Stater Bros. Manager Honored for Making a Difference

For Stater Bros. manager Kelvin Austin, Boss’s Day came early this year. Austin didn’t just receive accolades from his employees, but he was also honored by Miracle Temple of God Church and the community too. On Oct. 8, outside of the Stater Bros. Market located at 14425 Moreno Beach Drive in Moreno Valley, Pastors Regina Renee Napper and Phillip Myer Ford Jr. held a brief ceremony to show appreciation and gratitude for the leadership and customer services shown by Austin. The event was attended by representatives from the Stater Bros. corporate office as well as representatives for the Moreno Valley Fire Department, Moreno Valley mayor’s office, Wells Fargo, Miracle Temple of God Church, and the local community. The ceremony was the brainchild of Pastor Napper, who said she “shops at Stater Bros. on a daily basis” and is impressed with the improvements seen in the store under Austin’s leadership. She also praised him for his dedication, commitment to excellence and willingness to hire local young people giving them work experience and the opportunity to work close to home. Pastor Napper stated that she wanted to hold the event because "you must give honor where honor is due.” The windows on the front of the store contained handmade posters offering encouragement and thanks to Austin. About 50 people from the church, community and local businesses attended. Several people spoke emotionally about the impact Austin’s leadership has had on the store. Community members expressed gratitude for the improved customer service and cleanliness of the store, and employees expressed appreciation and admiration for Austin. Bishop Craig Napper of Miracle Temple of God Church encouraged Austin “to keep doing what he is doing.” Members of Stater Bro.’s corporate staff were impressed and said that this was the first time they had witnessed a community ceremony to honor a store manager. Two Stater Bros. employees applauded Austin for his guidance, fairness and for his leadership. Employee Christian Singleterry presented Austin with a pen and employee Donald Jackson stated that Austin’s motivation and support had “changed his life.” Pastor Ford offered words of inspiration to Austin about leadership and presented him with a certificate of appreciation from the church. Austin also received an award from the mayor’s office. Austin stated that he was “grateful” for the ceremony and that “no one had ever done anything like this” for him before. The event culminated with a free raffle in which a local resident won $100 in Stater Bros. gift cards, courtesy of Miracle Temple of God Church.