Trading Partners

Target for the first time this year was named to the annual listing of America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises compiled by the organization Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

New York City -- The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, N.Y., approved the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co.’s plan to exit bankruptcy plan. The supermarket company filed Chapter 11 in December 2010.

The reorganization plan includes $490 million in debt and equity financing from Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — After stepping into the role on an interim basis, Safeway has named Brian Baer president of its Dominick's Finer Foods banner.

Baer, who has served as acting president of Dominick's since July 2011 after the exit of Don Keprta, has been part of Dominick's parent Safeway since 2001. Prior to his role as president, Baer served as Dominick's CFO and VP finance.

San Francisco -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced that John Stevens joined the firm’s San Francisco office as VP leasing specialist. A 25-year veteran of commercial real estate, Stevens will focus on leasing space in the firm’s 12 million-sq.-ft., third-party retail portfolio on the West Coast.

NEW YORK — Kenneth Cole Productions' board of directors has formed a special committee of independent directors to consider a non-binding proposal from Kenneth Cole, chairman and chief creative officer, that would take the company private.

Mahwah, N.J. -- The Home Furnishings Independents Association said Friday it has selected TD Retail Card Services’ Renovate Card private-label credit card program for use by its 1,100 retail members nationwide.

Woodland Hills, Calif. -- Kuwait-based trading and contracting company The Standard Arabian Business & Enterprises Co., which represents Casual Male, said Thursday it will use Great American Group GA Store Opening Services program for a retail location in Kuwait.

The Sabeco project represents the first time Great American Group's new Store Opening Services have been used outside the United States.

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group announced that Mark T. Dufton has been named CEO and Neill J. Kelly has been named president of DJM Realty, Gordon Brothers’ real estate management affiliate.

Dufton has held the role of interim president of DJM Realty since December 2011. He is a former veteran of the company, after having spent nine years with DJM as principal and senior managing director.

Kelly is also a former DJM executive, having served as managing director from 1999 to 2003. He was previously principal at RK Realty Advisors.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation expressed its support for President Obama's proposal for business tax reform, and pledged to work with the White House and Congress to win passage of legislation that would significantly lower rates in order to help retailers and other businesses create jobs.

SKOKIE, Ill. — A member-owned cooperative serving the food industry has appointed a new leader.

Topco has named Randall Skoda as its new president and CEO following the retirement of Steven Lauer. Skoda has served as interim president and CEO since December of last year. Prior to that, Skoda served as EVP for four years.