief Super Market, Inc., President and Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Skylar, one of the 2009, Top Women in Grocery.

Progressive Grocer magazine, sponsor of the award, recognizes the women who are helping initiate change in the grocery industry. Those executives selected have demonstrated outstanding leadership, wielding influence in their companies and in the industry at large, as well as being deeply involved in the communities they serve and in philanthropic activities.

"I am impressed with Stephanie's knowledge of the grocery business, as well as her progressive nature, insight and determination for the advancement of her company," stated Tom Jackson, President & CEO, Ohio Grocers Association. "She has the ability to bring people together to work collectively toward a common goal. What's more, she has the insight and intellect to lead her management team and their 13-store company in the right direction - one that is meaningful and appropriate with respect to technology and to meeting the needs of today's consumer."

Defiance, OH: Vicki Boroff, Manager of Human Resources and Development, Chief Super Market, Inc. has earned certification as a Professional in Human Resources.

Awarded by the HR Certification Institute, certification as a Professional in Human Resources signifies mastery of the body of theoretical and practical knowledge, in the field of Human Resource management. “Certification as a human resource professional clearly demonstrates a commitment to personal excellence and to the human resource profession,” said Mary Power, CAE, Executive Director of the HR Certification Institute.

To become certified, an applicant must pass a comprehensive examination and demonstrate a strong background of professional human resource experience.

Defiance, OH: Defiance resident and long-time Chief Super Market, Inc. employee Theresa Stafford has been named to the company’s newly created position of Director of Human Resources & Risk Management.

“It gives me great personal pride and pleasure to name Theresa Stafford to this newly created senior level position,” said Chief Super Market President and Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Skylar. “Her many years of experience and dedicated service to our company make her the clear choice for this important executive position. She is extraordinarily well qualified to take on this new challenge.”

In her new role, Ms. Stafford will oversee support services for more than 1,000 employees in 13 stores across Northwest Ohio. In addition, she will manage the company’s portfolio of property, liability and health insurance.

Defiance, OH -- July 7, 2008. Stephanie Skylar, President & CEO of Chief and Rays Supermarkets announced the appointment of Jim Straub to Pharmacy Director. Jim will oversee the operations of three Rays Pharmacy & Wellness Centers in Lima and the Chief Pharmacy & Wellness Center in Defiance.

"Jim has worked with Chief for the past year. He has a rich history in the pharmacy industry and will help Chief and Rays pharmacies grow into the future. We are very excited to have Jim in this position," said Skylar.

Jim holds a Degree in Pharmacy from Ohio Northern University. He is a second-generation pharmacist, who worked with his father, Emil, before Emil retired. Jim has a background in training, management, team building, revenue growth, and administration. Jim and his wife reside in Lima, Ohio.

Are you looking for information about a product recall? Or want to learn more about the steps being taken to make sure the food you eat is safe? The links below will lead you to often-requested information.

• CPSC: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• USDA: United States Department of Agriculture
• FSIS: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
• Befoodsafe.org: Partnership for Food Safety Education

DEFIANCE, OHIO, November 26--Stephanie M. Skylar, an executive with Chief Super

Market, Inc. since 1996, today was named President & CEO by company Chairman Eric C. Hench. She succeeds Jeff Sewell, who has resigned to pursue other business interests.

"Stephanie has long been a leader within our organization. I am pleased to now call her the leader of our company," said Mr. Hench, in a statement released earlier today to staff and employees. "She has the vision and experience to take Chief and Rays to increasingly higher levels of excellence. She has the respect and the trust of our associates and other stakeholders, enabling our company to continue its long tradition of service to them and to the communities in which we operate."

Lima, OH - December 3, 2007. Rays Market celebrated the newly remodeled location at 890 South Cable Road on Saturday, November 10th where customers could enter to win a 50� Plasma LG HDTV, 4 Hannah Montana Best of Both Worlds Concert Tickets, a Go Cart, an I Pod Nano, or a 10 piece Rachael Ray Cookware set.

Customers were able to enter to win prizes through November 25, 2007. Congratulations to the following winners.

• Molly Nungester - Hannah Montana Best of Both Worlds Concert Tickets

Rays Market located at 890 South Cable Road recently completed a multi-million dollar remodel project which began in the fall of 2006. The project included the purchase of the adjacent Rite Aid store adding 10,000 square feet to Rays.

Rays Market has a modern look offering a more authentic shopping experience. The decor is timeless and less trendy. The new store features several old photographs of the Lima area keeping the Lima heritage alive. In addition to the new look Rays Market also features a comfortable seating area to relax. The Welcome Center is located at the front of the store where customers can find store maps, weekly ads, a TV featuring special events at Rays and Ohio State Football Games and also Kaffeescape Coffee from The Meeting Place on Main.

Rays has partnered with local merchants to offer additional services for customers. DeHaven Floral, Neighborhood Cleaners dry cleaners, and Kaffeescape Coffee supplied by The Meeting Place on Main. All are located within the Rays Market at 890 South Cable Road. "Rays is a locally owned company that supports local business. We are excited for the opportunity to partner with these local businesses and provide a service to our customers" stated Stephanie Skylar, Director of Marketing and Communications at Chief Super Market, Inc.

Rays Market located at 890 South Cable Road recently completed a multi-million dollar remodel project which began in the fall of 2006. The project included the purchase of the adjacent Rite Aid store adding 10,000 square feet to Rays.

Rays has partnered with local merchants to offer additional services to customers. The Neighborhood Cleaners is a locally owned dry cleaner in the Lima area with one additional location at 927 North Cable Road. The new location inside Rays Market at 890 South Cable Road will operate Monday thru Friday 9am - 7pm and Saturday 9am - 2pm. Jim Thierry, owner of The Neighborhood Cleaners, is very excited about the opportunity and will be offering a 10% discount on all items November 10th - 17th at the new location inside Rays at 890 South Cable Road.

"Rays is a locally owned company that supports local business. We are excited for the opportunity to partner with local businesses and provide a service to our customers" stated Stephanie Skylar, Director of Marketing and Communications at Chief Super Market, Inc.

Rays Market located at 890 South Cable Road recently completed a multi-million dollar remodel project which began in the fall of 2006. The project included the purchase of the adjacent Rite Aid store adding 10,000 square feet to Rays.

Rays has partnered with local merchants to offer additional services to customers. DeHaven Home & Garden SHOWPLACE is locally owned and family operated and is celebrating its 53rd year in business in Northwest Ohio. DeHavens operates two additional locations one in Lima at 775 Shawnee Road and one in Findlay.

Rays Market at 890 South Cable Road has partnered with DeHavens to landscape the newly remodeled store and an area of floral to merchandise and sell DeHaven products inside Rays Market.

Rays Market located at 890 South Cable Road recently completed a multi-million dollar remodel project which began in the fall of 2006. The project included the purchase of the adjacent Rite Aid store adding 10,000 square feet to Rays.

Rays Market has partnered with The Meeting Place on Main to carry their Kaffeescape Coffee brand. Kaffeescape Coffee supplied by The Meeting Place on Main is available at the Welcome Center near the entrance. Customers can purchase a cup to sip while they shop. Kaffeescape Coffee is also available in one pound packages in the grocery aisle for purchase to make at home.

Rays has partnered with local merchants to offer additional services to customers. "Rays is a locally owned company that supports local business. We are excited for the opportunity to partner with these local businesses and provide a service to our customers" stated Stephanie Skylar, Director of Marketing and Communications at Chief Super Market, Inc.

Lima, OH - October 29, 2007. Rays Market, 890 South Cable Road in Lima, is new again! The expansion and remodel of Rays Market began in the fall of 2006. The entire store and all departments have been updated. The project represents a multimillion dollar investment.

The store expanded from 35,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet by taking over the former Rite Aid space adjacent to the existing supermarket. The additional space allowed for construction of the newest Rays Pharmacy and Wellness Center, plus an expanded fresh food department featuring a complete selection of organic products. To facilitate the expansion, Rays purchased the Cable Road property in May, 2006, including the drugstore building. �Purchase of this property cleared the way to planning for a facility that provides the backdrop of a unique customer shopping experience,� said Jeff Sewell, President of Rays Supermarkets.

Rays Director of Marketing & Communications, Stephanie Skylar, says the expansion and new services are a direct response to customer requests. "We listened to their comments asking for upgrades and improvements to the store and now we are able to act on their requests." Skylar said the new store will emphasize fresh foods. "We are creating a fun and exciting shopping experience with fresh, wonderful food and new services to help meet the lifestyle needs of our shoppers."

Defiance, OH - May 22, 2007. Chief Supermarket, Inc. recently won 500,000 Campbell's labels in a regional Campbell's Labels for Education competition. Local schools had the opportunity to compete and win a portion of the 500,000 Campbell's Labels for Education.

18 area schools recently competed to win a share of 500,000 Campbell�s Labels for Education from Chief Super Markets, Inc. The contest for the 500,000 labels ran April 23rd to May 6th. Area schools collected Chief Supermarket register receipts during the contest dates. Points were allotted for specific items on the register receipts collected.

•10 points for each Dinner's Ready Entree

Defiance, OH - April 4, 2007. Jeff Sewell, President & CEO of Chief Super Market, Inc., announced today that Chief Super Market, Inc. has purchased the in-store pharmacy from The Defiance Clinic which operates at the Chief store at 705 Deatrick Street in Defiance. "The acquisition supports the growth initiatives of our strategic plan for Chief," stated Sewell. "We enjoy our relationship with the Defiance Clinic. Customers of the pharmacy will continue to enjoy the same high level of service with Chief," said Jeff Sewell, President & CEO of Chief Super Market, Inc. The company currently owns two other in-store pharmacy and wellness centers in the Lima community with another to be included with the remodel at the Rays location at 890 South Cable Road, Lima, which will bring the total to four. The Defiance Clinic has operated the pharmacy inside the Defiance Chief Supermarket since 2000. "We felt this would be a good opportunity for both of our organizations and are pleased that the pharmacy in Chief will continue under local ownership," said Chad Peter, CEO of Defiance Clinic. Mr. Peter went on to say "The Defiance Clinic will continue to operate the pharmacy at the Defiance Clinic location." The pharmacy will be called the Chief Pharmacy and Wellness Center. In addition to prescription services, the center will also feature hundreds of high quality natural body care products, supplements and herbs, in conjunction with the existing natural foods section. About Chief Super Market, Inc. Chief is a family-owned, regional supermarket chain. The company operates thirteen stores under the Chief and Rays banners in ten communities in northwest and west central Ohio. For additional information, contact Stephanie M. Skylar, Director of Marketing & Communications at (419) 785-2170, or via email: skylar@chiefsupermarkets.com.