FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WIT & Co. 2011 Fall Networking Meeting
Indianapolis, IN, September 20-22, 2011 — WIT’s Fall Networking and Shareholder’s Meeting was held
September 20-22 in Indianapolis with over 200 attendees taking advantage of the opportunity to meet and network
with their friends and peers. This year’s meeting included the annual marketing workshop, networking and
educational events, and the annual shareholder’s meeting, as well as a tour of Delta Faucet’s corporate headquarters
and an open house with WIT distributor, Lee Supply.
Marketing Workshop, September 21, 2011
WIT’s Marketing Committee organizes the Marketing Workshop, and they
kicked off this year’s workshop with a riveting and informative Best Practice
Session, where fellow WIT members gave real-life examples of how
they’ve used technology to improve their businesses, including CRM
projects, Google Apps and social media.
Following a networking session with WIT’s valued service providers, guest
presenter Steve Epner of Smith, Brown, and Wallace Consulting Group
provided a well-rounded presentation on web strategies. The session
provided an array of ideas and possibilities for the group’s marketing
Steve Epner presents to the group on
leaders and owners to stay ahead of the curve with technology in the
web strategies.
Plumbing and HVAC industries. Epner followed the session with a bonus
session on metrics and how to measure for success when implementing technology initiatives.
At Wednesday’s WHAM! Awards Luncheon (WHAM! – WIT Honors Achievements in Marketing) winning WIT
distributors showcased their strengths in marketing. With more quality entries than ever before, the competition for
the top award this year was stronger than ever. Congratulations to Pace Robinson and Dottie Ramsey of Modern
Supply Company and their staff for being selected as the overall WHAM! Award winner for 2011. WIT also
recognized seven other deserving distributors as category winners in the areas of Advertising & Brand Awareness, Emarketing & Web Strategies, Marketing Research & Business Development, Merchandising, Promotions & Events,
Public Relations, and Showroom.
Here are this year’s winners!
(Back Row Left to Right)
· Sabrina Hawthorne, Marketing Services Coordinator,
WIT & Co., LTD
· Coley Herrin, Plumbing Distributors, Inc., Category
Winner: Promotions & Events
· Mark Berman, Benjamin Supply, Category Winner:
Showroom
· Pace Robinson, Modern Supply Co., Overall WHAM!
Award Winner
· Beth Burgert, Charles D. Jones Co., Category Winner:
E-marketing & Web Strategies
· Jenifer Lee, Lee Supply, Category Winner: Advertising
& Brand Awareness
· Bari Baker, SOLCO Plumbing Supply, Category
Winner: Public Relations
(Front Row Left to Right)
· Marianne Brummett, Wiseway Supply, Category Winner: Merchandising
· Corbin Ensign, VAMAC, Inc., Category Winner: Marketing Research & Business Development
· Dottie Ramsey, Modern Supply Co., Overall WHAM! Award Winner
Networking Events
With the meeting being held in Indianapolis, Delta Faucet Company hosted the group for an evening tour of their
headquarters on Tuesday, September 20, providing WIT’s distributor attendees with extra time to socialize with their
colleagues.
On the evening of Wednesday, September 21, attendees were chartered to Lee Supply’s Carmel location for a tour
and reception where the Lee family and staff welcomed the group’s more than 150 attendees. From there, the group
arrived at the NCAA Hall of Champions near downtown Indianapolis. WIT attendees enjoyed great food and friendly
competition, including a free-throw contest and various simulated sports challenges.
Above (left to right): (1) WIT members gather in the counter area at Lee Supply. (2) Attendees from Montgomery Plumbing
Supply and Schumacher & Seiler admire displays in Lee Supply’s showroom. (3) Bill Maxwell, M&L Supply and Bill Vivlamore,
Frontier Supply exchange ideas and browse the Lee Supply showroom. (4) Charlie Wallace, South Central Company takes a shot
at the free-throw contest while Ted Heneka, G. W. Berkheimer Co., Chris Perry, VAMAC, Inc. and Mark Berman, Benjamin
Supply wait patiently to compete. (5) Chris Perry, VAMAC, Inc. tries his hand at the competition while Mark Dietrick, Schaefer
Plumbing Supply and Chris Reynolds, Plumbers & Factory Supplies warm up in the wings.
General Session & Shareholder’s Meeting, September 22, 2011
Thursday brought even more opportunities for owners to interact; they were encouraged to share ideas, challenges
and solutions during their bi-annual WIT Works sessions. After lunch, the group was joined by Kathy Newton, head of
the Industrial Technology Department at Purdue University. Dr. Newton presented pertinent information to help WIT
owners manage and retain the new generation of employees. Following that insightful presentation, Mike Workman
provided the group with a discerning look at the perspectives of manufacturers in the industry regarding the industry’s
future.
Above (left to right): (1) Dr. Kathy Newton addresses the WIT attendees. (2) Attendees listen intently to guest presentations and
WIT’s General Session. (3) Colin Perry is honored for 8 years serving on WIT’s Board of Directors. (4) Relaxed discussion among
colleagues during the Thursday evening reception: (left to right) Tom Keiso, Wm. F. Meyer Co.; Mark Dietrick, Schaefer
Plumbing Supply; Bill Meyer, Wm. F. Meyer Co.; Steve & Mary Kelly, Goodin Company; Gerard Melgaard, Goodin Company.
At the annual shareholders’ meeting, President and Chairman Morris Cregger recognized Past-President and retiring
Board Member, Colin Perry of Rampart Supply for his dedication and commitment to WIT. In addition, Cregger
announced that Greg Skagerberg of Goodin Company had been selected to be Vice-President for 2011-2012. In a
vote of the shareholders, Directors selected for 2011-2012 included Morris Cregger, Cregger Company; Greg
Skagerberg, Goodin Company; Dick Fager, R. F. Fager Company; Brian Cobble, G. W. Berkheimer; Karla Neupert
Hockley, Consolidated Supply Company; Howard Rose, The Portland Group; and Craig Skinn, MDM Supply.
During the General Session, WIT committee chairmen honored for their service to WIT as they step down included:
Jeff Konen, Consolidated Supply Co.; John McCallum, Rampart Supply; and Craig Skinn, MDM Supply. Three
members of the Marketing Committee were also recognized as they roll off the committee, including: BJ Cayce,
Cayce Mill Supply; Brian Fowler, Security Supply Corp.; and Corbin Ensign, VAMAC, Inc. The event closed with a
final reception Thursday night, where owners enjoyed an opportunity to network and relax.
For more information, please contact Sabrina Hawthorne, Marketing Services Coordinator, WIT & Co., LTD, Phone:
972-957-3027, Fax: 972-957-3023, [email protected]
WIT & Co., LTD is a pioneer in the plumbing, heating and cooling industry. Established in 1974, it is the oldest
member-owned and most cohesive buying group in the industry. Owners are independent wholesale distributors
committed to growth - and to each other.
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