2010 Fall Network Meeting

Go-to-market strategies and best practices highlight annual event.

This year’s WHAM winners. Photos courtesy of WIT & Co. Ltd.

WIT & Co. Ltd.hosted its Fall Networking Meeting at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, MD, in September, drawing 191 attendees. This annual event for WIT distributors includes an annual marketing workshop, networking event, general session and shareholder’s meeting.

Incoming WIT president Morris Cregger expressed his gratitude for the business success, career development and friendships he has enjoyed over the years through his association with the group.

Marketing best practices were shared in presentations by Corbin Ensign of VAMAC, Vince Vehar of VIKTOR Incentives, John McCallum of Rampart Supply, and Brian Fowler of Security Supply Corp. Also, Gina Watkins of Constant Contact and Loren George of Distributor Marketing offered tips on e-marketing best practices.

Guest presenter John Monoky facilitated a discussion and keynote presentation at the Marketing Workshop on the development of a Go-to-Market strategy for the group’s owners and marketing leaders - creating demand, selling and delivering value to customers.

Mike Workman led a discussion on the state of the industry.

In another presentation, industry veteran Mike Workman discussed the current state of the industry and shared his projections of how and when it will change and/or improve in the coming years.

WIT distributor members were recognized for noteworthy marketing efforts with the presentation of the annual WHAM Awards. Those honored this year were (see photo top right): Chris Schmidt, Schmidt’s Wholesale, for Brand Awareness & Advertising; Ken Kidd, C&L Supply, for Promotions & Events; B.J. Cayce, Cayce Mill Supply, for Research & Business Development; Brian Fowler, Security Supply Corp., for Showroom & Merchandising; John McCallum, Rampart Supply, for Public Relations. The overall WHAM award winner was Justin Freedman of General Plumbing Supply.

Dr. John Monoky facilitated a discussion on the development of a go-to-market strategy for WIT’s owners and marketing leaders.

Owners Russ and Susan Trout of 75-year-old plumbing wholesaler Schumacher & Seiler hosted a tour and reception at their Designer Bath and Kitchen Showplace in Timonium, MD. The wholesaler serves professional plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical contractors throughout Maryland and south central Pennsylvania from seven branches.

Ideas, challenges and solutions were shared among owners during the WIT Works sessions. Colin Perry, who has served as 2008-2010 president and chairman of WIT, led the general session and was honored for his service to the buying group by WIT’s past-president and president-elect, Chris Perry of VAMAC and Morris Cregger of Cregger Co., respectively, and Charlie Moorhead, WIT’s executive vice president. Nick Formento of Canyon Pipe and Supply also was honored as he stepped down from a five-year term on the board of directors.

WIT members toured the bath and kitchen showroom of Schumacher & Seiler in Timonium, MD.

President-elect Morris Cregger enthusiastically accepted his place as WIT president.

WIT & Co. Ltd. was established in 1974 and is owned by independent wholesale distributors.

The group will host its spring meeting at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas March 29 - April 1, 2011.