Backup Documents 01/28/2014 Item # 4A C 4A
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Del's 24 Hour Food Store has been a Collier County institution for fifty years;
and,
WHEREAS, Del Ackerman and his family moved to Naples in the 1960s with the intention of
starting a chain of grocery stores and within one year had three across the
county, which had a population of just 5,000 at the time; and,
WHEREAS, the young family began building its empire based on treating all people equally, no
matter what time they chose to shop and haven't closed the store once since
deciding to remain open 24 hours; and,
WHEREAS, Del Ackerman's geniality and kindness are legendary in Collier County and he is
known for trusting people on their word, even those with troubled pasts; and,
WHEREAS, this philosophy has served him well, resulting in very little employee turnover and
a store popular for half a century; and,
WHEREAS, Del Ackerman is still involved in the day-to-day operations of the store, visiting
numerous times throughout the day, determined to keep the venture going, despite
losing his partner and wife, Nancy, in 2012; and,
WHEREAS, Del Ackerman is a shining example of a small business owner and his impact on the
county will continue for years to come.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that January 2014 be designated as the
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEL'S 24 HOUR FOOD STORE
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 28"' Day of January, 2014.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
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