When people save energy at home, it helps keep energy costs low for us all. Companies can help, too, by becoming more energy efficient. One Avista customer that’s making a difference is Sherm’s Thunderbird Markets.
Sherm’s has been a locally recognized name since 1967, when Sherm and Wanda Olsrud purchased the Thunderbird Market in Medford, Oregon. (Sherm kept the Thunderbird name because he couldn’t afford a new sign.)
The friendly locally owned store began offering the largest selection at the lowest prices, and customers loved it. So, the one store grew into four, with new locations in Klamath Falls, Roseburg and another in Medford (Sherm’s Food 4 Less). The company also built a warehouse to reinforce its buy-for-less, sell-for-less philosophy.
The Olsruds—including their son, Steve, who now runs the company—have always supported their local communities. Sherm’s Market annually donates semi truckloads of food to each of the area’s food banks. They also contribute to everything from youth and high school sports to scholarships to a trust fund disbursed by the Oregon Community Foundation.
In addition, Sherm’s is a longtime sponsor of the Jackson County Fair. The Olsruds built the 12,000-sq-ft pavilion that bears their name. They also support regional 4-H programs, and have purchased thousands of animals to later sell in their stores.
Sherm’s is a good environmental steward, too, and strives for sustainability. Most recently, they worked with Avista’s partner Energy Trust of Oregon to complete energy efficiency upgrades at their Food for Less store. They added new freezer doors to open cases that improved customer comfort and reduced the store’s natural gas usage for heating, to boot. So not only is Sherm’s keeping prices low on groceries, they’re helping to keep energy costs low for everyone. Avista salutes them!