Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM SEPTEMBER 2016 66 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S FACEBOOK AND GOOGLE AMONGST NATIONWIDE LEARNING ACADEMY SPEAKERS Nationwide just wrapped up a huge August PrimeTime! show in Nashville, and the group was excited to announce continued growth of the new learning curriculum, Nationwide Learning Academy, that unveiled in March. In Orlando, the Nationwide Learning Academy sessions shattered attendance records from the previous shows' educational courses, formerly known as PrimeTime! University. There were more session attendees than there were attending the actual show, meaning many of the group's member retailers filled their schedules with a variety of course topics. Amongst the presenters in the Nashville lineup were Gabrielle Garrison, Partner Manager for Digital Strategy from Facebook, as well as Brenden Jacobson, a strategist from Google. Mike Whitaker, who coordinates the group's educational efforts, added, "The member feedback from Orlando was overwhelmingly positive. We focused on taking time to understand what our members wanted out of the education curriculum and delivered the best of the best as far as content, presenters and topic variety. We're very excited as we're ramping up each of those areas even more for the August show." In March, the Nationwide Learning Academy offered the most comprehensive curriculum of course opportunities to date, with the addition of flexible scheduling and a full slate of sessions presented by industry leaders, content authorities, internal professionals and more. This August, Nationwide's newest addition to the Academy was vendor-led sessions, with over a dozen vendors participating and leading discussions about what's happening in the industry, as well as providing merchandising and promotional guidance within their specific lines. PrimeTime! , the largest trade show for independent appliance, electronics, bedding and furniture dealers, saw over 40 live sessions of the Nationwide Learning Academy, covering topics ranging from Leadership, Marketing, Digital, to Merchandising. C.R. PLASTIC PRODUCTS GRAND OPENING AT NEW 300,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY C.R. Plastic Products has moved its manufacturing and corporate head office to a 300,000 square-foot facility on Erie Street in Stratford, Ontario. This is a monumental move, tripling in size from the previous location. There is great room for growth that will be made possible with the new facility. In addition to continuing to add new product lines and make design improvements on current products, the company has also expanded into the international marketplace over the past few years. With the additional space and continually growing work force, the opportunities for future growth are exponential. C.R. Plastics has planned an Industry Grand Opening on Monday, August 22nd and has invited the press, industry magazines, as well as its sales force and local dealers. The Grand Opening will have a ribbon cutting on the grounds as well as ceremony including the Executive Team and the Mayor of Stratford. The new facility has a beautiful 39 acre front acreage boasting a pond, trees and greenery. The grounds will feature many of the outdoor products as well as provide the ultimate comfort in seating for the celebration. The indoor showroom will reveal the new 2017 products and fabrics. There will also be detailed factory tours giving invitees an exclusive look at the unique manufacturing process and how recycled materials are used to create beautiful, environmentally sustainable outdoor furniture. RO

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