Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2016 56 NATIONWIDE CELEBRATES #FAMILY THIS PRIMETIME! IN NASHVILLE Registration is now open for Nationwide Marketing Group's August PrimeTime! show. The event will be held August 14-17, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. "This PrimeTime!, we want to celebrate not just 45 years of business for Nationwide, but the successes of our 3,500+ retailers. Our theme 'We Are Nationwide' represents our dominance within the industry, due to our members capturing share using tools and services that are unrivaled against their competitors," said Dave Bilas, president and CEO of Nationwide Marketing Group. Dennis Willich, CEO of Nationwide Southwest, says that 'We Are Nationwide' represents solidarity across all fronts within the Nationwide Marketing Group. "It's about recognizing that every retailer is paramount and that our programs and services are for every member, no matter the size. We operate as a unified family, bringing every independent retailer an opportunity to be part of a group where our members grow and thrive in their marketplaces." The group is not disclosing details of their kickoff event, but has confirmed it will be an event at the Grand Ole Opry. Jeff Knock, CCO of Nationwide said, "We won't tell you exactly who will take the stage, but we will say, it will be an event not to miss!" Over the course of the show floor days, dealers will meet with leading appliance, electronics, and furniture manufacturers and have access to unbeatable deals. The group's thousands of independent retailers will also gain exposure to product demonstrations and cash back opportunities only available at PrimeTime! Frank Sandtner, EVP Member Services, said "Our member services team is excited to announce expanded digital marketing, financial and in-store services to our membership in Nashville." The Nationwide Learning Academy, the newly redesigned format of the curriculum-based program formerly known as PrimeTime! University, returns this August with even more educational options for members to take advantage of. "The addition of vendor based training is just one newly added venue at our member's request," said Knock. The group's growing NeXt Gen network will celebrate its third year of bringing the next wave of industry leaders together to exchange best practices and network. The event in March was their largest yet, hosting 200+ people in Orlando, Florida. Along with continued expansion of the group's Prepare for Share strategy for independents, Nationwide is excited to share some of their newest programs and initiatives this August. Visit www.nationwideprimetime.com for registration information. NATIONWIDE HAS ONE GOAL: SUCCESS OF INDEPENDENTS Nationwide Marketing Group just recently held their twice-annual regional meeting in Winston-Salem, NC, where the full teams from all branches of the group came together to discuss what's ahead for the remainder of 2016. "This meeting really showcased that the collaboration between our Nationwide regional teams is key to our success," said Jeff Knock, CCO of Nationwide. "We continue to learn from each other what our members of all sizes need to succeed in their marketplace, which gives our group the opportunity to develop these assets and execute them quickly for our members to take advantage of." Nationwide continues to develop initiatives that enable members to capture available share. Frank Sandtner, EVP of Member Services, said, "We take the time to inform our entire Nationwide team of what we have to offer as far as services, because it's important that the staff at every office and out in the field knows what is available, in order to develop a customized plan with each member on the tools to help them succeed." Nationwide's regional divisions have headquarters in various locations of the U.S. and Canada to serve as an accessible resource and handle the needs of the group's entire membership roster. Dennis Willich, CEO of Nationwide Southwest, says, "I came away from the regional meeting with the feeling of absolute unity, strength, organization and power amongst all regions and divisions with one objective in mind – the independent dealer. We move forward with the mindset that our members are the crown jewels of our business." Another focal point of the meeting was to reflect on the winter (March) PrimeTime! event and plan for what's ahead for the summer (August) event. The group's upcoming show will be held in Nashville, Tennessee from August 14-17, 2016. Find out more information at www.nationwideprimetime.com. B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S RO

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