Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2015 58 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S THE EPA RECOGNIZES NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP WITH 2015 ENERGY STAR ® PARTNER OF THE YEAR-SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE AWARD Nationwide Marketing Group recognized for its sustained leadership to protect the environment The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Nationwide Marketing Group with a 2015 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Award for their continued leadership in protecting our environment through superior energy efficiency achievements. Nationwide's accomplishments were recognized in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 2015. Nationwide Marketing Group, an ENERGY STAR partner for more than twenty years, will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency. Through consistent communication, Nationwide continues to have strategic influence over multiple parties within the consumer product supply chain. Through these partnerships, Nationwide is able to drive the sales of ENERGY STAR qualified models versus non- ENERGY STAR models and cause the retirement of older, less efficient major appliances and consumer electronics. "Nationwide truly values our partnership with ENERGY STAR," said Richard Weinberg, SVP Marketing, Nationwide. "Nationwide has once again demonstrated its heritage of ENERGY STAR leadership by creating programs designed to transform the mix of Energy Star qualified products sold to consumers." Since its inception in 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped prevent a total of more than two billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2013 alone, ENERGY STAR and its partners provided more than $11 billion in societal benefits due to reducing damages from climate change. "Through their sustained participation with ENERGY STAR, Nationwide Marketing Group is helping Americans save money, save energy, and do their part to reduce our nation's greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "I applaud Nationwide for earning EPA's highest ENERGY STAR award, the 2015 Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Award, demonstrating a strong commitment to energy efficiency and to preserving a healthy planet for future generations." The 2015 Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through superior energy efficiency achievements. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, and employing innovative energy efficiency approaches. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program, including energy- efficient products, services, new homes, and buildings in the commercial, industrial, and public sectors. For a complete list of 2015 winners and information, and more information about ENERGY STAR's awards program, visit www.energystar.gov/awardwinners. NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP JOINS FORCES WITH CAPITOL, PROVIDING IN-DEMAND MODELS TO 3,800 MEMBERS Capitol's deep product selection now available to Nationwide's member base Capitol, one of the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors as well as CE dealers, e-tailers and premium incentive resellers, announced an agreement with the Nationwide Marketing Group, positioning Capitol as one of the group's CE distribution partner. Nationwide Marketing Group works beside thousands of appliance, furniture, electronics, specialty electronics, custom installation and rent to own dealers helping them grow their businesses and their bottom lines. With over 3,800 members operating more than 11,000 storefronts and $15 billion in combined annual sales, Nationwide is North America's largest buying and marketing organization. Under the terms of the agreement, Nationwide's members now have access to thousands of consumer electronics products offered by Capitol's vendors. Included are audio, video and networking products from such market leaders as LG, Philips, URC, and Core Brands, including Niles, Panamax, Xantech and Sunfire. "The sum total of Nationwide's member base is huge by any standard, but on their own these dealers don't always have access to the brands and products they need to grow their business," said Curt Hayes, Capitol's President and CFO. "Capitol is in a position to change all that, with a deep and diverse selection that represents the best of current technologies that are only growing in importance to dealers at every level." "Capitol's vendor relationships combined with its unshakable commitment to customer service makes it one of the best possible partners for Nationwide members," commented Tom Hickman, senior vice president, Nationwide Marketing Group. "Nationwide is focused on helping our dealers increase their profitability, and with Capitol's extensive catalog, I have no doubt that our members will enjoy some of their greatest business successes to date." RO

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