Vipar Heavy Duty distributors, supplier partners and industry associates recently gathered for the group’s Annual Business Conference at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa at Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nev.
“In the midst of today’s challenging economic climate, we had a strong turnout of both distributors and suppliers for our event,” says Pete Pasdach, chairman of the board for Vipar Heavy Duty and president of Midway Truck Parts. “The mood of participants was incredibly upbeat as we focused on profitability and how to provide maximum service to customers.”
Keynote presentations included Brent Grover, Evergreen Consulting, who addressed “Sacred Cows of Distribution.” Grover argued that 10 “sacred” beliefs held by many distributors must be confronted and overcome if the management expects the company to become a top-quartile performer.
Other keynote presentations included perspectives on improved order and management technology systems, program management, the introduction of 2009 marketing strategies and programs, and an announcement about the launch of two distribution centers with brake remanufacturing facilities.
“The positive attitude of this year’s conference participants reflects upon the fact that many of our distributors and suppliers had already made adjustments to their business plans in light of marketplace conditions,” says Steve Crowley, president and chief executive officer of Crystal Lake, Ill.-based Vipar Heavy Duty. “The conference provided an avenue to not only discuss the conditions being faced right now, but also how we can work better together over the next year.”
The Vipar Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference included general sessions, breakout meetings, the annual stockholders meeting, tradeshow and one-on-one stockholder/supplier partner meetings, as well as various other business programs. Each conference event provided opportunities for stockholders and suppliers to interact, supporting the event theme of “Driven.”
Vipar Heavy Duty’s 2009 Annual Business Conference will be held Oct. 18-23 in Marco Island, Fla.
