After almost a decade of fierce debate within the organization about whether to allow manufacturers to attend its annual conference, AIM/R's latest meeting proved that yes, it was the right decision.

Bradford-White’s Bruce Carnevale (holding microphone) and Anvil’s Harold Arrowsmith were among manufacturer executives in attendance addressing rep concerns. (Photo by Kim Burke, Interep Systems)


For almost four decadesAIM/Rhas looked at itself with justifiable pride as the education and advocacy hub for independent manufacturers’ reps in the PHCP industry. After almost a decade of fierce debate within the organization about whether to allow manufacturers to attend its annual conference, a “yes” verdict was reached several years ago. Its 38th Annual Conference, held March 17-20 in Las Vegas, laid to rest any lingering doubts whether it was the right decision.

A growing number of manufacturers have found the conference worthwhile attending and their participation has paid off in tangible ways. Programming at the Las Vegas event was highlighted by sessions on four topics jointly developed by an AIM/R Manufacturer Advisory Committee (MAC) charged with defining subjects of mutual interest. The hot topics chosen were:
  • Transitioning Manufacturer Relationships for Succession;
  • Surviving the Economic Downturn of the Past Year;
  • Best Rep Practices for Communication and Promotion of Products;
  • Shifting the Marketing & Customer Service Function to Reps.


AIM/R officers for 2010 are (from left) Alan Guidish, Preferred Sales, Senior VP - Industry & PR; Mark Creyer, L & R Associates, President-elect; Steve Fleming, Reid Pacific Co., Senior VP- Membership; Ken McGregor, McGregor & Assoc., Senior VP – Conference; Mike Parham, Pepco Sales, President. Missing from photo is Brian Burke, Burke Agency, Senior VP-Education. (Photo by Kim Burke, Interep Systems)

Other educational programming included a presentation by authorJohn Sileoon “Avoiding Identity Theft in Your Business.” AIM/R members and/or service providers conducted additional sessions on: Succession Planning Within Your Agency: Taxes & the Obama Administration; HSAs and the Obama Health Care Program; What Happens When a Customer or Principal Goes Bankrupt?; How to Screen Sales People Before Hiring; Warehousing: Buy/Sell, Consignment & Commission Sales Pros & Cons; Increasing Productivity Through a Paperless Office.

More information about the conference will appear inJim Olsztynski’s “In Closing” columnto appear in the May 2010 edition ofSupply House Times.

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