Chuck and Frances Collings
In truth, it's impossible to calculate the enormous impact that Chuck and Frances Collings have had on the Sacramento area's business and philanthropic communities. The former CEO of Raley's Supermarkets and a 50-year catalyst in Raley's deep community involvement, Chuck Collings has received numerous awards and recognitions for his humanitarian work and his remarkable ability to bring business partners together for the betterment of the community. Collings' wide-ranging philanthropic work continues even now, decades into his "retirement."
Chuck began working in the grocery industry sweeping floors and bagging dry goods in a small grocery store in Ada, OK. When he turned 16, he became Grocery Store Manager at the store. After serving three years in the Navy during World War II, he returned to work for a wholesale meat packer. Chuck was also an Accounting Department Manager for a Montgomery Ward store in Oakland, CA.
In 1956, Chuck was recruited by Tom Raley to join Raley's management team. In 1969, he became President of Raley's Superstores. He was influential in the purchase of the Eagle Thrifty Drug chain, which became the beginnings of Raley's Northern Nevada Division, and assisted in the creation of Mid-Valley Dairy and Super Store Industries. Chuck was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 1992. In 1998, Chuck retired from active management of Raley's. He was involved in the company as a member of the Board of Directors until his retirement from the board in 2006. He is the company's honored CEO Emeritus.
Chuck is past chairman of the California Grocers Association and of the CGA Educational Foundation. He was named Sacramentan of the Year in 1997 by the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and in 1998 was inducted into the California Grocer's "Hall of Fame."
Chuck and Frances were instrumental in bringing together partners to make the teen center into a reality. We are proud to honor them, and their unbending community spirit, with their name on our center.