Dear Members,
We’re catching up. That’s what I hear from dealers, distributors, and manufacturers alike. Massive efforts have been made to reduce the number of ships waiting offshore carrying merchandise our customers want. Chains say Christmas merchandise just arriving is apt to be warehoused rather than be deeply discounted. Major department stores are taking the same action with late spring and summer merchandise.
What all this means is that we have survived and even thrived because our people have shifted, reorganized, and persevered. We are a strong bunch. Many dealers are having the best sales ever.
Catching up means a lot of work, long hours, and with reduced staff. For those who came to our annual product show and education days in May now have a headstart on 2023 because exhibitors came ready with new products for tomorrow’s market. Class attendees went home with a new understanding of opportunities and solid business and technical tips toward netting more profit.
Your affiliate board is dedicated to programming more education, certification, and technical training. We are building those classes right now. Those new to our industry need training and we will have it, adding to the value of membership.
As always, I encourage you to contact me directly with any comments and especially if you’d like to be considered for the board. We need you.
