LAS VEGAS, NV — MAY 5, 2008 — Iowa Grocery Industry Association President Jerry Fleagle received 2008 Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Donald H. MacManus Association Executive Award this week at the FMI Show plus MARKETECHNICS®. The award was presented in recognition of his extraordinary leadership in public affairs.

Presenting the award, FMI President and CEO Tim Hammonds praised Fleagle as “a compelling champion for numerous industry causes. For example, he has helped prevent Iowa from expanding its bottle law, while promoting broad-based recycling programs. Jerry has fought for disclosure of interchange fees and rules in Iowa — and for the federal law to negotiate fair and competitive fees.”

     Fleagle has helped the industry address many issues, serving on FMI’s Government Relations Committee and working with key members of Congress from Iowa. These include Senators Tom Harkin, chair of the Agriculture Committee and Charles Grassley, ranking Republican on the Finance Committee.

     “Like all great leaders,” Hammonds added, “Jerry has shared his expertise with his peers. They showed their respect by electing him chair of the Food Industry Association Executives, which represents all state food retail organizations.”

     FMI honors an association leader annually with the Donald H. MacManus award, now in its 18th year. The award’s namesake served the industry for many years as executive director of the Rocky Mountain Food Dealers Association and as FMI’s first Western Region director. He also served in the Colorado State Senate, rising to the position of democratic whip.