2012 Spring Meeting Recap

Here's your chance to relive those special moments from the 2012 Spring Meeting in
Orlando, Florida, as reported by the Omni staff:

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

The winners of the 19^th annual Omni Member/Vendor Golf Tournament were:

John Aykroyd, Sloan Valve Co.
Richard Hatcher, Macon Supply
Wade Long, Sioux Chief Mfg.
Steve Norton, M&N Plumbing

The first day ended with a combination indoor/outdoor hospitality suite sponsored by Liberty Pumps and In-Sink-Erator.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

Sunday was a day chock full of Omni Member meetings including the Omni Vendor Committee bi-annual meeting bringing together the top 49 purchasing Members. This was followed by two “Featured Product Presentations” by Omni Vendors Gerber/Danze and T&S Brass.  Shortly afterwards, Omni held a luncheon for five “New Member” wholesalers:  

The Labov Plumbing & Heating Supply
Guenther Supply
Rio Grande Plumbing Supply
P.V. Sullivan Supply
R.V. Cloud Co.

 ...all of which had representation for the first time at the 2012 meeting.

The afternoon was kicked off with another Members-Only Meeting titled, “Epicor/Eclipse User’s Forum.”  The Eclipse/Epicor meeting was extremely informative, and a lot of ideas were shared. While contentious at times, each side made strides to find a way forward that is successful to the independent wholesaler and the heavily used CRM software system.  Next up for the Members was a series of standing-room only discussions titled, “Special Interest Forums.” The first one was “Pricing & Profitability” moderated by Sheri Newman from Lion Plumbing Supply. It covered a number of topics including internet or IMAP pricing, internet sales tax (which is ZERO), inside sales, trade pricing, showroom vs. walk-in vs. plumbing pricing, spiffs, and much more.  Next, Scott Barbour and Terry Weber from Northwest Pipe Fittings moderated “Best Warehousing Practices.”  This discussion covered the usage of space and materials in the warehouse, use of locations and identifications, personnel (picker/packer), use of technology (RFID, bar codes) and how to best deal with unwanted or discontinued products.  Lastly, Frank Marchese from Atlantic Plumbing Supply lead the discussion on “Credit & Collections.”  Frank discussed credit applications (personal guarantees), how to determine a credit line, usage of collection agencies, which managers or employees have the authority to release a customer from credit, and gross profit and aged accounts incentive program (pay sales people based upon sales that are actually paid for).  Sunday concluded with the annual Omni Reunion. The reunion featured a live band, elegant entrees, delicious appetizers, and more importantly, the opportunity to come together with close friends in a sociable environment.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 30

On Monday morning, Omni President, Bob Hoff, addressed all of the attendees over a business breakfast and informed the crowd that the group had double-digit gains in sales compared to the previous year.  Once the breakfast ended, it was onto the 20,000 square foot grand ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress for open Conference Booth time.  The ballroom was setup with 130 Vendor tables in a manner which allows for face-to-face sit-down discussions. 

After lunch, which was sponsored each day by Bradford White, the Members were invited to a meeting on the ins and outs of their entire Omni program; levels of membership, rebates, the FBI program, and even the Excess Revenue formula.  The afternoon was filled with Vendor Requested Meetings that lasted for 10 minutes and looked like a speed dating on steroids.  The day concluded with another hospitality suite, which provided further opportunities for networking, socializing, and talking about the hot topics in the world.

Courtesy of The Wholesaler

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 31

The final day of the 2012 Omni Spring Meeting allowed for over six hours of open floor time and concluded in the afternoon with the remaining Vendor Requested Meetings.  Both Monday and Tuesday allowed ample time for each wholesale company to meet with the key decision makers of the 130 Omni Vendor partners. The membership base also had an opportunity to learn how to navigate the new Omni website, which was rolled out early in 2011. 

Courtesy of The Wholesaler

After the meetings concluded on Tuesday afternoon, there was the typical mad rush to the on-premises lobby bar or gym/spa to discuss the day's business. The Spring Meeting concluded with an elegant and grandiose cocktail reception, exquisite three course meal, and dancing.  The band, which played music by AC/DC, Journey, Def Leppard, Big & Rich, and everything in-between, was sponsored by Cambridge-Lee and Oatey SCS.  The closing reception was one last opportunity to talk with industry friends, new and old.

We want to thank all of our Members and Vendors for a successful 2012 Spring Meeting. We especially want to thank all of the Vendor Sponsors for their contributions! We look forward to seeing everyone next year in Palm Springs!