Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 24, 2002 - Dakota Worldwide announced today that it has named John Kugele as Sr. Vice President of Strategic Planning for Independent Operations and Managing Director of its Southeastern operations. Kugele joins Dakota Worldwide from Piggly Wiggly Company where he had served as Senior Vice President, Research and Franchise Administration.

Elliott Olson, Dakota's Chairman noted that with the quickening pace of change within the retail industry our clients are requesting solutions that are also timelier, financially sound and strategically focused. The opening of a Southeastern office run by a seasoned executive with experience meeting the needs of the private and family owned business is what our independent owned retailer has requested.

Kugele began his career in the supermarket industry in 1968 as a Manager with Stop & Shop Food Stores in New Jersey. After several years on the operations side, Kugele joined Super Valu Stores as a Market Analyst, rising to Director of Real Estate in 1974. In 1980, he joined Piggly Wiggly Company where, as Senior Vice President, he was responsible for all areas of market and consumer research and franchising.

Kugele said, "I am very pleased and excited to be associated with Dakota Worldwide. Their systems and research methodology reflect the thoroughness and innovation critical in providing retail clients with solutions they can use and depend on. While the independent retailer may not have the deep pockets of the chains, they deserve access to the same quality of services as the big chains. We can provide that at Dakota Worldwide."

Dakota Worldwide Corporation is a Minneapolis-based software and service company helping some of the nation's largest and best retailers grow with programs to maximize rates of return on both capital and operational expenditures. Large chains and small independents in all 50 states are key customers of Dakota Worldwide. Dakota has recently announced the release of proprietary 2002 census data estimates with quarterly updates. The application of new technology and resource make these the most accurate and timely estimates available. Further information is available on the company 's web site at http://www.dakotaww.com or by calling Elliott W. Olson at 1-800-475-4505.