Fresh Ideas Program Celebrates Innovation and Impact Across Whitsons Family of Companies
From Innovation to Impact
At Whitsons Family of Companies, innovation isn’t reserved for a single team or moment, it lives in the everyday ideas of our team members. That’s exactly what makes the Fresh Ideas program so powerful.
What started as a simple platform for sharing ideas has quickly grown into something much bigger: a catalyst for creativity, collaboration, and real business impact. Since launching in September 2023, more than 180 ideas have been submitted by team members across the organization, each one rooted in firsthand experience and a desire to make things better. And the results speak for themselves. Ideas are not only being shared, they’re being also tested, refined, and brought to life across our operations.
Where Big Ideas Take the Spotlight
Each year, the most impactful ideas are elevated and reviewed by our Executive Leadership Team. But it isn’t just about great concepts. It’s also about what happens next. This year’s program placed equal emphasis on execution and outcomes, recognizing that the true value of innovation comes from turning ideas into action.
Celebrating Our Top Innovators
We are proud to recognize this year’s standout contributors whose ideas are making a meaningful difference:
GOLD AWARD: Culinary Club for Kids, submitted by Christine Kunnmann, VP of Operations, On-Site Services
A standout, fully implemented program bringing hands-on culinary education directly to students, creating engagement, learning, and excitement around food.
SILVER AWARD: AR Mentorship Program, submitted by Christina Flutie, General Manager, On-Site Services
A forward-looking initiative designed to strengthen connections, support development, and build stronger teams across our organization. A strategic approach to cultivating future talent while expanding Whitsons’ brand presence in meaningful ways.
Excellence in Action
Innovation doesn’t stop at the top awards. Several additional team members were recognized for ideas that demonstrated strong execution, potential, and measurable impact across our business:
Anna Perracchio • Bridget Dolan • Jessica Guinan • David Southall • Kathryn Vanderminden • Laura Gaglione
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, Fresh Ideas will continue to expand, bringing more opportunities for collaboration, piloting, and scaling ideas across our organization. With each submission, each test, and each success, we are building a stronger, more innovative Whitsons. Because at the end of the day, our best ideas don’t come from one place, they come from everywhere. And that’s what drives us forward.
