A CSD Exclusive.

Leaders recognized for their ongoing commitment to numerous charitable causes and social diversity.

By John Lofstock, Editor

Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter’s Farm Stores and Denise Keane, executive vice president and general counsel for Altria, were honored with the American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) National Human Relations Award at the Harmonie Club in New York City.

Nearly 100 people representing companies from around the convenience store and petroleum industry were on hand to honor the pair. Companies included R.J. Reynolds, BIC, Hershey, Pepsi, Altria, Mountain Service Distributors, King Maker Marketing and many others.

“The spirit of this award is to recognize the outstanding work our business leaders do ever day. As leaders, you have influence and that creates an obligation to help make the world a better place, and that is what our two recipients here tonight do every day,” said Rabbi Noam Marans is AJC’s director of interreligious relations, overseeing national interfaith outreach, dialogue and advocacy.

Cathy Hartman, Scott’s wife, presented him with the award with their daughter. In her remarks, Cathy described Scott as a tireless leader that has worked hard to understand the needs of others while maintaining a strong family life.

Hartman, for his part, said he was humbled by the award. “I have been fortunate to work with a lot of great people through the years and I have learned quite a bit from them,” Hartman said. “I’ve learned that you treat others with respect and you must be willing to work hard. There are no short cuts. As we have grown and experienced success, it became more important to us to give back to the community. We didn’t do it for the recognition. We did it because it was the right thing to do. It is a tremendous honor to receive this award because it helps confirm that we are able to make a difference for others, and that’s what we really care about.”

Rutter’s has been making a difference for many years. Hartman said many years ago, the company decided that children’s charities were going to be where it focuses its fundraising efforts. Through 2015, Rutter’s has donated more than $5 million to children’s hospitals. It has also helped build playgrounds around Pennsylvania to ensure safe areas for children to play.

“It’s very nice to see one of our valued trade partners honored for his work in the community and everything he brings to the industry,” said Dave Riser, ‎ vice president of external relations and trade marketing for R.J. Reynolds. “Scott is very deserving of this honor and we are proud to work with him.”

Champion of Diversity
Keane, who has been with Altria for nearly 40 years, was honored for her unwavering commitment to diversity in the workplace. She was the first female attorney hired by the tobacco company Phillip Morris in 1977, working her way up to her current position as vice president and general counsel for Altria.

Craig Johnson, president of Altria Group Distribution Co., presented Keane with AJC award. He told CSD that few people have made an impact on him personally and professionally as Keane. The pair have worked together for 38 years.

Tom Joyce, of vice president, global customer and industry affairs at The Hershey Co., who received the award in 2013, said Hartman and Keane were very deserving of the award. “Both of Scott and Denise are committed to the industry, their fellow employees and the communities they serve, and that’s what this recognition is all about.”

AJC has been presenting the National Human Relations Award to a member of the candy and tobacco industry for more than 50 years. The award is presented to leading members of the business and civic community who have made significant contributions to the betterment of life on local and national levels. It is awarded in recognition of their dedication to the welfare of the community at large and their devotion to the enrichment of the quality of life for people everywhere, and the generosity of their spirit, which has made a difference.