The arrival of BrandSource faithful in Orlando on Feb. 28 kicked
off the Summit in earnest as members descended on the Marriott
to celebrate the continued success of the company and listen to
helpful information about how to grow their businesses.
BrandSource CEO, Jim Ristow, provided one of the Expo's many
highlights by giving a rousing State of the Company address. Jim
emphasized the company's growing membership and increased
sales yet warned of the dangers of complacency in the retail
industry. Jim's commitment to the membership was in evidence
when he said, "We are going to build the Brand where it can make
the members money, not spend their money to build the Brand."
Also featured at the Expo was a heartfelt tribute to BrandSource's
retiring CFO, Kathy Maloney. Kathy was called to the stage to be
honored for her 26-year tenure with the company. She had
previously announced that she will be retiring in June and that this
Summit would be her last.
The Summit was buttressed by a multitude of informative
seminars by educational speakers specifically designed to inform
and motivate members. Brad Huisken's "We Can't Wait for
Customers, Go Get Them", Jeff Korhan's "How to Use Social
Media to Differentiate Your Business", and Victoria Cook's
"Outstanding Customer Service with Fish, Fries & Pickles" were
among some of the interesting presentations.
Another offering was The Women in Business Luncheon, which
was sponsored by Whirlpool. The luncheon featured four
female executives who gave speeches on selected themes of
it in Orlando Marks
YEAR FOR MEMBERSHIP
