Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM SEPTEMBER 2021 58 L ending weight to the old adage, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," the BrandSource buying group's long antici- pated in-person region meetings were something to savor this summer. After more than a year of all virtual, all the time, BrandSource member dealers were more than ready to get the family back together. From Lake George, NY, to Portland, OR, members reunited to learn, share experiences, catch up with old friends, and connect in the special way that only BrandSource members do. Conversations ran deep into the evenings, as there was much to catch up on after such a long hiatus. Each meeting had its own agenda and its own unique vibe, but the common element among them all was the yearning to reconnect and share the unique bond that nourishes and guides members along on their common journey. Attendance was strong at the meetings, which were a comfortable drive away for most people. While some regions chose to postpone their summer gatherings, most did not, and business was conducted as close to "normal" as anyone could have hoped for, just a few short months ago. Among the latter, the BrandSource Michigan board voted in May to hold their meeting in person and to make it as much like a typical meeting as possible. As region President Brad Cole recalled, "We had vendors stating it was a 'bold' move, but they did endorse it. Our members were somewhat concerned at first, but once they saw all the safety precautions we had put in place, they were much more at ease." Cole acknowledged that some members did not feel comfortable attending, but those who did seemed free of apprehension. "Many said it was the best meeting ever," he noted. "I think because everyone was ready to get out and travel again and focused on getting back to business as usual." Peter Kuhlman, along with his brother Sam of DuPage Industries in Addison, Ill., attended six Region meetings across the country. DuPage was a sponsor of each and felt that the time and expense was well worth the investment on both fronts. "We really didn't know what to expect," Kuhlman recounted. "Everyone was focused not on the virus, but on getting back to normal. There were questions about delivery charges, backorders and price increases. It seemed everyone we talked to spoke of expanding, buying more property, or adding on new aspects to their company. People were really positive." "Each meeting was a great experience unto itself," Kuhlman continued. "My brother and I don't regard these meetings as sales events, but as opportunities to hear about all the successes and struggles dealers are facing, and to be a part of their success as well as helping them find solutions. "This year's meetings have only increased our resolve to be a part of these in-person meetings going forward," he said. Steve Vanderalan from Laninga Appliance in Byron Center, Mich., attended the Michigan meeting and had a similar take. "Everyone was excited to get back together after a 15-month hiatus," he said. "We were excited to see friends and vendor reps that we hadn't seen for such a long time. "I think the best part of the meeting was connecting with other members that are having the same issues and problems that I have been experiencing," Vanderalan added. "Sometimes running an independent retail store feels like an individual event, but this meeting reminded everyone that we are actually part of a larger team, and that the entire team is here to help us." Indeed, being separated for more than a year was a long time to be apart – but it just made getting reacquainted with great family and friends that much sweeter. B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S BRANDSOURCE: TOGETHER AGAIN! AVB CEO Jim Ristow leads a session at a BrandSource Region meeting. Andy Kriege is General Manager of Communications for AVB/BrandSource, the nation's leading merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, home furnishings and consumer tech dealers. RO

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