AD Industrial and Safety Division-U.S. celebrates 25 years
AD Industrial and Safety Division–U.S. members, supplier partners and service providers contributed to record-breaking attendance Sep. 23-26, 2019 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas at the 2019 AD North American Meeting.
Over 800 attendees joined together, with over 100 there for the first time.
The theme of the year’s meetings was “All In,” described as absolute commitment, pushing the status quo, getting fully involved and having an unwavering drive with customers, business partners and fellow associates.
“Our North American Meeting is the highlight of our year and 2019 was no exception,” said Marisol Fernandez, president of AD’s Industrial and Safety-U.S. Division. “This year marks our 25th anniversary as an Industrial and Safety Division and it was inspiring to celebrate our history and collective growth. Congratulations to our members and supplier partners for achieving another record year of financial performance. Our team is truly ‘All In.’ We’re honored to be part of the story and look forward to the next 25 years of shared success!”
Participants expressed excitement about growth, and AD shared optimism around its future following recent mergers and acquisitions within the Industrial Business Unit this year. According to Jack Templin, president of AD’s Industrial Business Unit and chief programs officer, seven new member companies and six new supplier partners were welcomed across the Industrial & Safety-U.S. division to the AD community.
Over 240 new members have joined the AD community across of 10 of its 12 divisions to date this year.
AD’s chairman and CEO Bill Weisberg challenged and inspired attendees on the benefits of being All In. “Are you all in with what you do, who you do it with and who you do it for?” he asked participants at his keynote address, assuring the crowd, “AD is All In.” As part of the week’s events, Weisberg was honored for 35 years of service.
Weisberg also shared details on what is tracking as a record-breaking AD year, including a projected $46 billion in member sales this year; a year-to-date 9 percent increase in total member purchases in the group; and expected purchases from AD supplier partners are on track to grow by $1.2 billion.
New this year to the agenda was an Emerging Leaders professional session led by Predictive Index’s Melanie Wood and a Women in Industrial and Safety cocktail reception. Both sessions were well-received by attendees, who continue to benefit from a variety of agenda topics throughout the meeting including strategic partner briefings, networks, sub-networks, business meetings and booth sessions.
One highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the 2019 AD Spirit of Independence honorees. Awardees are:
Best Annual Planning Process – PSS Industrial Group
Best Conversion for MRO – Stellar Industrial Supply & Klein Tools
Best Conversion for Tools & Material Handling – Trumbull Industries & Kennedy Manufacturing
Best Conversion for Safety & Janitorial – Tenaquip & Zoll Medical Corporation
Best Conversion for Metalworking – Hubbard Supply Company & ITW Pro Brands
Supplier of the Year Performance – Tier 1 – Pro Line Products
Supplier of the Year Performance – Tier 2 – Milwaukee Tool
Member of the Year – Performance – Tier 1 – Four State Industrial/KP Supply
Member of the Year – Performance Tier 2 – Engman-Taylor
Member of the Year – Leadership – Jon Eames, Horizon Solutions
AD MVP – Robert Fritz, Columbia Safety & Supply
Giving Back Award – 3M
Best Workplace Recognition – Quality Mill Supply Company Inc., Columbia Safety & Supply, All Industrial Supply, Incredible Supply & Logistics
Board Member Service Recognition – Bob Mars; Mars Supply, Glenn Watt; Tenaquip & Karen Baker; Horizon Solutions
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The November/December issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Kimball Midwest. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and Mike Marks, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
