WAYNE, PA — Affiliated Distributors’ (AD), the largest industrial and construction products buying and marketing group in North America, Industrial Supply Division (ISD) hosted their largest North American Meeting in the history of the Division: 712 attendees, representing 131 AD Member companies, 134 Supplier Partner companies, and two countries, Sept. 22 – 24, 2014, at the Gaylord Palms, in Kissimmee, Florida.
Jack Templin, AD’s President of the Industrial Supply Division stated, “We are expecting record performance this year for AD Members, and are forecasting the distribution of over 100 rebates of rebates. Our Members and Supplier Partners are optimistic about the rest of 2014, and the relationships that they were able to strengthen at the North American Meeting will only add to the anticipated above market growth.”
The theme of this year’s meeting was, “Be Inspired.” Elements of inspiration were woven into all the meeting presentations and events.
David Ruggles, President of Martin Industrial Supply, and winner of the AD 2014 Affiliate of the Year, Performance, shared his thoughts on the meeting, “AD meetings are like revivals for business people.”
Bill Weisberg, AD’s Chairman and CEO reflected on the meeting’s theme in AD’s annual magazine, AD Today, “In business, as in life, it takes fortitude and inspiration to overcome. Fortitude is what lies within. Inspiration comes from others.”
Affiliated Distributors honored their Members and Supplier Partners during the Spirit of Independence Awards Banquet. The Banquet culminated with a surprise performance from The Wounded Warrior Project’s, Sal Gonzalez, who appeared on America’s Got Talent this year. Sal attended the meeting to accept a $20,000 donation for The Wounded Warrior Project from Stanley Black & Decker. The donation was the result of an AD Exclusive Promotion, and strong AD Affiliate participation.
The following companies received these coveted AD awards:
Replenex: Best Annual Planning Process
ORR Safety & Ergodyne: Best Conversion to an AD Supplier:
Stellar Industrial Supply & Master Chemical: Best Conversion to an AD Supplier
3M: Supplier of the Year for Marketing Excellence
Industrial Supply Co., Inc.: Affiliate of the Year for Marketing Excellence
Milwaukee Electric Tool: Supplier of the Year for Performance
Martin Industrial Supply: Affiliate of the Year for Performance
Capital Safety: Supplier of the Year for Leadership
Mike Baker, President, Quality Mill Supply Company: Affiliate of the Year for Leadership
Mark R. Higgins: AD MVP
Stanley Black & Decker: Giving Back Award
To watch YouTube videos of the awards acceptance speeches, along with the show stopping performance of Sal Gonzalez click here.
To view and download event photos click here.
Affiliated Distributors provides Independent Distributors and Manufacturers of construction and industrial products with support and resources that accelerate growth. Its 540 plus independently owned members span seven industries and three countries with annual sales in excess of $30 Billion. For more information visit: www.ADHQ.com
