IGA NAMES INTERNATIONAL SUPERMARKET MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Jim Baillie of Stein’s IGA Accepts Prestigious Award

CHICAGO, IL - IGA today announced Jim Baillie, manager of Stein’s IGA in Troy Mont., was named IGA 2004 International Supermarket Manager of the Year. Baillie was presented with the award during IGA’s 2004 Global Summit, held March 14-17 at the Marriott’s Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

The award is given annually to the IGA Supermarket Manager(s) who best exemplifies the spirit of IGA by providing leadership and inspiration while contributing to the IGA system throughout the year. Judging criteria includes every aspect of the manager’s involvement, including supermarket sales, participation in IGA marketing events, IGA Brand support, merchandising, leadership and innovation, “Hometown Proud” involvement, employee development and teaming with IGA’s licensed distribution centers.

“Jim Baillie proves his undying dedication to the community he serves in a number of ways,” said Bill Benzing, IGA executive vice president and chief growth officer. “The citizens of Troy, Mont., have come to depend on Jim and his deep commitment to customer service. Whether creating a festive atmosphere with the promotion of major holidays or providing personalized services to his loyal customers, Jim Baillie proves daily that he knows the true meaning of being IGA Hometown Proud.”

“I am very honored to be selected IGA International Supermarket Manager of the Year for 2004,” Baillie said. “It has been a rewarding experience being a part of the Stein's
organization for the past twenty-six years. With the support of my family and employees I will continue to maintain the high standards set by IGA.”

IGA, the only global supermarketer based in the United States, is the world’s largest voluntary 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 36 distribution companies and more the 55 major manufacturers, vendors and suppliers encompassing everything from grocery to equipment items. IGA ranks in the top 10 in world food supermarketing. IGA has operations in 48 of the United States and more than 40 countries, commonwealths and territories on all six inhabited continents.