Hall of Fame Awards

Tom Robaczewski

Tom Robaczewski has more than 40 years of experience in the grocery industry, spanning retail, brokerage, and manufacturing. He spent 23 years at Dominick’s Finer Foods, including 13 years as Buyer and Category Manager, before moving into brokerage for 14 years—where he first became involved with NFRA. In 2012, he joined Bays Bakery, later acquired by Bimbo Bakeries USA, where he led national refrigerated sales efforts, including the Lender’s Bagels line. For 15 consecutive years, he attended the NFRA Convention as a one-man sales team, meeting with more than 20 retailers annually—contributing to 12 years of consistent sales growth. He served on the NFRA Board of Directors for many years, and is a member of the Honorable Order of Golden Penguins.

Joey Bates

has more than 30 years of experience in the grocery industry, holding leadership roles in store operations, merchandising, and brand development. Since joining Harris Teeter in 2001, he has overseen categories including Grocery, Dairy, Frozen Foods, Beverages, and Bakery, and served as Dairy Category Manager and Director of Private Brands. A longtime advocate for the refrigerated category, Bates played a key role in introducing innovative products and bringing emerging brands to Harris Teeter shelves. He served on the NFRA Board of Directors from 2013 to 2023, chaired the Refrigerated Food Council from 2021 to 2023, served on the New Member Committee, presented to the Small Business Council, and helped launch the NFRA Convention’s Speed Meetings. He is also a member of the Honorable Order of Golden Penguins.

Paul DiGenova

Paul DiGenova, currently general manager of commodities with Nortera, has devoted more than four decades to advancing the frozen food industry. Throughout his career, DiGenova held senior leadership roles within the frozen foods sector, guiding organizations through periods of growth, operational change, and increased industry engagement. He has been an active contributor to industry associations and initiatives, supporting collaboration across the supply chain and helping strengthen the long-term position of frozen foods in the marketplace. DiGenova is widely recognized for his commitment to mentorship, innovation, and the continued evolution of the frozen food industry.

Richard Marks

Richard Marks is former chairman of the board of directors of Arbre Group Holding Corporation, a family-owned business founded by his father, Francis, as Paris Produce Company in 1945. The present corporation includes Paris Foods, Holli-PAC, and Sun Mark Foods as subsidiaries. Marks and his family pioneered the repack and distribution model for frozen vegetables. Over his 45-year career, Richard supported friendly competition, startup companies, and mentoring the industry’s next generation. An example of his generosity and entrepreneurship is when he spearheaded the purchase of Chase Farms in Michigan at a critical point in the growing season, saving hundreds of jobs, assuring the crops were harvested and honoring existing customer contracts. In retirement, Marks remains a strong advocate for AFFI and other industry associations. Also, as a past board member of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, he remains an advocate for refugee assistance and serves on several non-profit mentoring organizations in his community.

Frank Tiegs

Frank Tiegs (posthumous) was the founder of Oregon Potato Company (OPC), a vertically integrated frozen food producer that grew from a single acre in 1978 into a multi-state operation with approximately 15 facilities across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Under his leadership, OPC became a significant force in the frozen food industry, expanding beyond frozen potatoes into a diversified portfolio of frozen fruits and vegetables. Tiegs was widely respected for his entrepreneurial vision, emphasis on sustainable farming practices, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to operational excellence.

Frozen Food Hall of Fame.