An ALLPRO® Publication VOL. 23, ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013
by: Scott Morath
Progress By definition, the word progress means a development of growth, a steady improvement or to advance toward a goal. Based on that definition, I think 2013 would qualify as a year of progress for ALLPRO. Now, when I make that assertion I’m not referring specifically to the larger economy, although it is moving in a positive direction. Nor am I referring to individual member companies, even though you will read in the next issue of this publication about the surprising progress certain members have made this year. Instead, I’m referring specifically to ALLPRO as an organization and the progress we have made over the past 12 months. From a departmental standpoint alone we’ve implemented more changes in the past year than we have in the last five years. While change does not always equate to progress, in this case I’m using those terms interchangeably. You may recall that earlier this year the Board of Directors expanded what was the ALLPRO accounting manager’s role and created a Chief Financial Officer position. Jonathan Garrett, formerly with accounting firm Pender Newkirk, was brought on board to fill the new role. Since then he has been working diligently with Joe Poliseo, the accounting staff, and distribution center operations to evaluate the accounting and reporting process. They have been working collectively to identify and implement improvements to these areas and document process controls. Additionally, as the distribution centers have continued to grow and the Board has begun to set its sights on a West Coast distribution center, it was determined an inventory control specialist was needed.Enter Marty Applebee, 25 year materials management veteran and ALLPRO’s new inventory manager for both distribution centers. Marty brings with him a wealth of formal training and experience, and like Jonathan on the accounting side, will be working to streamline operational processes and create efficiencies where possible.
Last but not least, in August of this year we took advantage of an opportunity to enhance the skill set at the Marketing Assistant/Managing Editor position and brought Kelley Anderson on board. Kelley recently received her Master’s degree in English from the University of North Florida and has experience in product marketing and sales. Some time ago we recognized the need to expand the duties of that position to take on a larger role in the spring shows and fall meetings, as well as assume editor duties for the Scouting Report. Doing so would free up other resources and allow us to focus on exploring opportunities for bringing even greater utility and value to the group. We are confident we have found the combination of skills in Kelley that will allow us to pursue those opportunities. On that note, while I have enjoyed managing the past 12 years of Scouting Reports and will still contribute to the publication, it is now Kelley’s “baby”. I for one am looking forward to the articles and content as seen from a fresh perspective.
As you can see 2013 has been a year of significant progress for ALLPRO. As the scope of our services continues to evolve while at the same time succession looms ever closer, our goal is to have the right staff in place to carry ALLPRO forward. Whether it be expanding existing roles or adding new ones in accounting, distribution operations, or marketing, we want to ensure we continue to actively meet the needs of our membership. That is what I call advancing forward, steady improvement, and growth- that is progress.
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