Wpa Celebrates Outstanding Retailers And Industry Leaders At Chairman’s Reception

Each year, the World Pet Association selects exceptional retailers and industry leaders for its prestigious awards, presented at the SUPERZOO WPA Chairman’s Reception. This year’s event, held Wednesday night at Skyfall Lounge at Delano Las Vegas, recognized five outstanding individuals who stood out in their unwavering support for the pet industry and the growth of their own businesses. “These winners epitomize the passion and dedication that inspire us all,” Heather Coots, WPA 1st vice chair and King Wholesale president, said. “Congratulations to them for their well-deserved recognition.”

The WPA honored two retailers:

WPA Pet Retailer Lifetime Achievement 1-5 Stores: Peter Hoeper, owner and president of Pisces Pet Emporium in Calgary, AB, Canada.

Hoeper started Pisces Pet Emporium in 1975, in a 900-square-foot building in his backyard carrying only fish and fish supplies before relocating into a strip mall, where he built a loyal and ever-growing clientele through hard work and great customer service. After several expansions, today the store is located in a 30,000-square-foot building serving dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish and small animals.

Mike Lasky, WPA chair emeritus and president of SLA Brands, said that Hoeper defines the WPA Lifetime Achievement award: “From the ground up, he built a best-in-class destination pet store that attracts both customers and industry professionals from all over the world.” Lasky adds that

Hoeper proudly served as a member of the PIJAC Canada board for many years and also as board chairman, while all along being one of the most humble and nicest people you will meet.

WPA Pet Retailer Lifetime Achievement 6+ Stores: Jacobson family, owners of The Pet Pantry Warehouse in Greenwich, CT.

In 1945, World War II Army Air Forces servicemen Mort Davis and Jac Cohen worked together to get a stateside transfer for a British puppy adopted by Davis while stationed in wartime England. The two friends later joined forces again in The Pet Pantry. When Davis passed away in the late ‘60s, Cohen ran the business through 1995, when it was purchased by Barry Jacobson and his sons Adam and Ari. The Jacobsons converted Pet Pantry’s large warehouse space into a more modern shopping experience, launching its new business model. Today, after 70 years in business,

The Pet Pantry Warehouse has grown to have locations throughout Connecticut and New York, carrying products for all types of pets. They’ve developed successful charitable programs such as Donatable Dollars and the K9 Feeding Project, along with making direct contributions to Adopt-A-Dog, various non-profits, individuals in need and other worthy causes.

Sarah Goldberger, WPA board member and founder of organic dog treat company Lord Jameson, said of the company, “The Jacobson family has given back to schools, religious institutions, charities, non-profits, police, fire, ambulatory services, and local sports leagues and teams. Their compassionate acts of kindness have contributed to well over $500,000 to support animals and humans in need.”

The following industry leaders were honored:

WPA Lifetime Achievement: Randy Barb, CEO of NewCo Distributors.

For more than 40 years, Barb has been a leader in the support and development of programs to help independent retailers thrive and survive. For this award, WPA Past Chair and President of Hikari Sales U.S.A. Chris Clevers cites Barb’s many years on the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) board and his strong support for WPA to help encouraging retailer attendance.

WPA Pawsitive Impact: Elizabeth Kunzelman, vice president of legislative and public affairs, Petland Inc.

Kunzelman has been a part of Petland, which has more than 240 full-service retail pet centers both in and outside the U.S., for more than 17 years. Since 2007, she’s held various roles relating to communications, marketing and public affairs. Today, as vice president of legislative and public affairs, she manages impactful legislative activity at the federal, state and local levels. Kunzelman works with franchisees, local and state chambers, national and state business organizations, lobbyists and marketing consultants to present unified, clear messaging about protecting American pets, supporting consumer choice and setting the standards for animal care.

Clevers said, “You would have to look far and wide to find a person who has spent more time and energy helping the industry circumvent legislation negative to the core belief that people should to be able to have pets and that making them available can enhance the lives of the pets while pets bring unending love to people. For all her hard work, she has definitely had a PAWSitive Impact on our industry!”

The WPA also honored its own:

WPA Hall of Fame: Gwen Powell, former WPA Staff.

Powell demonstrated an exemplary dedication to the pet industry through her time with WPA and in different roles she served in over the years. Prior to joining WPA, Powell was the owner of Long Beach Seed & Pet in California, served as vice-president of the former retailer trade group California Association of Pet Professionals and was a manufacturer representative for Penn-Plax.

Sales manager Carla Ng-Garrett of Earthbath worked with Powell for many years at industry trade shows. She said her dedication, mentorship and sincere care for her colleagues had a great impact on the younger generation in the pet industry.

“Gwen’s commitment to paving the way for others is evident in her proactive efforts to create opportunities and foster growth among emerging professionals. Since her retirement, she has been greatly missed, leaving a void that speaks to the lasting impression she made on all of us.”

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