---
title: "The IGA Minute: Your IGA Global Rally Virtual Conference Agenda"
description: IGA CEO John Ross predicts COVID will be positive on independents long-term; Assessment update; a new IGA recipe to share with shoppers; NGA leadership event
---

IGA CEO John Ross predicts new shopping behaviors will be positive for independents long-term; Assessment update; NGA leadership event

| View in browser October 8, 2020 FROM THE DESK OF IGA CEO John Ross Long-term Effect of Pandemic Could Be Beneficial to Independents   Since the pandemic began, IGA stores have been seeing sustained double-digit same-store sales gains. IGA CEO John Ross explains why he doesn’t expect those numbers to slow much moving forward in a recent Winsight interview.  FEATURED STORY Your IGA Global Rally Virtual Conference Agenda is Here!   With the IGA Global Rally Virtual Conference just a month away, make plans to join us Tuesday, November 10 as we broadcast live from Fairvalue IGA in Lenoir, NC.   View the agenda to learn more about this unique opportunity to explore how shopper behaviors have changed as a result of COVID, the ways those changes are benefitting independent retailers, and how IGA can help you earn—and keep—new shoppers and sales that have come your way since COVID.   Everyone's invited and registration is free, so register today and spread the word!  FIVE STAR ASSESSMENT UPDATE Fall Assessment Optional   In an effort to not disrupt stores as COVID cases rise, the fall assessment will not be required to achieve Five Star status, and IGA will not conduct the assessment in stores automatically. However, stores that want a fall score to help them benchmark their performance can opt-in for a free, optional assessment. If you want your store to be assessed, please click below to complete the opt-in form by Tuesday, October 13.  SHOPPER SOLUTIONS Chocolate Raspberry Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream Pie   As a part of the IGA Exclusive Brand label redesign rollout, IGA contracted the help of five influencers who live in IGA communities, often shop in IGA stores, and have well-established recipe blogs with huge followings. When these influencers blog—IGA shoppers listen, so get their blogs in front of your shoppers. Click below to share this original recipe—including an instructional video—featuring IGA Brand product from Hungry Happenings! COVID-19 RESOURCE  Register for NGA's Crisis Management Leadership Event    NGA is inviting IGA's retail leaders to participate in the Head Start > NGA Foundation eLeadership Series, an exclusive opportunity with Cornell University focused on enhancing key skills for effective crisis management. Held October 19–23, this virtual event is a high-impact learning opportunity delivering intense, interactive instruction presented by a mix of respected academic and industry leaders. Deadline to register is Wednesday, October 14. Use code IGAREG for a 30 percent discount for IGA members. Spaces are limited, so register today. IN THE NEWS 3 out of 4 consumers fear getting COVID-19 while grocery shopping (The Shelby Report) 5 opportunities for retailer success in pet food (Supermarket News) Retailers stay focused on sustainable seafood (Grocery Dive) Q2 FreshFacts on retail uncovers pandemic trends (Winsight Grocery Business) Improving energy efficiency with the right equipment (Supermarket Perimeter) About the IGA Minute   Welcome to The IGA Minute, the weekly newsletter that gives you the IGA news you need the way you want it. Only have a minute? Scan the lead page for a quick overview of important news. Have a bit more time? Click "a minute more" to get the full scoop. Subscribe Here!   Don't forget to follow us on: Facebook  \|  LinkedIn   Have an idea for content or questions about the editorial calendar? Email Ashley Page, content editor of The IGA Minute. For advertising queries, contact Jessica Vician.  Refer Your Friends! Share with your friends on social media IGA Inc., 8745 West Higgins Road, STE 350, Chicago, IL 60631, United States Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
| --- |