Reliable Distributors hits a milestone

Reliable Distributors, a national buying and marketing group, kicked off its 2016 Management and Marketing Conference celebrating its 30th anniversary on March 10, in Orlando, Florida.

Three new member distributors were introduced at the annual member meeting: Plastic Express, Inc., Robert Longdon Farm Services, and R&R Wholesale, Inc. Reliable’s membership has over 100 hardware, agricultural and lawn and garden distributors throughout the United States.

“We have been blessed with our success over the years and thank all of our loyal member distributors and participating suppliers for all of their continuing support. As the group continues to grow, we are constantly looking for new sources of supply and unique services to provide our members” said Allan Meyer, president of Reliable.

Thursday evening the Presidential Awards were presented during the Opening Reception to acknowledge member distributors and vendors for their outstanding commitment and leadership they provide the group. Honorees included:

•  Fuller Supply Company: represented by Gerald Castello and Sam Gentry;

•  Nitro-Phos Fertilizer: represented by John Onda;

•  Laclede Chain Manufacturing: represented by Jeff Doerge; and

•  Earthway Products, Inc.: represented by Bob Petrungaro.

The annual Member Meeting featured the “The Discovery Showcase” highlighting new products and displays, combining show-and-tell with touch-and-feel. Members were introduced to 11 new vendors during the member meeting. 

The member distributors have over 1,200 scheduled private appointments on Friday and Saturday with the attending vendor suppliers who represent over 132 brands of product. According to Meyer, “The one-on-one appointments provide the vendors the opportunity to build stronger relationships with our members, while allowing the member distributors the chance to view new products, enhanced assortments and new programs.”

The conference runs through Saturday, March 12.