by nathan oster
Ron’s Food Farm, which in the last year has gained a prominent neighbor and celebrated 30 years in business, was named the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce’s business of the year on Thursday night.
The award was presented during the chamber’s annual dinner at the Greybull Elks Lodge. Other nominees for business of the year included that aforementioned prominent neighbor, Pamida, as well as the Sugar Shack.
Owner Ron Fiene said he appreciated the award, but even moreso the support shown by the community during the past year.  He was instrumental in bringing Pamida to town, and owns the building directly north of his store that now houses the discount retailer. 
He acknowledged that it has been “a learning experience” co-existing with Pamida.
“We knew we’d be giving up some items in our drug aisle, and elsewhere, and that we were bringing the competition right next door,” said Fiene. “But at the same time, we knew Pamida would be able to hold more people in town while at the same time it would draw some in that would otherwise go elsewhere.
“So it’s been a tradeoff, and yet, our peripheral departments – meat, produce, bakery and the deli – have all been strengthened by having Pamida next to us. Overall, it’s been good for us, and good for the community … but still, a learning process.”
The store has 30 full- and part-time employees, and with Fiene, one eye is always on the future. For now, he is content. “We’re just hoping for another good year here at the store,” he said, adding that he has no further expansion plans at this time.
Fiene has won similar awards in the past. He was nominated for small businessman of the year and represented the state in Washington, D.C. in 1986.  In 2004, shortly after he remodeled his store, he was nominated, and won, retailer of the year for his Associated Food Stores region.