Chairman’s Perspective
Paving the Path to Success at AWMA
By Dick Dunham, Stephenson Wholesale Company, Inc.
I begin my term as the new chairman of AWMA with excitement and, I must admit, a bit of trepidation. Outgoing Chairman Jode Bunce of Eby-Brown did an incredible job, and he will be a tough act to follow. Jode helped to coin the new AWMA motto, Championing Distributor Value and Building Profitability, and this phrase is evident in all association activities including research, education, conferences and government/industry relations. It defines what we do as an association, providing clear-cut objectives.
Thankfully I’m surrounded by a very supportive team comprised of the attentive AWMA staff and dedicated industry volunteers that make up our board of directors and committees. I’m certain that together we can continue to pave the path of success for AWMA—a path that has been well established, but that will never be “finished.” Being the best association we can be is an ongoing goal, not one that is accomplished and filed away.
The Distributor Value Study has been a huge success and the news flash that you have to be profitable to survive is finally gaining acceptance in our industry. I plan to carry forward this valuable message and hopefully keep the momentum going in this positive direction.
Right around the corner is the AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO, definitely a highlight for the industry. Inside this issue you will find a preview with details on speakers, a schedule of events, and registration. We look forward to another terrific program designed to champion distributor value and build profitability.
We have planned a new Executive Strategies and Profitability Program to take place in June 2008 at one of the top business schools in the country. This event should be a worthy addition to the educational line-up AWMA offers the membership.
We just hosted the first Foodservice Bootcamp in October to help our distributor members take advantage of new opportunities in foodservice. It was a great success and we look forward to putting on the same program in 2008.
Carrying on the tradition of timely and useful research, AWMA is working with the National Confectioners Association (NCA) to co-sponsor and develop a study on candy.
Our government affairs efforts will continue to flourish with AWMA taking a stance on vital issues that impact the membership, such as the controversial SCHIP bill. AWMA was successful in fighting off this legislation which would have included a serious attempt to raise the federal excise tax on cigarettes. Oher issues receiving attention are LIP legislation, tax increases, illegal Internet sales of tobacco and unfair regulations.
Industry affairs efforts will continue, with AWMA reaching out to the manufacturer community to improve relations between this part of the supply chain and distributors. The Industry Affairs Committee has had a very active year, meeting not just with tobacco companies, but with Gatorade, Wrigley and Nestle.
The popular Summit & ABX, STEPS education program and the Convenience Distribution Conference (CDC) will be offered again as well, providing members with the tools they need to survive and, better yet, be profitable. The ABX continues to grow—the last featured over 1,000 meetings between distributors and manufacturers. Plus, nearly 100 convenience distributors attended the CDC conference, which also shows signs of strong staying power.
Look for the AWMA Annual Report to arrive at your desk in the next month or so. It is a testament to the incredible work AWMA and its leaders are doing for this industry and the membership. I want the AWMA to be the most valuable asset that every distributor has in terms of getting the information and expertise they need to succeed.
Thank you for your involvement in this great association – please keep it up in the coming year. It takes a team to ensure AWMA’s continued excellence.
Here’s to a challenging, but exciting 2008!
Reprinted from Distribution Channels. © 2007 by the American Wholesale Marketers Association.