Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM FEBRUARY 2014 76 BRANDSOURCE CEO TO STEP DOWN NEXT YEAR At the Helm for 20 Years, Bob Lawrence will Continue His Involvement with the Organization and Assist with the Transition Process Bob Lawrence, CEO of BrandSource, will step down from his duties at the end of 2014. In his role as CEO since 1994, Lawrence has grown BrandSource from under 600 to more than 4,000 members with over 10,000 member storefronts. Lawrence said there's a solid plan in place to help pave the way for a seamless transition and added that it's time for new leadership to bring BrandSource and its members to the next level of growth. "At this point, I feel that I've taken BrandSource as far as I can," he said. "I'm giving the board a full year to find someone to help move things forward. This will be a very smooth transition and there will be no interruption in daily business for BrandSource staff, vendors or members." Lawrence said he plans to continue serving on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities and will continue supporting the BrandSource organization and its members for as long as it is needed. "I'd like to make it very clear that I'm stepping down as CEO, but I'm not going anywhere," said Lawrence. "I intend to remain as involved as the new leadership wants me to be. I want to assure our members that this transition will be a positive one." BrandSource membership has increased dramatically over the past several years, primarily due to the execution of popular member-supported programs spearheaded by Lawrence and his team including the BrandSource Credit Card and BrandSource Financial, BrandSource Digital Marketing, LeaseSource and Expert Warehouse. BRANDSOURCE ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2014 SUMMIT & EXPO BrandSource, the largest mattress, furniture, electronics, flooring, and appliance merchandising group in the country with $14B in buying power— announced dates for the BrandSource Summit & Expo, March 16–19, 2014, at the World Marriot Center in Orlando. Registration for exhibitors and members is open now at www.brandsourceconvention.com. The Summit & Expo will be filled with high-energy and productive idea sharing with peers; educational sessions designed to help members grow their businesses; new product introductions and demonstrations; one-on- one vendor/member face time; buying opportunities and deals; best practices; and live entertainment. "Last year was one of the most exciting Summit & Expos we've had," says Bob Lawrence, CEO of BrandSource. "We anticipate that this year will be even more successful due to our growth in membership, our expanded member programs, and the invaluable lineup of networking and learning opportunities we have in store for both members and exhibitors." BrandSource, which added $430M in new member sales since June of this year, will introduce new programs and announce updates to existing member programs, including its LeaseSource consumer financial assistance program, the BrandSource Credit Card, BrandSource Financial, and more. Members will have the opportunity to attend intensive seminars on: • Training and Customer Service Excellence • Competing with 'Big Box' Stores • Furniture Sales Techniques courtesy of the Furniture Training Company • Economic Outlook for 2014 from BrandSource Executives RO B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S

• Cover