Gary Leland Named IGA International Retailer of the Year; One of Eleven Retailers Tapped for...

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2001

IGA today announced Gary Leland of Gary & Leo's IGA Plus located at 15 West 1st Street in Havre, Montana, was named one of eleven IGA 2001 International Retailers of the Year. IGA is the world's largest licensed supermarket network with a global alliance of more than 4,000 supermarkets.

"The Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods IGA Plus team is a great example and inspiration for other independent supermarket retailers," said Dr. Thomas Haggai, chairman and CEO of IGA. "By demonstrating a true commitment to the community with the IGA Hometown Proud values, as well as operational excellence, Gary Leland has achieved a level of performance that parallels, if not surpasses, the best of retail world standards."

A committee of IGA retailers determines the winners of this prestigious award. The committee selected Leland and Gary & Leo's IGA Plus for their progressive mode of operation, merchandising, demonstrations and training. They operate several stores in aggressive markets and use their progressive thinking to compete. "He is a true team player and supports his fellow IGA retailers; he's interested in seeing the area IGA's progress", said Rudy Dory, chairman of IGA's Retailer Roundtable Executive Committee.

Leland has kept up with the market challenges by his forward thinking, meeting the needs of the community, growing and changing with the times. Gary & Leo's IGA Plus boasts a food court, an espresso and bagel department complete with a fireplace to make the area warm and inviting, a large service deli department, a full service floral department, a beverage department and a complete service center. Together, these and other departments make Gary & Leo's IGA Plus a fantastic place to shop.

Gary & Leo's IGA Plus thrives in their Havre community because Leland operates his IGA Supermarket with a basic and fundamental philosophy, "Serve our customers well." Gary Leland distinguishes himself in his neighborhood and in the community center he calls Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods IGA Plus Supermarket because he is committed to taking care of the community that takes care of him. He embraces the Hometown Values his customers appreciate.

Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods IGA Plus constantly strives at providing up-to-date training for employees, as well as assisting in the self-improvement of all individuals. Gary & Leo's is a strong supporter of the SUPERVALU University training programs. The store also encourages all employees to become active members and supporters of their local communities.

IGA performs annual operational assessments at all IGA Supermarkets so that the standard among the IGA System remains excellent and consistent across the board. For 75 years, IGA's members have upheld the standards of operational excellence that distinguishes our Hometown Proud Supermarkets from the crowd. Leland has proven with his store's cleanliness, remodeling and merchandising innovations that he deserves the star-studded reputation. This year Gary & Leo's received a five star rating again after also earning one in 1999.

IGA, the only global supermarketer based in the United States, is the world's largest licensed supermarket network with aggregate worldwide retail sales of more than $21 billion per year. The Alliance includes more than 4,000 Hometown Proud Supermarkets worldwide, supported by 37 distribution companies and more than 55 major manufacturers, vendors and suppliers encompassing everything from grocery to equipment items. Through its alliance, IGA ranks in the top 10 in world food supermarketing. IGA has operations in 48 of the United States and 40 other countries, commonwealths and territories around the globe. For more information and photos of this award winning IGA Hometown Proud Supermarket, visit the IGA online pressroom at http://www.igainc.com/pr.