received long-service awards.

The employees have worked at Bermuda General Agency, Phoenix Stores and Purvis Ltd -- all part of BDC.

They have clocked up 10, 15 and 25 years with the firm, which is nearing its 100th birthday.

The company also anounced recent management changes.

Mr. Rob Skelley was recently appointed BGA's Chief Operating Officer. From California, he has a strong background in the grocery wholesale industry.

Mr. Laurion McGehee's has been appointed chief operating officer of the Phoenix Stores Ltd. after 17 years with BDC.

The two men's responsibility will be to coordinate efforts of the company.

BDC -- parent company of the Phoenix Stores and the BGA group -- said its ais to focus on service to customers this year.

According to a Press statement a company strength is "the prestigious lines which they represent here in Bermuda and the support which is received from them''.

Among them are Procter & Gamble, Kellogg's, Hunts, Heinz, Johnson & Johnson, SmithKline Beacham, Unilever Export International, Cadbury, Clorox, McCain, Rubbermaid, Gillette, Eveready and Revlon.

The Press statement said: "There is no doubt that the food industry is experiencing profound and unprecedented change, not only in Bermuda, but worldwide.

"At BDC Ltd. the challengers and opportunities this change presents are being met with excitement.

"The opportunity is being seized to work together to meet the evolving needs of consumers, retailers and manufacturers.

"The senior management is working as a team, developing a vision of the future.

"The shared objective is to be completely positioned to serve the Bermuda market, delivering superior value to the consumer through cost-effective distribution and value-enhancing services.

"A customised plan for change is being developed to meet our common goal of a satisfied consumer.'' Ms Beverley Johnson (10). Back row, from left, are Ms Claudette Simmons (15); Ms Stella Jones (10); BDC's Chief Financial Officer Mr. James Campbell; Mr.

Eric Black (10); BDC's Vice President Mr. Reid Young; BDC president Mr. Ward Young; BGA chief operating officer Mr. Rob Skelley; Ms Barbara Vanderpool (10); Phoenix Stores chief operating officer Mr. Laurie McGehee; and Mr. Derek Gibbons (15). Missing are Mr. Calvin Symonds (15) and Mr. Roland O'Mara (10).