Nationwide Marketing Group had bigger things in mind for its most recent PrimeTime show.
The buying group for independent appliance, electronics, furniture, bedding and outdoor retailers used its biannual show, held earlier this month in Las Vegas, to once again support No Child Hungry, the food distribution program of Orlando, Fla.-based My Neighbor’s Children. After packing 125,000 meals at the group’s event in March, Nationwide said it intended to match these efforts.
Sean Crane, head of Nationwide’s strategy and operations, said it didn’t take long for participants to realize the goal was not only attainable, but breakable. “By the time we officially kicked the show off on Monday evening, over 65,000 meals had already been packed,” he noted. “The momentum continued as the show floor opened, and by lunch, it was clear we’d reach the goal by day’s end. So we raised the bar.”
Over the four days, the group packed 193,874 meals, with the number of meals from the two PrimeTime events totaling more than 320,000.
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According to Nationwide president Tom Hickman, half of the meals assembled at the show were immediately distributed in Las Vegas to address child hunger need, with the other half sent to Haiti.
Said Hickman: “The power of these amazing independent dealers is something we’ve had the privilege of seeing for years. Their individual impact in their local markets has been fueling communities for decades. PrimeTime presents a unique opportunity, however, for thousands of dealers, along with our vendor partners and our team to work together to make a real difference.”
Click through to see photos from the event.
Hickman said he will soon lead a team from Nationwide to join No Child Hungry in Haiti to distribute the meals.
Michael Cox, director of marketing at Nationwide member Pieratt’s, echoed Hickman’s sentiment: “To see Nationwide Marketing Group take the initiative to combine our collective resources and make a difference not at the local, state, or even national — but international — level has been inspiring. The No Child Hungry project from My Neighbor’s Children is a truly noble cause, and to be a small part of the over 300,000 meals packaged and provided during our recent PrimeTime group meeting is very special to us at Pieratt’s.”
Added Nationwide PrimeMedia’s Mike Whitaker: “Nationwide’s members are the driving force behind the program and everything we do. Independent businesses have long been recognized as the backbone of our economy and our society. We’ve watched with respect for generations as they’ve consistently supported their local communities. As a result, it was no surprise to see them generously step up for those in need around the world.”
