January 27, 2021 10:40 a.m.

In the KQEN Business Spotlight:

C&K Market, an independent chain of grocery stores in Oregon and California, has completed a transaction to become 100 percent employee-owned through an employee stock ownership plan trust.

A release said this enables employees to receive retirement benefits linked to the company’s future equity value. The plan was established on December 29th.

President and CEO Karl Wissman said they tailor what they offer to meet the needs of each community they serve. He said, “That commitment continues through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which allows us to maintain our independence and lets employees benefit from our success”.

C&K Market began in 1956 with one store in Brookings. Today it has 38 stores between both states, operating under the names Ray’s Food Place, Shop Smart and C&K Market. Wissman joined the company in 2014. Currently more than 1,400 people are employed by C&K Market.