Manufacturer Share Group Keeps the Conversation Rolling

A few months after the 2007 NARMS Spring Conference, several of our manufacturer members got together to continue what had been such a productive dialogue in Tucson , they just had to keep the ball rolling. The momentum is still strong as this group will be gathering again for another Manufacturer Share Group in Rosemont , IL on November 10 and 11. Over 20 attendees will engage in a full agenda of speakers, presentations and break-out meetings designed to bring this group closer together and to help align their needs and opportunities with those of their NARMS service division brethren. The event is exclusively for manufacturer members and interested parties should contact Dan Borschke at NARMS HQ.

The NARMS Manufacturer Members are a group of 38 companies who interact with the Association and advise on marketplace needs and best practices. Phil Lauria, Managing Director of Pelco Advisers, will facilitate the two day event. Lauria, formerly the CEO of Prism, has been an advisor to NARMS on its strategic direction and is often seen moderating manufacturer and retailer round table sessions at Spring Conference.

A highlight of the get together will be keynote contributors Bart Flaherty, CEO of GroupM, and Michael Terpkosh, Director of Strategic Sourcing with SUPERVALU. Flaherty will discuss an important new set of retail analytics that examine Return on Retail Investment (RORI). Terpkosh is a frequent speaker to industry groups worldwide. He will share key insights about how manufacturers should think about retailers and how both can work together to achieve common goals.

As a trade association that provides at-retail merchandising and marketing solutions, it is enriching to bring in the very people we serve and have them enjoy an open and honest discussion as a tightly aligned group. It is also a nice benefit for the members and a compelling reason for other manufacturers to join. The format allows for a candid discussion of new ideas, improvements and best practices all designed to make us better as an industry.

To learn more about NARMS Manufacturer Members, visit www.narms.com or click here. The Manufacturers Division Share Group is another way in which NARMS brings people together to further the goals of the industry, and improve the marketplace for our members.