Marshall native Tom Buysse, owner of Tom’s Markets in Glenwood and Starbuck, was honored by the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) with its 2016 Outstanding Grocer Award, the Pope County Tribune reported. This award is presented annually to a grocer who has successfully developed a company and is respected by industry peers. Additionally, the recipient must demonstrate contributions to the industry in the areas of government affairs, community service and involvement in the MGA.

The award was presented July 31 at the MGA Annual Conference, which was attended by more than 300 members of the Minnesota food industry.

“Buysse’s entrepreneurial spirit exemplifies what it means to be a grocer. His pursuit of excellence makes him a role model for his peers and is why he was chosen as the 2016 MGA Outstanding Grocer,” said Jamie Pfuhl, MGA president.

Buysse, the oldest of Vincent and Ramona Buysse’s 10 children, was born and raised in Marshall, and after graduating from Marshall High School attended Pipestone Technical College’s two-year supermarket management program and after completing his schooling, received an internship at Spies Super Valu in Brookings, South Dakota.

In 1972 Buysse went to work for Hauser’s IGA in Prior Lake, where he held multiple positions within the organization. After 16 years with the Hauser group, Buysse felt it was time to look for his own store. When the opportunity arose in 1988 to purchase Hinck’s Save-Rite Foods in Glenwood he couldn’t pass it up; that store became the first Tom’s Save-Rite Foods, which later became Tom’s Food Pride, and now Tom’s Market. In 1994, he added to the company by purchasing Pedersen’s Supermarket in Starbuck.

To provide the best service possible to the community, Buysse replaced the Glenwood store in 1996. It was twice as big and had many new amenities. The Starbuck store was expanded in 2000, and he purchased Cenex Convenience stores in both towns in 2007.

Buysse has been a member of the Lions for over 40 years and belongs to the Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. He is an active member of the MGA and has served on its Foundation since 2000. During his tenure, the MGA Foundation has awarded over $594,000 in scholarships.

Buysse and his wife Cindy were married in 1977 and live in Glenwood. They have six children and four grandchildren. Their sons all work in the family business.