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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association hosted the first Illinois Best Bagger Competition at the Grand Central Stage at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Monday, with 17-year-old Carlos Sabino from Hy-Vee in Rock Island taking the title.
As Illinois’ Best Bagger, Sabino won $500 and two round-trip airline tickets to Las Vegas, courtesy of United Airlines, to compete in the National Best Bagger Competition for a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize. Shelby Morton from Hy-Vee in Galesburg won second place in the Illinois Best Bagger Competition, securing a prize of $250, and third place finisher Mike Clark from Hy-Vee in Moline was awarded $100.
Contestants were judged on the speed of bagging commonly purchased grocery items, proper bag-building technique, weight distribution in the bags, as well as style, attitude and professional demeanor. Groceries for the competition were generously provided by Hy-Vee.
“Congratulations to Carlos, who will forever have ‘bagging rights’ as the champion of the state’s first Best Bagger Competition. While there can only be one winner, this contest is about celebrating the hard work of grocery professionals across Illinois who create a positive experience for customers every single day,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “Grocery stores are vital to our communities, and we’re proud to spotlight their contributions.”
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