HDA throws ‘dynamic’ meeting
The Hardlines Distribution Alliance (HDA) reported that it hosted another “dynamic and successful Executive Planning Conference (EPC),” recently in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
HDA said that more than, “two dozen distributors, and 122 vendors, attended 2,018 meetings,” and that, “the EPC is designed to maximize interaction and attendees enjoyed countless opportunities to network during the course of three days.”
After attendees enjoyed a golf tournament on day one, the pre-scheduled, one-on-one appointments kicked off on day two.
During these meetings, said the HDA, manufacturer partners had the opportunity to review program and marketing details, new product launches, and discuss objectives for the coming year with distributor members.
Throughout the conference, attending manufacturer partners also had the opportunity to display a featured item for distributor members to vote on.
“These vital meetings allowed vendor partners to see dozens of distributor members in one location, thereby maximizing ROI at one of the most interactive events in the industry,” said the Alliance.
During an awards luncheon, HDA was excited to announce the 2023 Suppliers of the Year and honor those vendors for their sales performance, program elements, support from HDA member distributors and overall group program support.
Here are the winners:
HDA 2023 Supplier of the Year Award Winners
Automotive Category: Ancra Cargo.
Electrical Category: Southwire.
Hardware Category: Midwest Fastener.
Housewares Category: Zep, Inc..
Lawn & Garden Category: Corona Tools.
Paint & Paint Sundries Category: DAP Products Inc.
Plumbing Category: Oatey SCS/Plumb Pak.
Tools Category: Apex Tool Group.
Overall Category: Seymour Midwest.
EPC Featured Item Winners
Automotive and Overall Category: Alliance Consumer Group/NEBO – The NEBO Assist Air Jump Starter.
Electrical Category: Prime Wire & Cable – 3-in-1 Rechargeable Quick Connect LED Work Light Set.
Hand & Power Tools Category: Stanley Black & Decker – 20V MAX* 1-1/2” Cordless Pruner.
Hardware Category: National Hardware/Kwikset – Handleset Deadbolt for Exterior Doors.
Housewares/Seasonal Category: Hit Brands – Cell Phone Big Screen.
Lawn & Garden Category: Corona Tools – PrecisionCUT Aluminum Hedge Shear.
Paint & Sundries Category: ECO Wood Treatment – Non-Toxic Wood Stain, Treatment and Preservative.
Plumbing Category: Coda Resources LTD – Basic Black 21 Gallon Utility Tub Kit.
“Spending time meeting one-on-one is invaluable for planning a successful year,” said Shari Kalbach, president at HDA. “The EPC is an ideal format for strategizing sales tactics, reviewing program details, and addressing challenges. HDA is excited to host such an important event each year.”
