The AD buying group PHCP divisions recently hosted their record-breaking Spring Network Meeting in the Palm Springs, California area. More than 245 individuals were in attendance from the group’s U.S. plumbing and PVF divisions, as well as the Canada Plumbing and Heating Division.

Additionally, the board of directors from the group’s newest division, AD Decorative Brands, were in attendance. All attendees welcomed Linda Hoff to her first AD meeting as the group’s director, decorative brands.

Attendees enjoyed three days of peer networking, best-practice sharing and updates on AD programs, including HD Services, Procurement Services and eCommerce Solutions to help them strengthen their competitive edge today and into the future, AD noted. Building upon the success of last year’s session on organizational culture, attendees deepened their knowledge with speaker Doug Lipp, author of “Disney U,” who spoke about how to create culture of significance.

“AD attracts members based on their dedication to growth, their financial stability and perhaps most importantly their eagerness to collaborate,” AD U.S. and Canada PHCP Divisions President Jeffrey Beall said. “Because of this, AD Networks are filled with smart and successful entrepreneurs who are ready to share their ideas for growth. Our members leave the AD Spring Network Meeting refreshed and energized with pages of best practices they are ready to implement in their independent distribution businesses across U.S. and Canada.”

During the awards portion of the event, Louis P. Canuso was named AD PVF member of the year. Galloup earned the AD Power Buy Award, while Cooney Brothers was the recipient of the AD Giving Back Award. Keidel Supply was named the AD plumbing member of the year and First Supply earned the Best AD Field Marketing Summit Award. American Pipe and Supply, Eastern Industrial Supplies and Hirsch Pipe & Supply were the recipients of AD member best workplace recognitions.

New this year, strategic supplier sponsors were acknowledged throughout the event and given informal booth session opportunities. Members and suppliers engaged in discussions about new products and other ways to grow partnerships in 2018.