Wayne, PA — AD Industrial Members, Suppliers and Service Providers gathered at the Hyatt Regency Orlando in Orlando, FL for the 2018 AD North American Meeting. AD had record-breaking attendance with over 800 attendees, which included more than 125 first time attendees. Members and Suppliers are looking forward to a strong finish to 2018 with numbers forecasted to be record-breaking.
Attendees benefited from a variety of agenda topics over the last four days including; Strategic Partner Briefings, Networks, Emerging Leaders Networks and Booth Sessions. New to this year’s agenda, Members had the opportunity to attend an eCommerce session tailored to their subscription status.
“OWN IT” was the meeting theme this year. Everyone was challenged to participate and contribute to the success of AD by owning the moment, the challenge and the future. During his keynote address, AD Chairman & CEO, Bill Weisberg introduced the “Four Rules for Owning It.” Which included rule number four: Do the hard stuff. “When you choose to work on the hard stuff, you know you are dealing with the real stuff,” shared Weisberg during his talk. This year AD walked the talk by successfully completing their transition from being solely owned by Weisberg to being Member owned.
Jack Templin, Chief Programs Officer and President of AD Industrial Divisions said, “The AD North American Meeting is the highlight of our year. This year was no exception. Celebrating our mutual success, recognizing performance and facilitating networking opportunities are always inspiring. In addition to the record attendance and financial performance, this year was especially gratifying as 41 of our Industrial members are currently utilizing the AD eContent on their digital branches. The pinnacle of our meeting is seeing our members and suppliers collaborating to identify new ways to capture market share and grow together!”
The 2018 AD Spirit of Independence honorees are:
Best Annual Planning Process: Replenex Inc.
Best Conversion for MRO: Marshall E. Campbell Company & Intertape Polymer Group
Best Conversion for Tools & Material Handling: F&M MAFCO Inc. & Erin Rope Corporation
Best Conversion for Safety & Janitorial: Martin Industrial Supply & Protective Industrial Products Inc.
Best Conversion for Metalworking: Johnston Industrial Supply Inc. & Dormer Pramet
Supplier of the Year Performance – Tier 1: Dynabrade Inc.
Supplier of the Year Performance – Tier 2: SECO Tools Inc.
Member of the Year – Performance – Tier 1: GME Supply
Member of the Year – Performance Tier 2: Tenaquip Limited
Member of the Year – Leadership: Don Ireland, President and Jack Simpson, Vice President/General Manager, Industrial Supply Company
AD MVPs: Jackie Shepard, AD Specialist, Quality Mill Supply Company Inc.
Giving Back Award: Industrial Supply Company, Inc.
Best Workplace Recognition: Quality Mill Supply Company Inc. & Johnston Industrial Supply, Inc.