Wisconsin Dells, WI — Michelle Harrington of Albrecht’s Sentry Market in Delafield has been named the 2026 Grocer of the Year, the Wisconsin grocery industry’s highest honor, by the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA). Harrington was recognized during the WGA’s 2026 Awards Banquet on August 18 at the Wilderness Resort Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells.
The award recognizes a Wisconsin grocer who exemplifies leadership, operational excellence, customer service, and commitment to the community. This marks the 53rd year the WGA has presented its Grocer of the Year Award, celebrating the individuals who have helped shape Wisconsin’s grocery industry.
“It is quite an honor, something I never expected. I am truly humbled by and grateful,” Harrington said.
Harrington’s grocery roots run deep. Her parents, Jim and Nancy Albrecht, opened the family’s first store in Oconomowoc in 1994. Growing up in the business, Harrington worked in nearly every department, learning all aspects of the operation. She returned to the family business full time in 1999 and now serves as president of Albrecht’s Sentry Market.
“It takes a great team to do what we do every day, and I’m incredibly fortunate to work with an amazing group of people,” Harrington said.
Under Harrington’s leadership, Albrecht’s Sentry Market continues to emphasize quality, customer service, and local products. The store carries more than 1,000 Wisconsin Proud products from more than 250 local vendors and regularly supports local schools, youth sports, fundraisers, and non-profit organizations. Harrington has also been a leader in Wisconsin’s grocery industry, serving as chair of the WGA Board of Directors from 2022 to 2024.
“I’m thankful for my parents who started the business and taught me everything I know,” Harrington said.
“Michelle represents the very best of independent grocery leadership in Wisconsin,” said Mike Semmann, WGA president and CEO. “Her commitment to her employees, customers, local businesses, and community makes her a deserving recipient of this honor.”
SPECIAL NOTES:
- Image 1 is from the WGA Innovation Expo and was taken by the event’s official photographer, Lashawna Vogel of Lashawna’s Lens. Images 2–5 were provided by the WGA and were taken during the surprise notification shortly before the event.
- Image 1: From left to right: WGA Board of Directors Chair Steve Burkhardt, Michelle Harrington, nominating company Russ Davis Wholesale representative Mark Maloney, and WGA President and CEO Mike Semmann.
- Image 2: Michelle Harrington receives the surprise notification that she was named Grocer of the Year.
- Image 3: Michelle Harrington with members of her grocery store team.
- Image 4: Michelle Harrington with representatives from Russ Davis Wholesale (left) and WGA President and CEO Mike Semmann (right).
- Image 5: Michelle Harrington headshot.
- Additional photos are available upon request. Please contact Michelle, and the WGA team will be happy to assist.
ABOUT THE WISCONSIN GROCERS ASSOCIATION (WGA)
The Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) is a non-profit trade association established in 1900 to represent independent grocers and grocery chains, warehouses and brokers, vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers before all levels of government. The WGA provides educational and networking opportunities, leadership training, public affairs, and compliance information for its membership.
WGA and its membership have significant economic impact in the state of Wisconsin. The WGA represents nearly 350 independent grocers with multiple locations across the state, more than 200 retail grocery chain stores, warehouses and distributors, convenience stores, food brokers and suppliers. Wisconsin grocers employ over 30,000 people with over $1 billion in payroll and generate more than $12 billion in annual sales in Wisconsin resulting in approximately $800 million in state sales tax revenue (data provided by The Food Institute).
