Associated Volume Buyers (AVB), the umbrella organization of the BrandSource buying group, held its annual Leadership Conference in Sacramento, Calif., earlier this month, where directors, members and vendors assessed 2018 and prepared for the year ahead.
The three-day event, held Dec. 4-6, gave attendees “a behind-the-scenes look at the goals, progress and performance of AVB’s business initiatives,” the group said, including an opportunity for its national board of directors to review and rate each business unit.
The goal, said AVB CEO Jim Ristow, is to “relentlessly improve every aspect of our business to ensure our members’ success and relevance to the industry. The process never stops.”
A chief focus for AVB in 2019 will be digital marketing. “Nine out of 10 consumers are online before they buy,” Ristow said. “Our mission in 2019 is to ensure our members have a digital presence to bring those customers to their stores.”
See: BrandSource Launching Local Marketing Initiative
AVB also continued its longstanding tradition of helping children in need by holding a baking competition during the Conference that benefited the local Marine Toys For Tots program, with ovens provided by local BrandSource dealer Gianelli’s Appliances. BrandSource is a one-star partner of the charity, with which it has collaborated for the past three years. This month’s effort held a special resonance as the monies raised are being used to support the victims of the recent California wildfires.
Related: BrandSource Builds Bikes For Charity
Commenting on the three-day conference, BrandSource dealer Barry Kindy, co-president of North Canton TV & Appliance, said the event “rejuvenates my energy and enthusiasm for the group. … I wish [the members back home] could be here to take this all in themselves.”
AVB’s divisions and affiliates will next convene March 1-4 in Nashville for the group’s annual spring Summit, which will mark the organization’s 50th year.
