Kroger has been a familiar neighbor and patron in the Broad Ripple community serving generations of residents since its opening in 1955. As Broad Ripple has changed over the years, Kroger's 6220 Guilford Avenue grocery store is also changing with the times to further meet consumer and environmental needs.

John Elliott, media spokesperson and Public Affairs Manager for Kroger's Central Indiana Division, said, "Because of the store's size and limited storage space, there will be multiple phases of renovation taking place. We have been doing remodeling in smaller increments compared to that of a larger store. These include a custom-designed décor that will appear on all four walls of the store. We are also taking energy efficient steps, among them are the installation of more energy efficient motors and freezers intended to lessen our environmental impact. At the end of 2007, all freezers in the south end of the store had more efficient operating motors," he explained.

"Subtle décor signs referring to the Monon Trail appear at the check-out stands. Awnings are already in place over the meat case. The lunchmeat and dairy cases are in the midst of being renovated. Home-ready prepared meals will be available in the display case near the front door. Customers have commented on the new entry way where shelves were recently removed. We will re-arrange the entry way where the doors will be reversed - the right side will be the entrance while the left side will be the exit. There will be new product cases and a floral area along the front wall in a 16-foot refrigerated area. There will also be a cheese island where the bread shelves are currently located. We welcome customer feedback to get their comments," Elliott emphasized.

Describing additional store upgrades, he mentioned, "We have installed lower profile shelves in our wine section, as it has expanded. New products, to be determined, will also be added in this area. Energy efficiencies in the store's non-public area include an automatic light with cut-offs powered by motion sensors. When no associates are present in the area, the light shuts off," he added.

A native of Noblesville, Elliott joined Kroger last year as their media spokesperson. His responsibilities include managing all media interactions and government relations at the state and local level involving Kroger operations in 154 stores across Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio.

He also serves as chair of Kroger's Charitable Committee that distributes more than $7 million in annual contributions to several hundred organizations in local communities. He oversees customer service functions within Kroger's operating division. As an executive committee member, Elliott is involved in key decisions impacting operations, merchandising, economic development and its workforce.

Prior to working at Kroger, he owned a private consultancy that focused on strategic planning, management and organizational effectiveness for non-profits, local communities, churches and corporations. He has written strategic plans and policy recommendations for the federal, state and local government. Elliott also served as Director of the Center for Business Preparation at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana where he developed strategy, marketing, co-curricular programming and communications plans as well as increasing alumni engagement and financial support for the long-term needs of the college.

Elliott served for ten years as a United States Department of State Foreign Service Officer as a diplomat in Burma, China, Taiwan and Thailand. He has been a member of U.S. delegations to regional United Nations and other multilateral organization negotiations.

While his career has taken him around the world, his roots are in Indiana. Having a passion for community service, he has served on more than 20 boards and committees. A graduate of Hanover College, he is currently pursuing his Executive MBA at Butler University. He has led and founded many community efforts in Noblesville, including economic development strategy, historic preservation and beautification efforts in the non-profit and public sectors.

In a recent Kroger press release, Tom Cebulko, Director of Finance for their Central Division, announced a $25,000 grant to the Indiana Historical Society to support their You Are There: 1945 Hoosier Grocery special exhibit, which is based on Zwerner's Citizen Market in Terre Haute, Indiana. Kroger's own presence in the Terre Haute market pre-dates this 1945 exhibit.

end of part one