Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Reliable Distributors, a national buying and marketing group, kicked off its 2016 Management and Marketing Conference and celebrated its 30th anniversary March 10 in Orlando, Florida.
Three new member distributors were introduced at the conference’s annual member meeting: Plastic Express, Inc., Robert Longdon Farm Service and R&R Wholesale, Inc. Reliable Distributors’ membership has more than 100 hardware, agricultural and lawn & garden distributors throughout the U.S.
“We have been blessed with our success over the years and thank all of our loyal member distributors and participating suppliers for all of their continuing support. As the group continues to grow, we are constantly looking for new sources of supply and unique services to provide our members,” Reliable Distributors president Allan Meyer says.
On March 10, the presidential awards were presented during the opening reception to acknowledge member distributors and vendors for commitment and leadership they provide the group. Honorees included Fuller Supply Company, Nitro-Phos Fertilizer, Laclede Chain Manufacturing and Earthway Products, Inc.
The conference’s annual member meeting highlighted many new products and displays, providing the members with the opportunity to touch and feel items. Members also met 11 new vendors during the meeting.
The member distributors have over 1,200 scheduled private appointments on March 11 and 12 with the attending vendor suppliers who represent more than 132 brands of product.
“The one-on-one appointments provide the vendors the opportunity to build stronger relationships with our members while allowing the member distributors the chance to view new products, enhanced assortments and new programs,” Meyer says.
The conference runs through March 12.
