Dr. Tom Haggai, chairman emeritus of the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) died March 27 of natural causes. Haggai became involved with IGA beginning in 1972 and spent more than 40 years with the organization.
During his IGA career Haggai served in a variety of roles, including non-executive chairman and later chairman and CEO. In 2016 he stepped down from his daily duties at IGA and was named chairman emeritus.
Haggai was the first person from outside the supermarket industry to have a position on the board and he was named IGA president and CEO in 1986. In the 1990s, under Haggai’s leadership, IGA membership grew worldwide.
He also developed the Red Oval Family Partner program, an alliance of the industry’s premier food manufacturers and service providers to provide resources to member independents. The Hometown Proud theme was also Haggai’s idea and it still defines IGA’s roots and its retailers commitment to community involvement and personalized customer service.
A native of Kalamazoo, MI, and resident of High Point, NC, Haggai was also a radio commentator, public speaker and Southern Baptist minister.
Survivors include his wife, Buren; four children; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother.