2023 was a year well-spent with our members and we're proud of what the industry has accomplished. We're taking a moment to recap some of what 2023 brought for the IGIA. Thank you for being a member and for supporting the IGIA!
STRENGTH IN MEMBERSHIP In 2023, IGIA had a record total of 35 new members join! IGIA is growing its diverse membership. Learn more about our 2023 new members by browsing through our New Member Spotlights.
EVENTS & NETWORKING IGIA had more than 1,150 attendees across its main events in 2023. Two golf outings, three happy hours, three Women's Network sessions, a bagging contest at the State Fair, Convention in Dubuque, and Hall of Fame Dinner in West Des Moines kept members connected throughout the year. Every year, members say IGIA events are unrivaled opportunities for networking and advancing the industry.
IGIA events provide learning, professional development, networking, and opportunities to tap into and advance Iowa’s grocery industry. Members make the most of their investment by coming together with key industry leaders at IGIA events.
Member connections are at the heart of IGIA events.
LEADERSHIP & EDUCATION In 2023, 20 individuals graduated from the IGIA Leadership Institute. Providing education and training, this program fosters the next generation of grocery, convenience, and food industry leaders. Since its inception in 2014,194 individuals have completed this training. The current IGIA Board of Directors includes three IGIA Leadership graduates.
The IGIA Women’s Network held three sessions in 2023 where industry women engaged with speakers on self defense, personality styles, and work-life balance. The group also participated in service projects or donation drives with The Beacon, United Way of Iowa, and Ronald McDonald House. The growth of the Women’s Network has had a direct impact on number of women in IGIA leadership compared to 10 years ago.
ADVOCACY In 2023, IGIA was at the state capitol advocating for the grocery industry on legislation relating to labor and employment, taxes, general business, grocery-specific issues, and more. Notably, Iowa passed SF 542, which updated laws relating to youth employment. Other legislation notable to IGIA members this year related to alcohol regulation, pass through entities, property tax reform, and more. Check out the 2023 End of Session Report here.
IGIA monitored all 1,374 bills that were introduced during the session, with 60+ key industry-related bills on the weekly Bill Tracker. Key issues this session were the Bottle Bill, alcohol licensing, and tax reform.
PEOPLE In 2023, Tom Laven of Fareway Stores completed his term as IGIA Board Chairman, passing the gavel to Dave Ring of Kwik Star for the 2023-24 term.
Steve Grolmus, Tracy Prouty, Charley Campbell retired from the Board of Directors in 2023. We thank them for their service and commitment to the grocery industry. Joining the Board in 2023 were Nick Kelso - B&R Stores, Cortney Kallenbach - SpartanNash, and Isaac Wiese - Hy-Vee. View the 2023-24 Board of Directors The 2023 Hall of Fame award winners were: Supplier of the Year — Mueller Yurgae Associates Volunteer of the Year — Brett Spiker, Hy-Vee Legislative Leadership — Doug Beech, Casey's Lifetime Achievement — Speed Herrig, Cookies Retail Leader of the Year — Garrett Piklapp, Fareway Stores
EDUCATION FOUNDATION In 2023, the Iowa Grocers Education Foundation (IGEF) raised $68,000 through two major event fundraisers and passed the milestone of $3 million awarded since 2001. IGEF provides scholarships to youth with ties to the grocery industry. IGEF awarded 91 scholarships in 2023 through the Mary I. Fitzgerald Scholarship Program and member Piggyback Scholarships.
In 2023, nine IGIA members offered “Piggyback” scholarships, which allow these companies to offer their own scholarships using the IGEF’s application.
