AD Electrical Announces Innovative New Programs at the 2015 North American Meeting

October 12, 2015

BY: Peggy Penjuke

Electrical
About AD

On September 30th through October 2, 2015, AD’s Electrical Division, the largest Industrial and construction products marketing group in North America, hosted a record breaking North American Meeting, with attendance of over 1,000 attendees. This event attracted 147 first time attendees and representatives from over 297 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The theme of this year’s meeting supported AD’s brand positioning: Together, we win. Elements of winning together were woven into all aspects of the meeting. AD announced several innovative new programs that will assist members with staying ahead of the curve and competitively win in the market: AD HR Services, eContent Service Program, and Digital Demand Generation.

Ed Crawford, AD’s President of the Electrical Supply Division stated, "At AD, we’re passionate about helping independently owned distributors succeed in the market; both today, and in the future. But 'Together We Win' is much more than a new slogan at AD. It’s a clear and simple articulation of our DNA; it’s what we truly believe. That as strong and successful as you are individually, that together we are stronger."

Jim Milne, President of AD Canada stated, “2015 is a very exciting year to be an AD Distributor in Canada. We are exceeding the most optimistic expectations in the Canadian market. I cannot say how amazing it is to see AD’s team of distributors and committed suppliers work together in a difficult market to dramatically improve our share position. From coast to coast we are gaining ground. Our team is currently running a number of promotions, like the AD Rewards National Ultimate Hockey Road Trip, as well as individual branch activities. Success is all about being committed and working together.

AD is focused on the future, with their eContent initiative and Demand Generation pilots. Working together is evident, as all AD divisions benefited from AD’s Industrial division as being the trail blazer in getting the eContent initiative on its way to success. Thinking back, I can only imagine the struggle a smaller group would have putting together the resources for these initiatives. AD leads the way, perfecting and testing the data model, while the Canadian Board can concentrate on the intricacies’ of our market, like metric measurements and a bilingual environment. It is indeed a very exciting time to be a member of the AD team.”

"Together we market to our customers!
Together we grow our market share!
Together we innovate our technological capabilities!
Together We Win!"

During the meeting's keynote address, delivered by Bill Weisberg, AD’s Chairman and CEO, Bill discussed the importance of AD independents working together. Bill stated, “When we combine our volume and intelligence with collaboration, we are an unstoppable force for good in this industry.” Bill communicated, “Going in alone is not the winning choice. But working together, as a $31 Billion team of great independent companies, we have the scale and we have the resources, to go toe to toe with anybody.”

AD honored their members and supplier partners during the Spirit of Independence Awards Banquet and announced a record number of nominations submitted this year, as well as new growth oriented Leaderboard Awards. The following companies received these coveted AD awards:

US Member of the Year, Performance – Over $10M: Electric Supply Center
US Member of the Year, Performance – Under $10M: Baynes Electric Supply Company
Canadian Member of the Year, Performance – Over $10M: Robertson Electric Wholesale Ltd.
Canadian Member of the Year, Performance – Under $10M: Harwell Electric Supply
Member of the Year, Leadership: Bill Smith, President of Electrozad Company
US Supplier of the Year, Performance – Over $10M: RAB Lighting, Inc.
US Supplier of the Year, Performance – Under $10M: SATCO Products, Inc.
Canadian Supplier of the Year, Performance – Over $5M: Stelpro
Canadian Supplier of the Year, Performance – Under $5M: Wheatland Tube Canada
Supplier of the Year, Leadership: Ed Marinelli, President of Electri-Flex
AD MVP: Farrah Mittel, Director of Marketing & New Business Development, Schaedler Yesco Distribution
Supplier of the Year, Marketing Excellence: Omni Cable Corp.
Best Conversion to an AD Supplier: Dominion Electric Supply & Littelfuse
Best Annual Planning Process: Bell Electrical Supply
Giving Back Award: Van Meter, Inc.

Sponsors: AD’s North American Meeting sponsors were also acknowledged throughout the event. The meeting sponsors included:

In conclusion, Crawford stated, “When we say “Together, we win,” it is with the conviction of knowing that the very fundamentals on our business are as valid and true today as they were 34 years ago. Working together, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish.”

CLICK HERE To view photos from this year's event.