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 proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI membership covers the spectrum of diverse venues where food is sold, including single owner grocery stores, large multi-store supermarket chains and mixed retail stores. For more information, visit www.fmi.org and for information regarding the FMI foundation, visit www.fmifoundation.org.
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