Testimonials: Our CORE Members Say It Best
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Rick
Martz, President, STYLETTE
Marilyn
Beckham, Chairman, Cadillac Shoe Products, Inc.
John
Roberts, President, Kitchen Supply Co.
Lynn
Conway, President/CEO, Terra Coasters
Bob
Sachs, President, Arden Companies
Don
Switzer, Executive Director, Westgate Center, Inc.
Comments from the new CORE San Francisco group...
“It is great to have an organization and group that is local where we can share experiences, make contacts and see that others out there are going through some of the same problems and pitfalls that we are and, more importantly, may have solutions to help.”
“I cannot even think of an aspect of our business where it is not valuable to discuss with other chief executives how they are managing their businesses. CORE provides the perfect venue for such discussions.”
“Of all the networking groups we've previously attended, the CORE group was hands down the best return on our time invested. The diversity of members—from start-ups to 100 year old companies—brings a wealth of experience and information to the table and people have a sincere interest in helping others succeed. I'm looking forward to our next meeting.”
“Well I was certainly a reluctant participant, at least originally, as I didn’t like the idea of either sharing our business with other companies, nor did I think that I would get much out of these meetings. How wrong I was! A great group of people, all very supportive, sharing ideas & solutions. The format is at once very relaxed & yet very informative. CORE provides a rare opportunity in your business to stand back from the day-to-day things we all get caught up in & to re-evaluate. I can honestly say that every meeting that I have attended I have come away inspired & with new ideas of ways to improve what we do. Linda's experience in business & the huge success she enjoyed is well evident in the way she organizes the meetings & the quality of the speakers that she brings to us. Can't wait for the next one.”
“The group has been very valuable to my firm, especially being a new manufacturer to the housewares industry. Lots of great information and a terrific group of members.”
“The Bay Area CORE Group has been very beneficial for me. The guest speakers at each meeting have always been insightful. The input and help from other CORE members has been invaluable. I have enjoyed every meeting and my business has benefitted directly in many ways.”
Some additional comments from seasoned CORE members...
“The information and relationships I have
gotten from my CORE group are of a higher quality, interest
and value than any other forum I have participated in
during my career.”
“CORE gives me the opportunity to take off the
blinders…I walk away from each meeting energized
and with ideas on how to improve my business.”
“It’s always hard to give up a day, but missing
a meeting costs both me and my company a great deal more.”
“After a CORE meeting, I feel revitalized and ready
to conquer the issues.”
“I’m able to acquire knowledge from a four-hour
meeting that would take years of experience to learn by
trial and error.”
“CORE gives me a reality check on my business as
well as tips and inspiration for improving it.”
“The cross-fertilization of ideas has been invaluable.”
“CORE has fulfilled a long-standing professional
and personal need to discuss industry conditions and company-level
challenges within a forum of my peers.”
“It’s like having a private consulting service
available to you.”
CORE
Agenda Highlights
The agendas at each session are always relevant as they
reflect the input of group members.
Agenda highlights—See what issues your
colleagues are addressing:
- Reverse Auctions, “Shoot-outs” and Sealed
Bids
- Developing Private Label Programs with Retailers:
Pros and Cons
- Warehouse Inventory Shrink Management
- Supplier Sourcing in Asia
- Targeting Small Independents for New Business Growth
- How to Outsource
- Review of the International Housewares Show
- The Internet: What works and what doesn’t?
- Cybermarketing: What are the opportunities and problems
of marketing on the internet?
- Web Share: Web site demonstrations and review by members
with online capabilities
- POS Data: What to do with it?
- Rep Selection, Motivation, Management and Contracts
- Incentives: What do we measure; what do we offer?
- Staffing: Finding, attracting, compensating and keeping
good people
- Policy Manuals: How much and when?
- Supplier Survival: Dealing with a market where there
are fewer, larger, and more demanding customers
- Five Imperative Steps for Successful Merger and Acquisition
Management
- Unauthorized Deductions and Claims Dilemmas
- The Challenges of Chargebacks and Credits
- “What have you done in the last 90 days to make
your company/business better?”
CORE
Guest Presentations
Guest presentations, also selected by the group, enhance
each agenda. Here are some of the critical topics addressed
at recent meetings.
- Minimum Advertised Pricing Agreements &
the Robinson-Patman Act
Vedder, Price
- Insurance Negotiation, Timing & Coverage
Insurance Consulting Associates
- Housewares Packaging: The Power of Packaging
Tulino Design
- Expense Reduction
Arlene Kahn
- Intellectual Property: Copyright, Patent &
Trade Dress Infringement
Kirkland & Ellis Law Firm
- Branding & Brand-building
Adrienne Weiss Corporation
- Design Dynamics: It’s Value & Importance
in New Product Launch
Cousins Design
- Freight Program: How to Secure the Best Rates
Transport Players Alliance
- Growing Your Business
Dick Albu
- The Internet
Impact Communications
- Trade and Tariffs
Economic Consulting Services, Inc.
- The Maquiladora Program in Mexico
American Industries International Corp.
Meet
the CORE Group Facilitators |
