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FMI EXTENDS MEMBER BENEFITS TO IGA AFFILIATES

WASHINGTON -- Food Marketing Institute here said last week it is extending member benefits to all U.S. retailers affiliated with IGA through a program designed to broaden training for independent grocers.bers that will be offered to IGA's 1,300 U.S. members beginning July 1.Tim Hammonds, president and chief executive officer of FMI, said, "We look forward to providing FMI resources to IGA retailers

WASHINGTON -- Food Marketing Institute here said last week it is extending member benefits to all U.S. retailers affiliated with IGA through a program designed to broaden training for independent grocers.

bers that will be offered to IGA's 1,300 U.S. members beginning July 1.

Tim Hammonds, president and chief executive officer of FMI, said, "We look forward to providing FMI resources to IGA retailers in vital areas such as human resources, food safety and public affairs. Family-owned retailers have always made up the largest part of FMI's member base, (and FMI wants) to ensure that family-owned retailers can compete and prosper in these extremely competitive times."

FMi said it has consolidated these resources in a new Independent Operator Division that will be headed by Michael Sansolo, FMI senior vice president.

IGA said Duane Martin, executive vice president of IGA and chief operating officer of IGA USA, will work closely with FMI to maximize synergies between the two associations. IGA said the university program curriculum includes courses in self-development, people management, customer relations, store merchandising, fresh foods, business management, financial management and time management, plus a variety of in-store training programs.

IGA University was co-created with Coca Cola and will also be sponsored by Philip Morris Cos. as it expands operations to the U.S., IGA said.