It was 1917 when Ferd Niemann, Sr. and Steve Niemann opened their first grocery store. It took a lot of hard work and progressive thinking, but they succeeded. By 1930, they were operating 10 corner grocery stores and a thriving wholesale business. In 1940 Niemann Foods, Inc. introduced the first full service supermarket to Quincy, Illinois. It is this same hard work and forward thinking that has guided two more generations through steady growth to become the largest independently owned supermarket chain in central Illinois. Today, more than 100 grocery, pet food, hardware, pharmacies and gas stations are part of the NFI family and continue to serve their respective communities with a commitment to taking care of their customers. We have more than 2,000 active NFI Associates that have ownership through an employee stock option purchase plan (ESOP). As associate owners there is a much stronger focus on selling fresh product, listening to and responding to customers needs and building lasting relationships with courteous service. A commitment that will continue to be the foundation for continued growth and success for future generations.

Established in 1972, Ware Malcomb is a contemporary and expanding full service design firm providing professional architecture, planning, interior design, civil engineering, branding and building measurement services to corporate, commercial/residential developer and public/institutional clients throughout the world. With office locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, the firm specializes in the design of commercial office, corporate, industrial, science & technology, healthcare, retail, auto, public/institutional facilities and renovation projects. Ware Malcomb is recognized as an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company and a Hot Firm by Zweig Group. The firm is also ranked among the top 15 architecture/engineering firms in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms and the top 25 interior design firms in Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants. For more information, visit http://www.waremalcomb.com/news and view Ware Malcomb’s Brand Video at youtube.com/waremalcomb.

Conn's Hospitality Group, Incorporated, based in Springfield, IL., is a 4th generational family owned and operated company that specializes in business research and development, historic asset conversions, and operation management of dining facilities, beverage production, specialty fruit and vegetable farming, unique retail outlets, and special events production. CHG takes pride in our approach to new business development and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, by always proceeding with integrity and mindful attention to sustainability and preserving history, culture and architectural assets. Conn's Catering & Events Inn at 835 Boutique Hotel Obed and Isaac's Microbrewery & Eatery (Springfield & Peoria) Wm. Van's Coffee House Li'l Willy's BBQ Merchant House Conn Family Community Works, Not for Profit Springfield Oyster & Beer Festival Elkhart Hill Farm Vinegar Hill Mall Complex