Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Distribution America and PRO Group Inc. recently co-hosted distributors and manufacturers for the annual Executive Planning Conference in Florida.
The mid-November event included three days of more than 2,600 face-to-face distributor and supplier meetings, as well as networking events.
Steve Draeger, president and CEO of United Hardware Distribution Co. in Plymouth, Minnesota, says he appreciates the format of the conference for the efficiencies it affords his merchandising team and the “opportunity to accomplish so much in a short period of time.”
“We implemented programs with key members that will drive sales of retail assortments,” Nathan Lee, national account manager for Southwire, says. “This conference is one of the most valuable tools in ensuring that each year is better than the last.”
The conference is important for growing relationships between distributors and vendors, according to Dave Christmas, president and CEO of Distribution America.
“Each prescheduled meeting provides manufacturers the opportunity to meet with the principals from most of the nation’s largest independent distributors to discuss future opportunities and promotions, present new products and review strategic objectives for the coming year,” Christmas says.
Distribution America of Charlotte, North Carolina, is a multibillion-dollar buying and marketing organization, covering 50 states and international markets. PRO Group Inc. is a multidivisional international merchandising and marketing organization with corporate headquarters in Denver.
