Tom Haggai joined the industry two decades ago and said his goal was not to build supermarkets, but “create community centers.” “Over the years,” Pearson said, “Tom has advanced Sidney Rabb’s legacy of reinventing the supermarket as a consumer-driven institution interwoven into the fabric of communities, and has worked to make these values global.”
In his tribute, Pearson said that Haggai’s values are exemplified by IGA’s support for scholarship programs, the Special Olympics, space camps for kids, plant-a-tree campaigns and numerous other initiatives.
As a CEO, minister, public speaker and writer, Haggai has been a strong supporter of local education, government, religion and social improvement. IGA’s slogan “Hometown Proud” has become a brand in the industry that retailers use to succeed in the marketplace.
Pearson also noted that Haggai is recognized as a champion of independent grocers and for instituting rigorous food safety standards.
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members.
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