One of the highlights of Homecoming Week is the 4th Annual Treasure Valley Business Breakfast, which will feature Albertsons Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer Shane Sampson as the keynote speaker. Slated for Friday, Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. in the Simplot Dining Hall, the event brings together C of I students with alumni and non-alumni business leaders across many industries.
“This event allows for our business students to meet some of the key business people from across the Valley,” said C of I business instructor John Danielson. “We have a variety of successful businesses here that we love to honor, but we also appreciate the opportunities our students have to make connections with the members of those businesses.”
Businesses can sponsor a table for six attendees for $350. Two students will be seated at each table, and sponsors will receive special recognition during the breakfast. Individual tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Proceeds benefit future business student projects and scholarships.
“Business leaders will get the chance to meet College of Idaho students and see the caliber of the students that are here at the College,” said Dr. Marilyn Melchiorre, chair of the College’s business and accounting department. “We bring in high profile executives like Mr. Sampson, show them the campus and have them interact with students and alumni, so they can experience the value of the College and our students firsthand.”
Sampson brings over 35 years of experience in the grocery industry, including serving as president in several of the company’s operating divisions including Florida, Intermountain, Shaws/Star Market, and Jewel Osco. He was appointed EVP & Chief Marketing & Merchandising officer following the company’s merger with Safeway in January 2015.
“Innovation has always been a hallmark of Albertsons stores, going back to when Joe Albertson opened his first store with new concepts like the in-store bakery and store-brand ice cream,” said Shane Sampson, EVP & Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer. “Joe recognized the value that the College of Idaho brought to the Treasure Valley and his company, and he continued to invest his time and efforts here throughout his life. I’m proud to uphold his tradition of giving on behalf of our company.”
“Shane is very highly regarded in the grocery business, and it’s an honor to have him here this year,” Danielson said. “Albertsons has a huge history with the college dating back to when Joe Albertson and his wife Kathryn attended school here, so it’s nice to have them back on campus.”
Sampson will speak about the importance of liberal arts in creative thinking and corporate innovation, which has driven Albertsons forward as one of the nation’s leading grocery chains.
“This event is a unique opportunity to re-connect with alumni, network with community leaders and engage with dynamic students, all while learning about Albertsons continuing impact on our community and the College of Idaho,” said Cassie Fontaine, Vice President and Meridian Branch Manager at Idaho Independent Bank. "Our bank has participated in C of I student projects, and we are continually impressed by the high quality, innovative thinkers coming out of the business school there."
Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2016 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company gave nearly $300 million in food and financial support. These efforts helped millions of people in the areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities and veterans outreach.
The College of Idaho has a 125-year-old legacy of excellence. The C of I is known for its outstanding academic programs, winning athletics tradition and history of producing successful graduates, including seven Rhodes Scholars, three governors, four NFL players and countless business leaders and innovators. Its distinctive PEAK Curriculum challenges students to attain competency in the four knowledge peaks of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and a professional field—empowering them to earn a major and three minors in four years. The College’s close-knit, residential campus is located in Caldwell, where its proximity both to Boise and to the world-class outdoor activities of southwest Idaho’s mountains and rivers offers unique opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. For more information, visit www.collegeofidaho.edu.