Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM FEBRUARY 2019 60 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S RO B randSource is blazing new trails in the retail furniture and appliance industry. On December 4th-6th the company hosted its annual Leadership Conference in Sacramento. Regional board members and leaders traveled from across the country to attend the highly anticipated event. BrandSource members and vendors spread holiday cheer to the Sacramento community during the conference, by stepping up to help children in need. The company continued a 10-year tradition of raising money for a local charity, with a friendly member and staff baking competition to benefit Marine Corps Toys for Tots in Sacramento. BrandSource has donated funds to the charity for the last three years and has been named a one-star partner with the organization. Marine Corps Toys for Tots is a nonprofit charitable organization with a goal of gifting a new toy during the holidays to America's less fortunate children. This year's event held a special resonance, as donations will support victims of the recent California fires. BrandSource regions, vendors and individual members surpassed last year's donations, contributing over 7,500 toys for children in need. Marine Staff Sergeant Walker who attended the event on behalf of Marine Corps Toys for Tots described the contest and phenomenal contribution with one word: "Awesome!" Repeating, "Awesome!" Members and staff competed in a sweet treat baking cook-off, with each BrandSource region fielding a baking team and vendor partners donating supplies from utensils to appliances. Local BrandSource member Gianelli's Appliances and Repair, located in Rancho Cordova, California, donated their time and energy to set up ovens at the outdoor venue. The BrandSource staff judged the competition and picked the winners with the tastiest dessert. The BrandSource South Atlantic region won the Golden Spatula for its winning dish of pecan pie. Harry Buntyn, region manager and team captain, attributed the win to great teamwork, a wonderful recipe and a secret ingredient that was eventually revealed as Kentucky bourbon. During the general session of the three-day conference, Jim Ristow, Chief Executive Officer of AVB, gave the members a behind-the- scenes look at the goals, progress and performance of AVB's business initiatives. As a part of the process, the National Board of Directors reviewed and rated each business unit, providing valuable member feedback on the directions of the organization. The goal, Ristow said, "Is to relentlessly improve every aspect of our business to ensure our members' success and relevance in the industry. The process never stops." Ristow emphasized the importance of digital marketing in 2019. "Nine out of 10 consumers are online before they buy," he noted. "Our mission in 2019 is to ensure that our members will have a digital presence to bring those customers to their stores." Following the general session, the regions divided into rotations for breakout sessions that included detailed conversations with the various units of the marketing company and participating vendors. The BrandSource Leadership Conference was a huge success. Barry Kindy of North Canton TV & Appliance, Inc. in North Canton, Ohio said he was very pleased with the event. "This rejuvenates my energy and enthusiasm for the group. It is my job to convey this energy and communicate all the great things happening here in the marketing company and within the entire organization with the members back home. I wish they could be here to take this all in themselves. I have more confidence in the direction of this group than at any time in the past 25+ years that I have been a member. I have complete faith in the leadership." BRANDSOURCE CHARITY EVENT Helping to make 7,500 children happy for Christmas Chef Stuart with the winning South Atlantic Region team following the BrandSource charity baking competition for Marine Corps Toys for Tots.

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