SHOW GUIDE

SEPTEMBER 17-19 . WESTIN DIPLOMAT . HOLLYWOOD, FL

See inside for: Show layoutExhibitor list Seminar detailsand Venue guide

Show Guide sponsored by:

Go Mobile! Scan Here:

Official EPIC 2014 App

visit booth #601 visit booth #507

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Thank You SponsorsThank You Sponsors

TriMega and Independent Stationers recognize and thank our EPIC 2014 sponsors for making this event possible.

Welcome

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Dear EPIC 2014 attendees,

We’re back with BIG!Exactly 12 months ago, we gathered in San Antonio, Texas, to celebrate what is great and good in the independent dealer channel with the very first EPIC joint conference from Independent Stationers and TriMega. EPIC 2013 was such a big hit with our dealers, our supplier and wholesale partners, and the industry as a whole that we have worked together once more to bring you EPIC 2014 – which will again be: the place Where BIG Happens!

For those of you who were with us last year for EPIC, welcome back! We hope you get as much – if not more – out of EPIC in 2014 as you did last year. If this is your first EPIC, then welcome! Enjoy the experience. Take advantage of the great learning, purchasing and networking opportunities available and we’re sure you’ll go home with some real action points on how to grow and develop your business. And to all of you – thank you for taking the time in your busy schedules to join us here in beautiful Hollywood, Florida. We look forward to visiting with you over the next few days.

There are so many things going on here at EPIC 2014. Here are just some of the highlights:

BIG Savings, BIG PrizesOn Thursday, visit nearly 140 exhibitor booths to learn about new products and offerings in every line of business and take advantage of the many Show Specials that are being offered. Take the time to speak with experts to discover new products and how to sell them. Don’t forget to check out the dozens of new exhibitors, service providers, systems and e-commerce providers, and trade associations such as NOPA, EDmarket and ISSA.

And remember, one lucky tradeshow warrior will walk away with $5,000 IN CASH. Just make sure you complete your EPIC 2014 Color Your World card and it could be you!

BIG LearningWe’re excited about the many different types of seminars and workshops taking place on Friday. From panel discussions on best practices to roundtable discussions on web marketing to seminars on healthcare, succession planning and more – there’s something for every progressive independent dealer. See pages 23-37 for a complete seminar schedule and don’t forget to download the EPIC mobile app to help plan your day.

Give BIGEPIC 2014 isn’t just a place where BIG happens, it’s also a place where GOOD happens! For example, there will be opportunities to learn about how you can help, donate and even purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a great prize while raising money for the cancer research, treatment and education facility City of Hope. In addition, EPIC 2014 exhibitors can help children succeed in school by donating post-trade show products to the Kids In Need Foundation.

Networking BIGLast year’s ground-breaking event proved that networking is one of the best benefits attendees can capture at EPIC. Here’s your chance to exchange ideas, share insights, ask questions and discuss those issues that are critical to your personal and business success. Plus, you won’t want to miss Thursday’s panel discussion, “Industry Insights, Ideas and Opportunities” which features some of the industry’s thought leaders covering those topics that keep you awake at night. There is even an opportunity to pose your questions to the panel.

The BIG GuaranteeThis event was planned for you and your business and we’re backing up our program with the Time Well Spent Guarantee. If you don’t leave Florida with at least one BIG business-boosting best practice learned, new business connection, brand new profit-producing product opportunity or BIG idea… we’ll refund any out-of-pocket expenses you incur. So go ahead, take the EPIC 2014 Challenge! We guarantee you’ll be glad you did!

A BIG Thank YouEvents such as EPIC are not possible without the generous support of our exhibitors and sponsors, so a BIG thank you to all of them, with a special mention for our Exclusive Premier Sponsor, United Stationers. We also thank the staff and board members of both groups and our business partners for their tireless efforts in making EPIC 2014 such a rewarding and successful experience.

Finally, we wish you an enjoyable and productive stay here in Florida. If there is anything we, our staff or board members can do to help you during the event, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Make it EPIC!

Sincerely,

Mike Maggio Mike GentilePresident President & CEO

PS: Stay tuned for more big things in store with EPIC 2015. Keep an eye out for more details about next year’s BIG event!

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6 Last YearRelive the memories of last year in picture form

10 VenueSome handy information to help you make the most of your stay at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa

13 What’s onA quick look guide to what’s happening this week

17 Thinking BIG, Talking BIGEPIC 2014 starts with a revolutionary panel discussion

18 FloorplanYour all-important guide to the EPIC 2014 Tradeshow fl oor

23 SeminarsWe bring you the full schedule and detailed information about the seminars, panels, workshops and speakers

31 IS member sessionsInformation on the Independent Stationers member sessions

35 TriMega member sessionsTriMega member-specifi c seminar information

39 EPIC 2014 Mobile AppStay connected to EPIC on the go with our mobile app

42 Receptions and moreAll work and no play, that’s not right! We’ve arranged a fi ne range of extracurricular activities

46 Staff DirectoryWho’s who at TriMega and Independent Stationers – including their respective Boards of Directors

51 CharityYour chance to Give BIG at EPIC 2014 Publisher Steve Hilleard

+44 (0)20 7841 2940 steve.hilleard@opi.net

VP North America Chris Turness

+44 (0) 20 7841 2953 chris.turness@opi.net

Editor Rowan McIntyre

+44 (0)20 8503 7768 rowan.mcintyre@opi.net

Show Guide Designer Charlotte Gerhardt

+44 (0) 20 7841 2943 charlotte.gerhardt@opi.net

No part of this magazine may be reproduced, copied, stored in an electronic retrieval system or transmitted save with written permission or in accordance with provision of the copyright designs and patents act of 1988. Stringent efforts have been made by Offi ce Products International to ensure accuracy. However, due principally to the fact that data cannot always be verifi ed, it is possible that some errors or omissions may occur. Offi ce Products International cannot accept responsibility for such errors or omissions. Offi ce Products International accepts no responsibility for comments made by contributing authors or interviewees that may offend.

Contents 10

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42

Last Year

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Remember the Alamo?Here are a few fond memories of EPIC 2013 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort in Texas, including a great night out at the legendary local landmark.

Last Year

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Last Year

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Last Year

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Venue Information

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Whether you prefer to spend your time on the

beach; enjoying spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway; battling your way around the 18-hole championship golf course (don’t forget the EPIC tournament on Wednesday 17th); or even just chilling out in the brand new Heavenly Spa – you’ll find something at the Westin Diplomat to help you wind down after a busy day at the show. And, as if that’s not enough, with a bit more spare time, you can play tennis, charter a fishing boat, ride a jet ski or just relax in a poolside cabana.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and fancy journeying further afield, why not head into Hollywood? The city was founded by property developer Joseph Young in 1925 and can be reached easily either by public transport on the Hollywood Trolley (from right outside the hotel lobby) or by water taxi.

Below is a selection of some of the things to do and places to visit in Hollywood and its surrounding area:

Hollywood Beach BroadwalkNamed one of America’s Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine, this is a haven for joggers, cyclists, roller-bladers and anyone who enjoys watching life go by from the comfort of one of the many cafés along the way.

Art and Culture Center of HollywoodPresenting contemporary gallery exhibitions, live stage performances and high-quality educational programs for adults and children, the center provides a creative environment where new and challenging work can flourish.

West Lake Park and Anne Kolb Nature Center This remarkable mangrove ecosystem invites you to explore its 1,500 acres by paddle, bike or on foot. You can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle through the tidal channels, or take to the pair of boardwalks that cross the area.

Big Cypress Seminole ReservationHollywood is home to The Seminole Tribe of Florida. A visit to the Seminole Okalee Indian Village offers people a glimpse into their lives through a variety of events such as alligator shows, arts & crafts, and live history demonstrations.

Downtown Hollywood Art & Design DistrictBrick-lined sidewalks intersect with trendy new boutiques, bistros and sidewalk cafés. You can enjoy shopping and dining, combined with various weekly special events.

The Village at Gulfstream ParkThe Village at Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier outdoor shopping and entertainment destination, featuring an incredible array of fashion boutiques, home accessory shops, signature restaurants, outdoor cafes and nightclubs. Located adjacent to the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino, these attractions pair with the shopping and entertainment options at to create the ultimate south Florida entertainment destination.

Aventura MallIf you’re a bit more serious about your shopping, why not take the time to visit the largest conventional shopping mall in Florida? About 15 minutes by car from the hotel, it’s home to 300 stores, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s.

The EvergladesAlso about half an hour from the hotel is the largest remaining swamp land in the world. Why not experience the thrill of an airboat ride and see alligators, turtles, rare birds and more?

The home of EPIC 2014 is the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa which, in addition to first class exhibition and conferencing facilities, offers a variety of ways to relax during your free time.

Diplomatic Service

www.opi.net

Become a member online today

News | Analysis | Interviews | EventsSurveys | Reports | Video

Hotel Floorplan

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Hotel Floorplan

What’s On

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Early Arrival Tuesday September 16th 3:00pm – 9:00pm Airport shuttle every 30 minutes to

hotel, sponsored by Newell Rubbermaid

12:00pm – 3:00pm Registration desk open for early arrivals

Welcome Wednesday September 17th 7:00am – 7:00pm Registration Desk Open

7:00am – 6:00pm Exhibitor Setup

7:00am Golf Tournament sponsored by WestPoint (8:00am shotgun start)

9:00am – 6:00pm Airport shuttle every 30 minutes to hotel, sponsored by Newell Rubbermaid

4:30pm – 6:00pm ThinkTank Breakouts *TriMega Session

6:00pm – 7:00pm Next Committee Meetup: Mixer Cocktail Reception – The Crystal Room *TriMega Session

7:00pm – 9:00pm EPIC 2014 Poolside Welcome Reception, sponsored by Smead

Big Opportunity Thursday September 18th7:00am – 5:00pm Registration Desk Open

8:00am – 8:30am Avery sponsored Opening Breakfast Buffet

8:30am – 9:30am Opening Session sponsored by Avery

10:00am – 4:00pm EPIC 2014 Tradeshow Open

12:00pm – 1:30pm Tradeshow Luncheon sponsored by Global

4:15pm – 5:30pm 3M sponsored Prize Drawing Cocktail Hour

4:00pm – 6:00pm Exhibitor Load Out

6:00pm – 7:00pm OPWIL Mixer at Rival’s Waterfront Sports Grille

7:00pm – 10:00pm “Underwater FantaSea” at Diplomat Landing, sponsored by United Stationers

Big Thinking Friday September 19th 7:30am – 12:00pm Registration Desk Open

8:00am – 8:45am Breakfast sponsored by SP Richards

8:45am – 12:30am Membership Meetings and Seminars (See page 21)

12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch sponsored by SP Richards

1:30pm – 5:15pm Seminars and Roundtables

Evening at Leisure

Sad to Leave Saturday September 20th 5:00am – 11:00am Airport shuttle every 30 minutes from

hotel, sponsored by Newell Rubbermaid

7:00am – 11:00am Next Gives Back: Ronald McDonald House Adopt-A-Meal Volunteer Program

What’s on this week

Friday’s packed seminar program is sure to send you home buzzing with new ideas for your business.

Wednesday

An at-a-glance guide to the week’s activities...

Thursday

Friday

Don’t miss out on the Prize Drawing Cocktail Hour which kicks off in the Grand Ballroom at 4:15pm.

Join us poolside and enjoy spectactular views of the Atlantic Ocean at our Welcome Reception.

What’s On

Returning to EPIC 2014 is the popular Partner of the Year ballot. We believe suppliers can make a BIG

difference for independent dealers. Those that truly work to help dealers grow and win market share in a BIG way earn the trust of the channel by exhibiting fairness and integrity in everything they do. And bringing BIG ideas and opportunities to independents deserves to be recognized.

We’ve been collecting nominations for the past few weeks. You’ll have the chance to text in your final vote at the Opening Session on Thursday, September 18th, where the lucky winner will be announced LIVE!

.

Place your vote for this year’s EPIC…

Partner of the Year

Charles Forman of Independent Stati oners (l) and Michael Morris of TriMega (r) congratulate last year’s Partner of the Year, Enterprise Group

OPWIL represents Offi ce Products Women

in Leadership. It is a not-for-profi t organizati on connecti ng women in leadership roles across the offi ce supplies sector.

The group aims to encourage women to stay in the OP sector and to progress their careers here, so there are more women in management positi ons in the future. It’s also passionate about creati ng an environment of encouragement, educati on and sharing among the

growing number of women leaders in the offi ce products industry. As part of the social events at EPIC 2014, OPWIL will be gathering for cocktails at Rivals Waterfront Sports Grille from 6:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, September 18th. This is a fantasti c opportunity to meet other women working in OP and all women are welcome, whatever level you are at.

If you would like to learn more about OPWIL or become a member, then visit booth #109 during the Tradeshow or go to www.opwil.com

OPWIL Mix and Mingle

Download theEPIC 2014 App

to Vote

Charles Forman of Independent Stati oners (l) and Michael Morris

Don’t miss the excitement!

Looking to expand your jan/san customer base or sell deeper into existing accounts? Not enough time to devote several days to learning about what it takes to become a force in the category?

Janitorial Solutions 101 Day is the must-attend event for OP dealers intent on expanding their janitorial business.

Held as part of ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America and sponsored by OPI, Janitorial Solutions 101 is ideal for those time-pressured dealers that need all the information in one day. From high-profile keynote speakers and roundtable discussions to a chance to talk to the exhibitors on the show floor – make sure you keep 7 November free!

For more info on the Janitorial Solutions 101 Day, visit www.issa.com/janitorialsolutions101 or email rosie@issa.com

ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America will

be held at the Orange County Convention

Center in Orlando, Florida, from 4-7

November 2014. For more information, visit

www.issa.com/show

Vote from these 5 Finalists: 3M, Enterprise Group, Eurotech, Fellowes, Newell Rubbermaid

Opening Session

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Launching this year’s EPIC show

will be a ground-breaking, informative, interactive and engaging panel discussion with some of the elite business and thought leaders in our industry. Entitled “Industry Insights, Ideas and Opportunities”, the discussion will be moderated by Terry Savage – a nationally recognized expert on finance, the economy

and the markets; author; and frequent commentator on CNN and other national television and radio programs.

“In today’s business climate more than ever, we feel that candid open discussion on our industry is critically important. Discussion about what is in store for our industry, what challenges lie ahead and, most importantly, what opportunities will help propel us forward. What better place to bring that big thinking together, than at EPIC 2014,” remarked Mike Gentile, CEO of Independent Stationers.

The discussion will take place as part of the opening session, sponsored by Avery, on Thursday, September 18th and will cover topics that are germane to all

attendees, and anyone operating in this dynamic marketplace. The panel features Wayne Beacham, CEO of SP Richards; Cody Phipps, President and CEO of United Stationers; Casey Avent, VP of Sales of Smead Manufacturing; Janet Collins, President of Ghent; Anthony Trombetta, Director of Sales, ISSA; Isaac de la Fuente, CEO of Mono Machines and Barry Lane, VP of Sales, Avery.

Thought provoking questions will be posed to the panel by the moderator Terry Savage as well as from audience members via text, keeping the session very interactive and engaging.

“We are honored to have industry thought-leaders, innovative thinkers and truly insightful business minds participating in this panel,” commented Mike Maggio, President of TriMega. “And, with participants representing the industry’s wholesalers, key manufacturers, the jan/san industry and dealers, we really have all points of our channel represented. And with Terry facilitating this dialogue, it should really be a fascinating session that is not to be missed.”

Thinking BIG Talking BIG

EPIC 2014 gets underway with a compelling industry panel

Terry Savage is a nationally known expert on personal finance, the markets and the economy. She is a regular blogger at the Huffington Post. She is a frequent guest on television and radio shows, including CNN, CBS and has appeared many times on Oprah! Her lively presentation style entertains as well as informs, whether talking about global economics, investing techniques or personal finances.

Savage’s financial expertise comes from experience. She started her career as a stockbroker, and became a founding member, and the first woman trader, on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Savage was also a member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s International Monetary Market where she traded interest rate contracts and currency futures. She is a registered investment advisor for both stocks and futures.

Savage takes an active role in America’s business community. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (NYSE) and previously served on the boards of McDonald’s Corporation for 14 years and Pennzoil-Quaker State Corporation for five years. She was a recipient of the Director ’s Choice Award honoring selected women who serve on America’s top corporate boards.

In today’s business climate more than ever, we feel that candid open discussion on our

industry is critically important

(l-r) Casey Avent, Wayne Beacham, Janet Collins, Isaac de la Fuentes, Barry Lane, Cody Phipps and Anthony Trombetta

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Tradeshow Floorplan

Exhibitor List on

following page

Tradeshow Luncheon sponsored by Global

Tradeshow Floorplan

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EPIC 2014 TradeshowEPIC 2014 Tradeshow

While we have made every effort to ensure the information here is correct, it may not reflect changes or additions since press time.

Tradeshow Luncheon sponsored by Global

Tradeshow Floorplan

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3M Company 207AAG/MEAD 703Acco Brands 703Accutech 305Acme United Corp. 216Acroprint 620Advertising Specialty Institute 617Amax Inc 809American Tombow, Inc 314Ammex 406Amplivox Sound Systems 1118Arlington Industries 615Artistic Products LLC 420Avery 301AVW Inc, dba Max Pro 101Baumgartens 419BBF - (Bush Industries) 716BIC Corporation 512Bisilque/Mastervision 903BMI 514Brother International 817Canon USA 714CHARTPAK 1116Chicago Lighthouse Industries 1115City of Hope 1109Clean Trails, Inc. 1110C-Line Products 919Crayola 123Deflecto 209Dial 505Digitek Computer Products 316DiverseID Products of Florida 709Diversified Computer Supplies 901Dixon Ticonderoga 1002DMI Office Furniture 107Duracell 307E.S. Robbins 806ECi Software Solutions 713Eco-Products 917eDist 215Education Market Association 1111Educators Resource 303Elmer’s Products, Inc. 517Energizer 905Enterprise Group 801Esselte Corporation 417Eurotech 204Fellowes Inc. 509FireKing International, LLC 319

Fiskars Brands 721Flash Furniture 807Fortune Web Marketing 415Ghent a GMi Company 616Global 607GOJO Industries, Inc 513Gould Paper Corporation 913Grosfillex 119Hewlett Packard Co. 213House of Doolittle 815HSM of America 217Iceberg Enterprises 408Image Star 907Imation 202Imprint Plus 923INDEPENDENT STATIONERS: Federal Sales 1130 Marketing 1127 Member Relations 1128 National Accounts 1131 RDC 1129International Paper 614Intertape Polymer Corp. 321ISSA 1103K.Coaching, Inc. 1112Katun Media Sciences 1117KFI Seating 113Kimberly-Clark Professional 804Kleer-Fax 218LathemTime 418Lee Products Company 618Lesro Industries, Inc. 220Liberty Laser Solutions 1006Liberty Paper 820LMI Solutions 518Logicblock 1120Master Manufacturing Co., Inc. 515MAX USA CORP 200Maxell 1018Mayline 1000Medline 222Millennium Mat 1114MMF Industries 212MooreCo Inc = Balt/Best-Rite 802Navitor, Inc. 309Neenah Paper Inc. 621Nestle Professional 521Newell Rubbermaid 602NOPA 1118Norstar Office Products/ BOSS Office Products 413

Office Snax 121Officemate International Corporation 808OPWIL 109Pentel of America 701Pilot Pen Corp. of America 208PM Company 718Printer Essentials 720Quality Park 507R3 915Reckitt Benckiser 619RightAngle Products 214Roaring Spring Paper Products 519S.P. Richards 407Safco Products 909Samsill Corporation 117Saunders Mfg. Co. 302Screenflex 719Sentry Group 612Seventh Generation 1113ShurTech Brands, LLC 818Smead Manufacturing Company 501Soundview/Marcal 203Special-T 1014SSI 421Storex 921Supplies Network 813Synnex Corporation 313TABBIES 1020Tennsco 914The Bp Group 1122The HON Company 401The Turbon Group 105TOPS Products 404Tri-Industries 1119Trilliant Food Beverage & Nutrition 520TRIMEGA: Point Nationwide 1101 TriMega 1102 TriMega’s Torque – Meet Meg! 1105TST/Impreso, Inc. 402United Stationers 601UPS 1022Verbatim 800Veritiv (Unisource/Xpedx) 613Victor Technology 503Virco 516West Point Products 201Zebra Pen Corp. 115

Exhibitor List

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Seminar locations

Convention CenterSecond Floor

GrandBallroom

200

Seminar Schedule

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Grand Ballroom Diplomat 1 Diplomat 2 Diplomat 3 Diplomat 4 Diplomat 5

8:45am – 9:45am

Independent Stationers

Shareholders Meeting

Go Digital Baby!Michael Morris

*A TriMega specific seminar

Taking Facilities Solutions

to the Next LevelChris Whiting & Tom Hoffmann

*A TriMega specific seminar

Board of Directors Fireside Chat:

Members of YOUR Board

*A TriMega specific seminar

From HP to MPS – What is Going on with My Toner?Brian Stevenson*A TriMega specific

seminar

5 Tips to Get the Most Out of

Your TriMega MembershipGrady Taylor

*A TriMega specific seminar

10:00am – 11:15am

TriMega Members Only Meeting

Next Steps in Jan/San,

Breakroom and Facilities

Products*An IS specific

seminar

Utilization of Independent

Stationers Programs

*An IS specific seminar

EPIC Opportunitiesfor National

Account Growth*An IS specific

seminar

Federal Sales with Independent

StationersRussell Gatewood

*An IS specific seminar

11:15am – 12:30pm

Managing E-Commerce Drivers Like a

Rock StarMark Evans and

Girisha Chandraraj

Best of the Best – Dealer Best

Practices SharedPanel Discussion

Surviving No Man’s Land Doug Tatum

The Value of CleanAnthony Trombetta

*A TriMega specific seminar

Leveraging the Power of the

‘Buy Local’ Movement for

Your DealershipKimber Lanning

1:30pm – 2:45pm

Digital Marketing Update:

Staying in the Game

Jennifer Schulman

Furniture Best Practices Panel

Discussion

Never Get Out-Negotiated

Paul Bramson

NOPA: Do You Know What Those

Politicians in DC are Doing to

Your Business?

The ABCs of Selling School Supplies through the U.S.

Communities Contract

*An IS specific seminar

2:45pm – 4:00pm

Dealing with the Affordable

Care ActArmando J

DiFerdinando

Women and OP – More than Pink

Beth Wright

The Naked Office Supply SalespersonCody Cleary

From HP to MPS – What is Going on with My Toner?Brian Stevenson*A TriMega specific

seminar

Your VOICE Matters...Survey Results Revealed

Krista Moore

4:00pm – 5:15pm

Next Steps in Jan/San,

Breakroom and Facilities

Products*An IS specific

seminar

Category Corral – Product, Services

andMarket Expansion Panel Discussion

Win More Business Through

Effective Questioning

Paul Bramson

Achieving Success in Transitioning

and Retiring from Your

BusinessAnita W Sherman

Wicked Web Marketing:

Idea Exchange Roundtable

Jennifer Schulman

Independent Stationers events TriMega events All Attendee events

Seminar Schedule On Friday, September 19th we have a full seminar program including group-specific meetings for Independent Stationers and TriMega members, as well as events tailored for all attendees. Below is an at-a-glance timetable, with detailed information available on the following pages.

Meetings, seminars and panel discussions will take place in one of the five Diplomat Rooms, located at the western end of the second floor of the Convention Center or in the Grand Ballroom at the eastern end of the same floor. There will be a lunch break between 12:30pm and 1:30pm.

Seminar Information

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11:15am – 12:30pm

Managing E-Commerce Drivers Like a Rock StarDiplomat 1

Description: Managing e-commerce drivers for acquisition, retention and growth like a rock star.

This fast-paced and hard-hitting session will address:● Key e-commerce drivers to grow customer lifetime value● How your sales force is essential to your e-commerce strategy● Moving your marketing from print to digital● What metrics should you measure to ensure success?

Who should attend: Owners, marketing staff and IT staff

Speakers: Mark Evans, Director of Digital and E-Commerce Services, United Stationers and Girisha Chandraraj, VP E-Commerce, United Stationers

Mark Evans joined United in 2005, before which he was VP Technology and Business Development at packaging and print solutions specialist JohnsByrne. Mark has been described as “a dynamic and highly engaged presenter who takes complex ideas and organizes and explains them in a highly understandable and persuasive manner”.

Girisha Chandraraj heads digital strategy and capabilities for all business units at United Stationers. Prior to United, he was Executive VP for Blick Art Materials where he ran its direct business. Prior to working at Blick, he was Senior VP of Marketing, Strategy and Merchandising for Broder Bros Corp in Philadelphia.

Best of the Best – Dealer Best Practices SharedDiplomat 2

Description: Hear tips and techniques for success from your fellow dealers. Success stories cover such areas as recruiting tips to build a killer talent pipeline, winning rebranding campaigns, strategies to use against Amazon and Staples, and effective new customer acquisition strategies. Ask questions, share your ideas and leave with tangible takeaways.

Who should attend: All member attendees

Panelists: Rosemary Czopek, Gorilla Stationers; Betsy Hughes, Friends Office; Ellen Leonard, EVOS and Warren Roberts, Warren’s Office Supplies

Surviving No Man’s Land

Diplomat 3

Description: For growing companies that are too small to be big and too big to be small. An informative and provocative presentation focused on the challenges and successes of companies in ‘No Man’s Land’. During this session, you will hear:● Insights from recent economic research that underscores the outsized

rewards for companies in the $10-$75 million revenue space (No Man’s Land) that can break through to the next level – and the role of this sector in job creation.

● A pragmatic approach for CEOs of growing companies to think through their key market, model, management and money challenges.

● Lessons from hundreds of entrepreneurs who have faced No Man’s Land.If you are interested in growing past the level you are at today, you

won’t want to miss this session!

Who should attend: CEOs, Presidents and owners of companies in the $5-$50 million range

Speaker: Doug Tatum, Entrepreneur

As Chairman and CEO of Tatum LLC, Doug has built a highly respected national professional service firm, leading it from its entrepreneurial phase to 30 offices. Tatum LLC was sold to Spherion (now SFN Group) in 2010.

Doug is now the Entrepreneur in Residence at the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at Florida State

University. He formerly held the Wright Travel Chair in Entrepreneurship at Middle Tennessee State University as an Associate Professor.

He is also Vice Chairman of the Association for Corporate Growth, a global, not-for-profit organization representing middle market private capital investors, intermediaries and the middle market dealer community. Doug further serves as Advisory Board Chairman for the Institute for Exceptional Growth Companies, a national research institute that studies the entrepreneurial economy and job creation.

Leveraging the Power of the ‘Buy Local’ Movement for Your DealershipDiplomat 5

Description: The concept of buying locally is beginning to replace age-old buying habits and new economic studies are underscoring the importance of local business ownership. In this session, attendees will learn how to ‘Leverage their Localness’ to attract new customers and compete in a rapidly changing environment; discover new ways to collaborate with nearby businesses; learn to position their business as the smart alternative; and improve their ability to tell their own story. Every local business owner needs this information to compete in today’s marketplace.

EPIC 2014 SeminarsLearn BIG

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Seminar Information

Who should attend: Dealer principals, general managers, marketing personnel and sales personnel

Speaker: Kimber Lanning, Executi ve Director, Local First Arizona and Nati onal Board member of the Business Alliance of Local Living Economies (BALLE)

Kimber Lanning is an entrepreneur, economic specialist and community organizer who works to cultivate vibrant, sustainable communities and inspire a higher quality of life throughout Arizona. She is actively involved in fostering economic self-reliance, entrepreneurship and community prosperity in the greater Phoenix and Tucson regions.

Kimber is the founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising public awareness of the positive economic impacts of supporting locally-owned businesses.

1:30pm – 2:45pm

Digital Marketing Update: Staying in the Game

Diplomat 1

Description: Besides death and taxes, there’s one other thing we can be certain of and that is that online marketing strategies will never remain constant. The moment you think you have a solid strategy in place, the engines change things again and again, and again. Whether it is new search algorithms, local search updates, pay-per-click campaigns, analytics or social media, things move quickly in the digital marketing realm.This session will focus on the latest online strategies important to your business and examine what the engines and social media channels may have in store for us. We will keep you ahead of the curve and in the game.

Who should attend: Owners, marketing managers, IT managers and webmasters

Speaker: Jennifer Rae Schulman, President, Fortune Web Marketing.

Jennifer Schulman is a seasoned internet marketi ng professional, specializing in search engine marketi ng and various other online marketi ng strategies. She applies over 14 years’ experience in the internet marketi ng realm to help her clients develop integrated online marketi ng strategies. In 2007, she began Fortune Web Marketi ng and has grown

it into a successful online marketi ng agency. Previously, Jennifer worked for large corporati ons such as Thomson Reuters, managing its internet presence, search marketi ng and web development strategies. Fortune Web Marketi ng is recognized for extensive work within the offi ce products industry.

Furniture Best Practices Panel DiscussionDiplomat 2

Description: Desks for the office, home and school; chairs that work in each of these settings; conference tables; bookshelves; filing cabinets – we all use them every day and even though trends may be shifting to shared workspaces or stand/sit options, there is a lot of opportunity in

this category. In this dealer-focused panel discussion, you will hear the suggestions of your peers who are successfully selling furniture items today, as well as tips on what to avoid at all costs.

Who should attend: Dealer principals, general managers, marketing personnel, sales personnel and purchasing staff

Panelists: Tricia Burke, Office Environment Company and Chip Hummel, Hummel’s Office Plus

Never Get Out-Negotiated

Diplomat 3

Description: Negotiation is a constant factor in the sales environment. Sales people are often outfoxed by buyers who are no smarter, but better trained as negotiators. Are your sales people giving profit margin away unnecessarily? Sure they are, because many sales people believe that cutting their price is necessary in order to win the deal. While this may be true in some cases, it’s rarely required with the frequency and to the degree with which it’s done. You’re losing money and margin – and you can fix it. In this workshop you’ll learn to:● Define negotiation in your environment (when? who? why?)● Identify different negotiation styles and the right way to negotiate

with them● Identi fy the common tacti cs and responses that buyers use in negoti ati ons● Question whether it’s really all about price. If so, prove it. This is

about negotiation.

Who should attend: Owners, sales managers, sales reps and inside sales

Speaker: Paul Bramson, CEO, The Paul Bramson Companies

Paul Bramson has been training and coaching people throughout the business and private sectors since 1994. His proven techniques and strategies draw audiences into the material, allowing them to apply it to their individual situati on and realize personal success. Paul has achieved wide acclaim for his sales seminars and workshops with

both nati onal and internati onal corporati ons. During his speaking career, he has trained and inspired over 250,000 people worldwide.

NOPA: Do You Know What Those Politicians in DC are Doing to Your Business?Diplomat 4Descripti on: NOPA is out of the gate in 2014 with the Legislati ve & Regulatory Aff airs Committ ee. Learn about all the new things NOPA has planned for its membership on the advocacy, educati on and business efficiency front. President Mike Tucker and Government Affairs Director Paul Miller will give you an overview of accomplishments in 2014 and their plans for 2015.

Who should attend: All attendees

Speakers: Mike Tucker, President of NOPA and Executive Director, Paul Miller, Government Affairs Director

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Seminar Information

Mike Tucker began his career in office product sales with Faber Castell. During his 15-year tenure there, he started and ran the company’s Federal Government Division. He joined the ranks of independent dealers in 1990 building a government sales team for Allstate Office Products in Tampa, Florida. After four years, the company was purchased by Office Depot during the

creation of its Business Services Division, where Mike started yet another Federal Government Division. In 1995, Mike had the opportunity to purchase the George Allen Company and finally develop a Government Division of his own. Since then Mike has been an active member of NOPA, serving on several boards and helping the association develop its Government Advocacy council.

Paul Miller is a founding partner in the government affairs firm Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies LLC. In 2005 he was elected the youngest President of the American League of Lobbyists. He has vast experience in the lobbying profession and in January 2006 introduced the first lobbying certificate program for the profession. He also led the successful fight to bring about changes

to the electronic filing system in the House of Representatives. Paul has appeared before both the House and Senate and been on NBC

Nightly News, ABC News, C-Span, CNN, MSNBC, The News Hour with Jim Lehr and Lou Dobbs discussing ethics and transparency issues. Additionally, Paul is the co-founder of the Virginia Small Business Partnership, which is a statewide policy group focused on the needs of small businesses.

2:45pm – 4:00pm

Dealing with the Affordable Care ActDiplomat 1

Description:● How will the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affect your business?● Pay or play?: The cost of compliance● Public vs private insurance exchanges● Looking ahead: The future of healthcare reform

Who should attend: Owners

Speaker: Armando J DiFerdinando and Chad Griffith, Financial Benefit Services LLC

Armando J DiFerdinando is the Managing Partner of Financial Benefit Services LLC (FBS). FBS is a nationally recognized employee benefits firm. Armando was a founding member of the firm in 1988 and is responsible for its strategic direction and continued growth. While knowledgeable in all areas of the business, his main focus is preparing his clients for the impact

of the ACA. He excels at designing employee benefit programs that attract and retain quality employees at an affordable cost. He has received many awards as a Peak Performer with many insurance companies.

Chad Griffith has been with FBS since June 2012. Since graduating from University of Delaware, Chad has served large employer groups in the benefits arena on both the carrier and broker/consultant side. As an Account Executive with FBS, Chad handles the full lifecycle of client relations including renewals, presentations, enrollment meetings and

customer services issues.

Women and OP – More than PinkDiplomat 2

Description: Women are a key part of every market and this includes your business and your customers. Make sure you understand how to manage and encourage the female talent in your organization by understanding different leadership styles and activities. Then extend this to your customer base and make your sales and marketing work effectively among the biggest buyers in OP – women!

Who should attend: This is not just for women, but anyone who wants to encourage diversity within their organization and grow their business with this large group of decision-makers. Encouraging and understanding women can only make your business stronger and more effective, so join this session and learn that it takes more than pink to get this right.

Speaker: Beth Wright, VP Americas, Mastervision by Bi-Silque

Beth Wright currently serves as the VP for the America’s Division of Bi-Silque Visual Communication Products Inc, responsible for overseeing all sales, finance and general operations in the US and leading Bi-Silque’s expansion into the office products markets in Canada and Latin America.

As a 17-year office products veteran, Beth began working at her parents’ dealership in Virginia, aged 13. Later, she joined the national accounts team at Daisytek International, developing the company’s first outside sales force and grew her division to over $224 million. She spent five years as Director of Sales for Neoris, a business consulting division of CEMEX, followed by three years managing national accounts for Cardinal Brands, now TOPS products.

Beth is a board member and Director of Membership for OPWIL (Office Products Women in Leadership), and a member of the National Association for Female Executives. Beth was the only female executive panelist at OPI’s most recent Global Forum. Other speaking engagements have included Trimega’s annual conference and Miami’s Beacon Council on CEOs’ Geographic Expansion & Economic Development. Beth also mentors young women in the OP industry.

The Naked Office Supply Salesperson

Diplomat 3

Description: The most common reason for sales failure is not that the salesperson can’t sell, it’s that skilled salespeople are sent into the marketplace NAKED to freeze to death. Leading cause of death — cold calling. What is the single most important survival tool you can provide to your salespeople? Warm leads, hot leads, qualified leads, a pipeline full of leads. Content marketing is the primary lead generator for the fastest growing companies in the US. It is the basic starting point for any dealer trying to take their brand and sales to the next level. This seminar will address exactly what you need to do to generate warm leads for your sales force through digital lead generation and content marketing.

What you’ll get out of this session:● What is Content Marketing and how does it work?● Why cold calling kills brands as well as sales careers● How and why blogging fits into the sales process● The anatomy of a powerful landing page campaign with examples● How Content Marketing builds your sales pipeline

Seminar Information

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Who Should Attend: Owners and sales managers

Speaker: Cody Cleary, CEO, Orbit Design

Presently CEO of Orbit Design, Cody Cleary was formerly with the Colgate-Palmolive Company as a Senior Brand Manager. He worked on such household names as Palmolive Dish, Ajax Cleaners, Colgate Total and SoftSoap. He was also collaboratively involved with the Target Team and presented at Walmart. He implemented digital advertising,

television, PR and both in-store and out-of-store promotions. At Colgate, Cody was cited with Excellence in Marketing Analytics and recognized for outstanding work in social network marketing. As former Content Manager for Orbit Design, he helped develop brand strategies and differentiation for independent dealers. He is the author of Genius Simple Branding – Rethink and Renew Your Business | The Branding Map Process.

4:00pm – 5:15pm

Category Corral – Product, Services and Market Expansion Panel DiscussionDiplomat 2

Description: What else can you sell to your current customers? What new customers might you secure with a new product category offering, like ice melt, bottled water, ad specialties, LED lighting, even Porta-Potty Rentals? In this dealer panel discussion, you will hear how other Independent Stationers and TriMega dealers are stretching the boundaries of ‘traditional’ and moving into the world of ‘innovative’!

Who should attend: Owners, marketing staff and sales personnel

Panelists: Chuck Firmin, Firmin’s Office City; Bruce Kamis, Preferred Office Products and Ian Wist, Wist Office Products

Win More Business Through Effective QuestioningDiplomat 3

Description: In a perfect world, we would have an infinite amount of time with a prospective customer to ask numerous questions in order to understand their business and their needs. But that’s not the case. Our time with prospects is limited, and we must use every second of that time uncovering the vital information that’s needed to ensure we can meet the needs of the customer. That time needs to be spent asking the right questions.

Join this workshop to learn:● A process that will build stronger business relationships through

listening and questioning skills● How to ask ‘key’ questions based on what you heard to reveal vital

information to better understand buying criteria● How to recognize where the buyers are versus where they want to be

with their business or communication objectives using a gap analysis

Who should attend: Owners, sales managers, sales reps and inside sales

Speaker: Paul Bramson, CEO of The Paul Bramson Companies (see 1:30pm – 2:45pm Never Get Out-Negotiated for speaker details)

Achieving Success in Transitioning and Retiring from Your BusinessDiplomat 4Description: Do you want to know how current trends in the office supply business will affect your plans? Or how your business might be valued and what you can do to increase that value? Anita Sherman will also share some of her thoughts about what is unique about family businesses, review some questions you should answer to help you decide the best opportunity for your personal situation, and then discuss a process for working through your own succession and retirement plans. You will also hear from other independent dealers that have successfully transitioned and are willing to share their tips and traps.

Who should attend: Owners and partners

Speaker: Anita W Sherman, Managing Partner, Greenwalt CPAs Inc

In January 2011, Anita became the Managing Partner of Greenwalt CPAs, where she consults with clients to help them achieve their personal and corporate goals. She facilitates strategic planning and coaches ‘next generation leaders’ to help prepare organizations for change.

Anita currently serves on the board of directors and practice management committee of CPA Associates International Inc. She is a member of, and has received Public Service Awards from, the Indiana CPA Society (of which she is a former Chair) and the AICPA. She has also received the Outstanding CPA in Public Practice and Distinguished Service awards from the Indiana CPA Society. Anita has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Practitioners by CPA Magazine, Indianapolis Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award and Five Star Wealth Manager-Business Planning by Indianapolis Monthly Magazine.

Wicked Web Marketing: Idea Exchange RoundtableDiplomat 5

Description: For those of you who actively implement online marketing strategies, you realize they are constantly changing, time consuming and sometimes difficult to grasp. Yet, they are an integral part to any overall marketing plan. In this fluid session, we will share ideas from both industry experts and your peers. Topics can include pay-per-sale, blogging, content marketing, remarketing/retargeting and other digital marketing strategies. Group sharing, the exchange of ideas and active participation will insure you come away with useful ideas and best practices to craft a wicked web marketing strategy.

Who should attend: Owners, marketing managers, IT managers, and webmasters

Speaker: Jennifer Rae Schulman, President of Fortune Web Marketing (see 1:30pm – 2:45pm Digital Marketing Update for speaker details)

Seminar Information

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Independent Stationers OnlyUtilization of Independent Stationers ProgramsDiplomat 2

Description: All IS dealers will want to attend this extremely informative panel discussion. During this session, you will hear from several IS dealers that are effectively using many of the IS programs and services to great benefit for their dealerships. If you are interested in how other dealers are using catalogs, the RDC, the Cost Comparator, Federal Sales or National Accounts, this session will have something valuable for you.

Who should attend: Owners, key decision-makers, sales managers, sales reps and purchasing staff

Speakers: Moderated by Mike Gentile and Charles Forman with IS member presenters Robin King, Jennifer Viss, Rod Manson, John Hauptstueck, Sheila Casiello, Hayley Batterson, Bryan Kristenson and Tim Triplett

Mike Gentile, President & CEO, Independent StationersMike Gentile has been President & CEO of Independent Stationers, since January 2005. Prior to that, Mike was VP of IS for two years, having come to the independent dealer channel from 16 years at Boise Cascade Office Products Corporation New England, where he acted as General Manager, and held senior

management positions as Director of Marketing and Director of Boise Technology. Previous to his tenure at Boise, Mike worked in several senior sales and marketing positions with Diamond International Corp. He also served as Chairman for Business Products Group International from 2008-2009, and is a past member of the Board of Governors for the National Office Products Association.

Charles Forman, Executive VP, Independent StationersCharles Forman joined Independent Stationers in 2001, first serving as Director of Office Furniture, then Director of Dealer Business Development and VP. He is currently Executive VP. He has been in the office supply and related industries for over 25 years, owning an independent dealership and holding key management

positions with (former) Corporate Express in Tennessee and Georgia.

EPIC Opportunities for National Account GrowthDiplomat 3Description: Have you heard the EPIC news? The Independent Stationers National Accounts Program is exploding with opportunities for your dealership. You have access to national accounts that will expand your business, win new opportunities, secure current business and help increase your bottom line. Join us for this ‘can’t miss’ session to learn how your dealership can ensure an EPIC year with National Accounts. In this session we will:

8:45am – 9:45am

Independent Stationers Shareholders MeetingGrand Ballroom

Description: Open to all Independent Stationers attendees, this is the annual business meeting of the cooperative. On the agenda are the normal annual meeting business, election of board of directors and dealer recognition. Plan to attend your cooperative’s important annual business meeting!

10:00am – 11:15am

Next Steps in Jan/San, Breakroom and Facilities ProductsDiplomat 1

Description: Come and hear how to grow breakroom and facilities in your local market! Kevin Johnson will share the Warehouse Direct strategies, and talk about how they are succeeding in the jan/san space. Mike Foster will share details on the R3 Bunzl program. A ‘don’t miss’ seminar!

Who should attend: Owners and purchasing staff

Speakers: Kevin Johnson, CEO Warehouse Direct and Independfent Stationers Director of Merchandising Mike Foster

Kevin Johnson, CEO, Warehouse DirectKevin Johnson is CEO of leading workplace solutions company Warehouse Direct. He spent over ten years in the OP industry before leaving to join management consulting firm Bain & Company. After working in a wide variety of industries while at Bain he returned to OP at Warehouse Direct. Since then Kevin has worked to

transform Warehouse Direct from an office supply distributor into a highly diverse provider of equipment, services and products for the workplace.

The company is currently experiencing its 25th consecutive record sales year. Today it is the second largest independent JanSan distributor in greater Chicago.

Mike Foster, Director of Merchandising, Independent StationersMike Foster began in OP in 1978 at a local Indianapolis dealership as a delivery driver and salesman. He later worked for Writing Sales, a limited line wholesaler, and then worked at Action Business Equipment, a retail/commercial dealer, wholesaler, importer and desk manufacturer. In 1990,

Mike took the position of Director of Merchandising at Independent Stationers.

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Seminar Information

● Update you on national accounts (like U.S. Communities Office and School Supplies, Premier, CHAMPS and much more)

● Hear from your fellow dealers on how they won opportunities and the impact on their dealership

● Discuss strategies to secure business that is currently being held by the big boxes

● Answer questions and strategize on opportunities

Who should attend: Participating Independent Stationers National Accounts members and Independent Stationers members who would like to learn more about the National Accounts Program

Speakers: Our National Accounts team and dealers share best practices:Kevin France, Vice President of National Accounts; Neera Yanus, National Training Director; Ted Day, NABDM South; Toby Tobin, NABDM West; Scott Zintz, NABDM North/East

Federal Sales with Independent StationersDiplomat 5

Description: If you currently sell or plan to sell to the federal government, you must attend this seminar! We’ll get you up to speed on the newly awarded FSSI jan/san BPA to Independent Stationers, share the most current news regarding the FSSI OS3 BPA, the state of the Requisition Channel procurements and how your group is continuing to create opportunities for its members who wish to sell in the federal government marketplace. Mark your calendars for this very important seminar.

Who Should attend: Current Independent Stationers Federal Sales program participating dealers or members who are interested in participating

Speaker: Russell Gatewood, Independent Stationers’ Federal Sales Business Development Representative

Russell Gatewood, Independent Stationers’ Federal Sales Business Development RepresentativePrior to joining Independent Stationers in 2013 Russell Gatewood worked in the contract office furniture industry, primarily in the Washington DC area, for 16 years. He was also the direct government rep for Gunlocke. Russell is an honorably discharged veteran of the US Air Force.

1:30pm – 2:45pm

The ABCs of Selling School Supplies through the U.S. Communities ContractDiplomat 5

Description: Join the Independent Stationers National Accounts Team to learn everything you need to know about the U.S. Communities School Supply Contract. The contract gives Independent Stationers members and affiliates access to an industry-changing program that has agencies across the country saying ‘yes’. With a value proposition that no other competitor can touch, this program is a must for any dealership looking to grow opportunities, increase margins and solidify existing business.

You will hear from IS members that have had great success in securing business through the U.S. Communities program including how they won the business and encouraged the agency to start purchasing.

Who should attend: Any IS members and affiliates who want to learn more about the U.S. Communities School Supply Program (owners, sales managers, sales reps and inside sales)

Speakers: Independent Stationers U.S. Communities School Supply Certified dealers and Independent Stationers National Accounts Team (pictured left)

4:00pm – 5:15pm

Next Steps in Jan/San, Breakroom and Facilities ProductDiplomat 1

Description: Come and hear how to grow breakroom and facilities in your local market! Kevin Johnson will share the Warehouse Direct strategies, and talk about how they are succeeding in the jan/san space. Mike Foster will share details on the R3 Bunzl program. A ‘don’t miss’ seminar!

Who should attend: Owners and purchasing staff

Speakers: Kevin Johnson, CEO Warehouse Direct and Independent Stationers Director of Merchandising Mike Foster

(See 10:00am session on left for speaker biographies)

3

Aft er phenomenal success, ThinkTank is back for a 3rd season. The ThinkTank program facilitates best-practi ce sharing, peer-to-peer learning, creati ve brainstorming and problem solving through focused conference calls. This year will see even more new guest SME’s (Subject Matt er Experts) parti cipati ng in the ThinkTank sessions .

Find out about Torque, TriMega’s popular email marketi ng program with a twist. Torque delivers a unique approach to product promoti on emails while providing a clever, compelling way to create interesti ng ways to engage with your customers and drive sales! Meet the face of TriMega’s Torque program – Meg – in booth # 1105.

Next is TriMega’s new committ ee representi ng the next generati on of young talent, up-and-coming executi ves and the future leaders in OP. From networking forums and events, to training to help elevate your tech-game and best practi ce sharing, Next is all about shaping tomorrow, today. Get info, interact and enroll in Next at www.shapingtomorrowtoday.com

Visit the TriMega booths on the show fl oor to learnabout these and other exciting dealer programs!

NSIGHTS is developed in partnership with market research group The NPD Group to provide TriMega partners with valuable market trend information

and analysis. The program leverages NPD’s extensive market data and industry expertise, to help them do business smarter in the office supplies, technology and jan/san sectors and more.

Visit ISSA at booth #1103 and find out about the special offers for TriMega members that we have arranged as part of our new “Orange Project” initiative, through which, members can join ISSA at deeply discounted rates and benefit from various webinars for TriMega members on topics geared toward helping drive growth.

Find out about TriMega’s National Account program, Point Nationwide!, which is designed to help members compete for national, regional and government business in their marketplace. Visit booth # 1101 at the show to find out more, meet the Point Nationwide team and get updates on the program including EZ Print’s OS3 Award, FSSI, and more!

Find out how your HON growth could earn you a trip to Cabo! Tropical Dreams is an exciti ng promoti on

that gives TriMega Members the exclusive opportunity to earn one of 20 trips to Cabo San Lucas by growing your HON & basyx purchases! Visit the TriMega booth or the HON booth #401 to fi nd out more!

TriMega’s 2015 lineup of Marketi ng Tools is designed to drive sales momentum in your business. With TriMega’s fl agship tM5 Catalog and off ering of Flyers (Oh! – Offi ce Products, Clean Break – Jan/San and Form & Functi on – Furniture) we’ve got the tools to generate demand! Available in print editi ons as well as digitals editi ons including “FlipShop” and TriMega’s exclusive app for iPads & Tablets – OP on the GO! Find out more and place your order at our booth!

Seminar Information

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TriMega Specific Sessions8:45am – 9:45am

Go Digital Baby!Diplomat 1

Michael Morris, VP Marketing, TriMegaDon’t miss this session to learn how TriMega is helping you go digital. We are hard at work helping you move your marketing efforts from print to online for efficiency, effectiveness, and results. In this digital-savvy session, you’ll get the latest on TriMega’s successful and highly acclaimed email marketing program Torque. You’ll learn about what’s new, how you can add momentum to your results and learn tricks to make the most of ‘Meg’. But this session will go beyond Torque and share tips, tactics and new tools to help you drive new sales, increase order size and conversion rates with powerful digital marketing strategies. Stop standing on the sidelines – attend this informative session and go digital already, yeah baby!

Taking Facilities Solutions to the Next LevelDiplomat 2

Chris Whiting, VP Cleaning and Breakroom Supplies, SP Richards and Tom Hoffman, Director of Purchasing, TriMegaJoin us for ‘The Next Level’ discussion on how to win in your customer’s facilities solutions and breakroom space. Learn how to expand your jan/san business into the backroom and uncarpeted areas by becoming the point person for your customer’s facilities supplies. Get equipped to be able to point out cost-saving solutions for your customer’s everyday needs as well as how to compete against your local jan/san distributor and building cleaning service organizations. Don’t know how to get to the correct facilities buying contact? We will tell you how. We’ll also review key facilities and breakroom category lingo so you can not only walk the walk, but also talk the talk. What better chance is there to discuss other facility solution opportunities, such as safety products, that are a perfect add-on to your customer’s current jan/san mix?

Let’s not forget the opportunity to discuss the breakroom and how you can grab business away from the traditional coffee services and grow this category as well. Remember, when you get the coffee for the breakroom… you also get the supplies.

All this will take you to ‘The Next Level’ and put you on your way to increased facilities and breakroom options in areas of your customers’ business you may have been hesitant to approach before.

Board of Directors Fireside ChatDiplomat 3

Members of the Board and Mike Maggio, President, TriMega Pose questions, share ideas and get in the know at TriMega’s Board Fireside Chat hosted by TriMega Chairman Ian Wist, members of TriMega’s Board of Directors and Mike Maggio, TriMega’s President. Discuss group issues, share your feedback and ask questions on the TriMega issues that mean the most to you. This is your group, and we want to find out how we can better serve you. We look forward to open and constructive dialogue during this open Q&A.

From HP to MPS – What is Going on with My Toner? Diplomat 4Brian Stevenson, Director of Managed Print Services, TriMegaPaperless office? Not quite yet. Toner (and paper) still make up a significant portion of most members’ businesses.

1. HP Authorizations – why are they doing it; what does it mean to my dealership; what’s next?

2. Page volumes – office printing volumes are about two trillion pages a year… what’s the trend showing for 2015?

3. MPS – continues to grow… here are some members that have made the switch

4. Managed Services in general… from coffee to water to toner – there are a lot of options for getting into the services arena

Five Tips to Get the Most Out of Your TriMega MembershipDiplomat 5

Grady Taylor, EVP Member Development; Managing Director, Point Nationwide, TriMegaThere is a lot going on at TriMega – so much that many dealers feel that they are not utilizing all of the benefits and programs available. If you feel like you’re just scratching the surface or are a new member that is overwhelmed and not sure where to focus to maximize the impact of your TriMega membership, we can help!

Walk away with tangible tips, tactics and ideas that you can take advantage of to increase your return on your investment in TriMega. You’ll also learn about the top ways in which dealers have taken their TriMega membership to the next level. You’ll discover how to leverage programs that can help lower your cost of goods, increase cash flow and sales or sharpen your industry knowledge. Gain insights, ask questions and get real advice that will impact your business and improve the value of your membership.

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Seminar Information

10:00am – 11:15am

TriMega Members Only MeetingGrand Ballroom

Here’s your chance to get a complete ‘State of the Association’ review of the group’s progress over the past year, an update on key initiatives and a look at what’s in store for TriMega moving forward. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts and pose questions to the TriMega team and Board members in our open forum Q&A session.

11:15am – 12:30pm

The Value of CleanDiplomat 4

Anthony Trombetta, Director of Sales, ISSACleaning has typically been viewed as a cost center. Decisions about cleaning supplies have been one-dimensional and focused on spend. However, reviews of studies and other data reveal that cleaning activities impact the bottom line in numerous ways and that developing a deeper understanding of cleaning’s economic benefits will produce greater savings. Join us as we outline ways to making cleaning a profit center instead of a cost to be minimized.

Anthony Trombetta has been with global cleaning association ISSA for more than 14 years. In his capacity as Director of Sales, Anthony is responsible for the member services, education, training, advertising, sponsorship and convention sales at ISSA. He is also on the Strategic Planning Committee that sets the goals and initiatives of the association. Prior to joining ISSA, Anthony was a VP for a building service contractor headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, where he was responsible for the operations and sales of a $7 million contract cleaning organization that operated in seven states.

2:45pm – 4:00pm

From HP to MPS – What is Going on with My Toner? Diplomat 4

Brian Stevenson, Director of Managed Print Services, TriMegaPaperless office? Not quite yet. Toner (and paper) still make up a significant portion of most members’ businesses.

1. HP Authorizations – why are they doing it; what does it mean to my dealership; what’s next?

2. Page volumes – office printing volumes are about two trillion pages a year… what’s the trend showing for 2015?

3. MPS – continues to grow… here are some members that have made the switch

4. Managed Services in general… from coffee to water to toner – there are a lot of options for getting into the services arena

EPIC 2014 App

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EPIC 2014 is the official mobile app for the TriMega and Independent StationersEPIC 2014 event – Where BIG Happens.

This EPIC 2014 Mobile App allows you to:• View schedules, explore sessions and find

networking events at EPIC 2014• Create your own personal schedule for easy

attendance at EPIC 2014• Access location and speaker info at your fingertips• Post updates to sessions, keynotes and exhibitor

booths• Interact with a real-time feed of all event activity,

that showcases which sessions are trending, most popular photos and popular discussion topics

• Expand your professional network and have fun

Features of the App:• Update – a quick way to share photos, comments,

and which session you’re attending• Activity Feed – the real-time pulse of the event.

See what people are saying, view photos from the event and find trending sessions and topics

• Agenda – view the full agenda and related information (session time, room number, etc)

• Users – see who’s at the event and connect with them on the app

• Exhibitors – find exhibitors and sponsors

Download the EPIC 2014 App

Enjoy the app and have a great show!

Keep thinking BIG on the go and stay connected on Android or iOS with our EPIC app for phones and tablets

Sponsored by

Scan to Download the App

42

Entertainment

Don’t miss the...WHERE BIG HAPPENS

EPIC 2014

Welcome Reception

Sponsored by:

Wednesday, September 17th | 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Infi nity Pool

Meet, Mix

and Mingle…

in a BIG Way!

Before the hard work of the Tradeshow and Seminar Program begins, why not join

us for this relaxed networking-focused event? The EPIC 2014 Welcome Recepti on is your chance to catch up with old friends, see familiar faces and make new acquaintances. It is kindly sponsored by our good friends at Smead.

Discover the spectacular poolside oasis overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa while sipping on some refreshing cocktails, dining on some delectable cuisine, and listening to some chill sounds. It’s the pefect way

to begin your BIG week ahead.

Eat, Drink and Enjoy the Company of Industry Friends & Family at EPIC 2014!

Entertainment

43

MINUTE TO WIN IT gives you the chance to compete in a range of fun 60-second challenges using household objects for a shot at $500 at the Prize Drawing Cocktail Hour in the Grand Ballroom straight after the Tradeshow ends.

What do you do?Be a Tradeshow Warrior! All you have to do is stay focused and keep working the EPIC 2014 Tradeshow floor during the afternoon!

It Only Takes A Minute

Hard work on the show fl oor could lead to the chance to win big with our great post-show competition…

How do you win?From 1:00pm to 4:00pm a mystery individual will be walking the show floor – handing out random MINUTE TO WIN IT contestant certificates to unsuspecting, hard-working dealer attendees who are on the show floor in the AFTERNOON. Sounds easy? That’s because it is easy. But remember, you have to be working the Tradeshow floor to be in the game!

For the EPIC 2014 Tradeshow each exhibiting supplier has been assigned a booth color – Yellow, Green or Orange – indicated by a sticker on the floor in the front of their booth. In this promotion you make the choice of which exhibitor booths you would like to visit during the EPIC 2014 Tradeshow. You just have to make sure that you visit enough Blue, Green and Aqua booths to complete your EPIC 2014 Color Your World card. Get stickers at your booth visits and complete your card fully for a chance to win $5,000 in CASH at the Prize Drawing Cocktail Hour in the Grand Ballroom on the second floor of the Convention Center immediately following the Tradeshow.

Color Your WorldBring a little color to your working day with the tradeshow promotion that can help you win BIG.

Sponsored by

Put in some quality MINUTES on the Tradeshow

fl oor between 1:00pm and 4:00pm and

you could win BIG in MINUTE TO WIN IT!

Entertainment

45 45

We all need to unwind after a hard day walking the Tradeshow

floor – particularly one as packed with great booths and exciting offers as EPIC 2014. Wouldn’t it be great if we could escape somewhere magical where our troubles just seem to float away? Well, EPIC attendees, you’re in luck, as an

enchanting world of wonder awaits you under the sea –

where colorful

bubbles float and giant anemones sprout from fountains.

Join in the fun as we dive in to explore Diplomat Landing and turn it into an EPIC Underwater FantaSea! Groove along with the DJ, who’ll be accompanied by live musicians! Relish the plentiful bounty of food and beverage choices! Relax while watching the action from a seat by the Intracoastal Waterway – and maybe spy your very ownmermaid!

Underwater FantaSea

Enjoy the party!

Thursday, September 18th | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | Diplomat Landing

Sponsored by

your very ownmermaid!

Underwater

FantaSea Info:Diplomat Landing is located

directly across the street from

the Westin Diplomat Hotel. Use

the covered walkway over the

street to access our world

of wonder.

Directory

46

Independent Stationers Staff DirectoryExecutive Staff Staff Staff

Michael GentilePresident & CEO gentile@independentstationers.coop317-579-1113

Charles FormanExecutive VP forman@independentstationers.coop317-579-1177

Kevin FranceVP National Accountsfrance@independentstationers.coop972-207-8560

Bruce CampbellChief Financial Officercampbell@independentstationers.coop317-579-1116

Mike FosterDirector of Merchandisingfoster@independentstationers.coop317-579-1101

Dean DalrympleIT Directordalrymple@independentstationers.coop317-579-1135

Janet EshenourDirector of Marketingeshenour@independentstationers.coop317-579-1153

Tom AshburnMembership Development Representative ashburn@independentstationers.coop317-579-1117

Lisa BalesNational Accounts Sales Specialistbales@independentstationers.coop317-579-1155

Ty BlankenbakerMerchandising Managerblankenbaker@independentstationers.coop317-579-1163

Cindy BruceNational Accounts Administration Managerbruce@independentstationers.coop317-579-1129

Jason BushMarketing Specialistbush@independentstationers.coop317-579-1152

Paula CheckNational Accounts Credit & Collectionscheck@independentstationers.coop317-579-1120

Ted DayNational Accounts Business Development Managerday@independentstationers.coop972-467-6681

Joe DownhamOracle Systems Analystdownham@independentstationers.coop317-579-1112

Angie FenoglioGSA Contract Managerfenoglio@independentstationers.coop317-579-1147

Doug FoxNational Accounts Pricing Analyst fox@independentstationers.coop317-579-1140

Russell GatewoodFederal Sales BusinessDevelopment Representativegatewood@independentstationers.coop240-682-4028

Joyce GrimesA/R Customer Service grimes@independentstationers.coop317-579-1104

Roxanne KehlAssistant to Controller / HR kehl@independentstationers.coop317-579-1107

Robin KeltnerControllerkeltner@independentstationers.coop317-579-1102

Phyllis KrinerSenior Financial Analystkriner@independentstationers.coop317-579-1151

Cora LienemannAdministrative Assistantlienemann@independentstationers.coop317-579-1111

Kevin McKeenNational Accounts Implementation Managermckeen@independentstationers.coop469-441-8949

Doug MurrayEDI & Systems Specialistmurray@independentstationers.coop317-579-1103

Neera YanusNational Training Directoryanus@independentstationers.coop317-579-1128

Bob NimmoMember Relations Representative nimmo@independentstationers.coop706-490-9290

April HayesNational Accounts Credit & Collections hayes@independentstationers.coop317-579-1149

Sarah Perry National Accounts Administratorperry@independentstationers.coop317-579-1150

Angela SummersAccounts Payable summers@independentstationers.coop317-579-1134

Directory

47

Sandy TeetsGSA Administrative Representative teets@independentstationers.coop317-579-1127

Toby TobinNational Accounts Business Development Managertobin@independentstationers.coop520-334-5759

Staff

Thomas WangOracle Systems Analystwang@independentstationers.coop317-579-1139

Kimberly WellsA/R Customer Servicewells@independentstationers.coop317-579-1143

Scott ZintzNational Accounts Business Development Managerzintz@independentstationers.coop630-220-9505

Kathy ZunicaAccounting Clerkzunica@independentstationers.coop317-579-1176

Board of Directors

Bryan KristensonChairmanOffice Plus of Kansasbryan@officeplusks.com316-838-9329

Brian KerrVice Chairman, TreasurerKerr Office Groupbkerr@kerrog.com270-765-6171

Larry BridgelandMid-City Stationerslbridgeland@tds.net815-633-6789

Randy GarciaOffice Express Supplyrandy@xpressbuy.com305-557-1667

Steve GordonSecretaryIndependence Business Supplysteve.gordon@ibuyibs.com216-398-8880

John HauptstueckRosa’s Office Plusjohnh@rosasop.com765-962-5543

Craig BartholomewPinnacle Affiliates Representative360 Office Solutionscraigb@360-os.com406-248-7881

Kenny SayesPast ChairmanSayes Office Supplyksayes@sayesoffice.com318-448-4225

Independent Stationers Staff Directory

Jordan KudlerLegacy Office Solutions jkudler@crest-op.com718-235-2200

Dave SannerSanner Office Supply & Interiors dsanner@sanneros.com814-454-6374

Directory

48

TriMega Staff DirectoryExecutive Staff Staff Staff

Mike MaggioPresident mmaggio@trimega.orgExt 16

Greg FishExecutive VP Purchasing gfish@trimega.orgExt 12

Michael Morris VP Marketingmmorris@trimega.orgExt 18

Grady TaylorExecutive VP Member Development;Managing Director, Point Nationwidegtaylor@trimega.org Ext 19

Audrey DanielCustomer Service adaniel@trimega.org Ext 23

Rachel Dorman Rebate Manager rdorman@trimega.org Ext 11

Tom Hoffmann Director of Purchasing thoffmann@trimega.orgExt 64

Barbara Kraus Credit Manager bkraus@trimega.org Ext 26

Linda Kusiolek Assistant IT Manager lkusiolek@trimega.org Ext 24

Eric JensenIT Administrator ejensen@trimega.org Ext 32

Fayroz Marbina Cash Application Coordinator fmarbina@trimega.org cash@trimega.org Ext 29

Maureen ModelskiCustomer Servicemmodelski@trimega.orgExt 27

Diane Pakonen Customer Service Managerdpakonen@trimega.orgExt 22

Gene Rigitano VP Financegrigitano@trimega.orgExt 20

Tanya RossPartner Business Manager tross@trimega.orgExt 70

Kelly Schoen Product Analyst kschoen@trimega.org Ext 21

Cindy Serrano Executive Administrator cserrano@trimega.org Ext 30

Brian Stevenson Director of Managed Print Services bstevenson@trimega.org Ext 43

Carolyn Yost Accounts Payable cyost@trimega.org Ext 25

Marie SchmidtAdministrative Assistant mschmidt@trimega.orgExt 10

Pam QuackenbushStaff Accountantpquackenbush@trimega.orgExt 98

Andy SullenbergerManager Customer Support + Qualityasullenberger@pointnationwide.comExt 94

Davida TownzenImplementation Supportdtownzen@pointnationwide.com Ext 79

Nita TurpinImplementation Managernturpin@pointnationwide.com Ext 97

Point Nationwide Staff

Bob SamborskiSystems Administrator rsamborski@trimega.orgExt 33

Directory

49

Ian Wist Chairman Wist Office Products, Tempe, AZ 480-921-2900 ianw@wist.com

Wayne StillwagonMiller’s Office Products, Lorton, VA 703-644-2200wstillwagon@millersoffice.com

Dave Kenworthy Treasurer Storey Kenworthy Co, Des Moines, IA515-558-6058 dkenworthy@storeykenworthy.com

Tricia BurkeSecretaryOffice Environment Co, Louisville, KY 502-585-5161triciaburke@oecoffice.com

Board of Directors

Karen Bogart Office Edge, Austin, TX 512-835-1891karen@getanedgeup.com

Greg Fox Kramer + Leonard, Chesterton, IN 219-926-1171gfox@kramerleonard.com

Lane Harper Gulf Coast Office Products, Pensacola, FL 850-434-5588 harper@gcop.com

Lyle DabbertVice ChairmanBrown & Saenger, Sioux Falls, SD 605-336-1960ldabbert@brown-saenger.com

Thomas JordanHerald Office Supply, Dillon, SC 843-774-5155tmjordan@hosnet.net

TriMega Board & Committee Members

Audit Dave Kenworthy, ChairmanWayne Stillwagon, Ian Wist, Gary Ables, Mark Porter

DSC Lyle Dabbert, ChairmanGreg Fish, Ed Walper, Ian Wist, Dave Kenworthy, George Wood

Executive Ian Wist, ChairmanTricia Burke, Dave Kenworthy, Lyle Dabbert

Finance Dave Kenworthy, ChairmanMike Maggio, Gene Rigitano, Wayne Stillwagon, Mark Porter

Furniture Tricia Burke, ChairpersonGreg Fish, Greg Fox, Van Young, Craig Gibson, Gary Ables

INTEC Sean Allen, ChairmanBill Cullinan, John Givens, Jerry Jones, Michael Morris, Brian Stevenson

Marketing Karla Veliz, ChairpersonRosemary Czopek, Michael Morris, David Stock, Mark Porter

Catalog Sub-committee Tom Hoffmann, Greg Fish, Kelly Schoen

NEXT Bob Schulman, ChairmanJeremy Bourret, Kris Colt, Stacey Duke, Nicole Jersey, Michael Morris, Stephanie Yarborough

NominatingLane Harper, ChairpersonGary Ables, Tricia Burke, Thomas Jordan, Ian Wist

Purchasing Lyle Dabbert, ChairmanGreg Fish, Tom Hoffermann, Martin Woodward

TechnologyMark Porter, ChairmanKaren Bogart, Mike Miller, Sean Allen, Jerry Carroll

Point Nationwide Board of ManagersWayne Stillwagon, ChairmanChip Pike, Sid Lerman, Grady Taylor, Gary Ables, Greg Fox, Lane Harper

Western RegionKarla Veliz – Economy Officekarla@economyofficesupply.com 818-548-1525

North Central RegionGary Molz – EZ Office Productsgmolz@ezop.com 608-310-7425

South Central RegionStacy Duke – Butler Business Productssduke@butlerbusinessproducts.com 713-461-2938

Northeastern RegionRay Bourret – Suburban Stationersray@suburbanop.com 860-347-0299

Southeastern RegionTodd Isenberg – Petter Business Systemstisenberg@petter-business.com 270-575-6921

Mark Porter Porter’s Office City, Rexburg, ID 208-356-4616 mwporter@portersop.com

Gary AblesAbles-Land Inc, Tyler, TX903-593-8407gary@ablesland.com

Committees

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Charity

BIG!BIG!

In addition, EPIC 2014 exhibitors can help children succeed in school by donating post-tradeshow products to the Kids In Need Foundation (KINF). KINF supports a national network of 27 resource centers that benefit needy students by allowing teachers from low-income schools to “shop” for school supplies free of charge. Resource center merchandise is provided by monetary and in-kind donations from generous businesses and individuals. The Kids In Need Foundation also partners with sponsoring businesses to provide pre-packaged school supply kits in communities not served by centers in the national network.

In the past, through your support, TriMega and Independent Stati oners’ exhibitors have proudly supported the Kids in Need Foundati on and contributed over $75,000 in product donati ons.

Give BIG!As always, EPIC 2014 isn’t just a place where BIG happens, it’s also a place where GOOD happens! That’s why once again we will be doing all we can to collect money for three highly deserving and important charities.

There will be many opportunities for participants at EPIC 2014 to Give BIG and make a BIG difference. For example, attendees will be able to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to WIN great prizes while raising money for the cancer research, treatment and education facility City of Hope.

This fantastic organization is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with cancer, diabetes and other serious injuries. It is one of only 41 comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, as designated by the National Cancer Institute, and is committed to a tradition of exceptional care for patients, families and communities.

Visit City of Hope at Booth #1109

Charity

52

TriMega’s Next Committ ee was developed in 2013 to represent the next generati on of young talent, up-and-coming

executi ves and the future leaders of the business product industry. The Next Committ ee is excited to launch the Next Gives Back program. Next will be supporti ng the Ronald McDonald House by taking part in its Adopt-a-Meal program, aft er EPIC 2014 on Saturday, September 20th, from 7:30am – 11:00am.

The Adopt-A-Meal program provides a much-needed support service to families who are taking care of their sick children and oft en don’t have the ti me, funds or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Aft er a long day at the hospital or clinic, a hot meal is a welcome gift .

The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Guiding that mission are the following core values:

Focusing on the critical needs of children; celebrating the diversity of the programs we offer and the staff, volunteers and donors who make them possible; staying true to our heritage of 27 years of responsible stewardship; and operating with accountability and transparency.

All Next members are encouraged to participate. If you are interested in the Next Committee or would like to volunteer while you are at EPIC 2014 – please send an email to syarborough@hosnet.net

Thank you for helping EPIC 2014 Make a Difference:

Go Mobile. Scan Here: Offi cial EPIC 2014 App

54

Notes

55

Notes