The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Michael La Kier, VP of Brand Development at Independent Grocers Association, Inc. (IGA), the largest affiliation of independent grocers in the U.S. and around the world, boasting 1,700 U.S. stores and 6,200+ globally.Follow Michael La Kier on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellakier/Follow IGA on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iga-inc./Follow IGA online at: https://corporate.iga.com/Michael answers these questions:What is IGA and what services are you charged with providing to and for your member retailers?How does your role in brand development at IGA play into the broader shopper engagement strategy? IGA has built a partnership with Grocery Shopii. What is the objective here and what are the outcomes you are seeking for your shoppers? Is this about digitally-influenced sales?It seems that every retail is getting into the publishing game by building a retail media network. IGA has done this. What unique or differentiating capabilities were you looking to offer CPG brands?IGA has partnered with Ideal by DesignHouse in developing its RMN. Why are they a great partner and what does the partnership afford to brands looking for investment?What RMN capabilities is IGA offering to brands and how is performance measurement achieved?Are there specific trends that you are monitoring for your brand development role and how do you hope they will play into value-building for IGA’s shopper engagement strategy?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj on PopStar Academy: https://www.netflix.com/us/title/81587828?s=i&trkid=258593161&vlang=enKavita's podcast: Spotify   AppleDISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.