IGA USA PROMOTES MEMBERS OF ITS EXECUTIVE TEAM

CHICAGO, IL - IGA today announced that three members of the IGA USA executive team have been promoted to newly created positions within the Alliance. These promotions are a part of an ongoing reorganization within IGA USA’s corporate office designed to maximize the effective delivery of services to IGA retailers through IGA’s Licensed Distribution Companies.

Doug Fritsch, who joined IGA USA in May of 2005 as vice president, U.S. chief growth officer, has been promoted to senior vice president, retail and business development, reporting directly to IGA USA CEO Mark Batenic. Fritsch’s responsibilities remain the same as before the promotion, and include management of initiatives involving U.S. retail operations, key distribution and manufacturer relations, marketing, communications, IT and new member growth.

David Bennett, who joined IGA USA in July of 2007 as vice president, procurement and private brands, has been promoted to senior vice president, procurement and private brands, reporting directly to IGA CEO Mark Batenic. As before, the IGA private brands department, which includes national accounts, packaging and customer service, will report directly to Bennett. Additionally, Bennett maintains responsibility for the procurement of all IGA Brand products and private brands that will be developed, as well as the marketing, development, advertising and sale of all private brands to licensed distribution centers in the U.S.

Jim Walz, who was appointed senior director, marketing, branding and business development for IGA USA in August 2005, has been promoted to vice president, marketing, branding and business development, reporting directly to Doug Fritsch. Walz maintains responsibility for the development of IGA USA’s marketing and branding initiatives, including among other things the development of national retailer-driven marketing events, the IGA Assessment Program, and the recently implemented IGA branded gift and debit card programs.

“Throughout the past year I have worked closely with the IGA USA executive team to communicate our forward-moving goals to the Alliance,” IGA USA CEO Mark Batenic said. “During that time I have been repeatedly impressed with the drive and determination of all three individuals. Their commitment to the Alliance—and specifically to IGA’s independent retailers—is both commendable and inspiring. I applaud their efforts to re-energize the IGA Brand and am proud to recognize them for a job well done. We look forward to their continued contributions in their new positions in 2008.”