Marino was saluted Saturday evening at the 2016 Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner meeting and awards ceremony. He was chosen as this year’s “Lifetime Achievement” recipient.
Held at the Houlton Elks Lodge, Marino and his wife Cara, drew a standing ovation from the 130-plus members in attendance.
As proprietor of Andy’s IGA Foodliner, Marino has spent countless hours helping residents in the southern Aroostook County get good deals on fresh produce and other grocery items. His generosity also extends to many local groups through donations.
“Andy has supported every organization that I can think of regularly with either donations or great pricing on groceries at times when fund-raising meals are being planned,” said Josh McLaughlin, outgoing president of the Chamber.
Marino’s sons, Joe and Tony, now work alongside their father at the store located in the Houlton Shopping Plaza on North Street.
“Andy and his crew are icons each year in Houlton’s annual Fourth of July parade with their float passing out free watermelon slices to parade watchers,” McLaughlin said. “He has always been generous to groups beyond measure and very quietly, never seeking recognition.”
According to the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) website, “the company was founded in 1926, bringing together independent grocers across the United States to ensure that the trusted, family-owned local grocery store remained strong in the face of growing chain competition.
“Today, that entrepreneurial family business spirit is alive and well, and communities across the U.S. are being served by second, third and even fourth generation independent IGA retailers. And IGA is expanding across the globe, as well; IGA’s Hometown Proud stores can now be found all around the world. In a time of cookie-cutter chains, IGA stores stand out as distinctively unique, just like the communities they serve. Stop in your local IGA and experience shopping the IGA way — with a promise of neighborly service from people you know and trust.”
