Epic 2014 Show Guide

SEPTEMBER 17-19 . WESTIN DIPLOMAT . HOLLYWOOD, FL

SHOW GUIDE See inside for:

Show layout Exhibitor list Seminar details and Venue guide Show Guide sponsored by:

visit booth #601

visit booth #507

Go Mobile!

Scan Here:

Official EPIC 2014 App

Thank You

Sponsors

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

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Welcome 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 Prizes On 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 Learning We’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 BIG EPIC 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 BIG Last 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 Guarantee This 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 You Events 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

President

Mike Gentile

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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Contents 6

10

Last Year

Relive the memories of last year in picture form

10 Venue

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

13 What’s on

A quick look guide to what’s happening this week

17 Thinking BIG, Talking BIG

EPIC 2014 starts with a revolutionary panel discussion

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18 Floorplan

Your all-important guide to the EPIC 2014 Tradeshow floor

23 Seminars

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

31 IS member sessions

Information on the Independent Stationers member sessions

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35 TriMega member sessions TriMega member-specific seminar information

39 EPIC 2014 Mobile App

Stay connected to EPIC on the go with our mobile app

42 Receptions and more

All work and no play, that’s not right! We’ve arranged a fine range of extracurricular activities

46 Staff Directory

Who’s who at TriMega and Independent Stationers – including their respective Boards of Directors

51 Charity

Your chance to Give BIG at EPIC 2014

Publisher Steve Hilleard

+44 (0)20 7841 2940 steve.hilleard@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 Office Products International to ensure accuracy. However, due principally to the fact that data cannot always be verified, it is possible that some errors or omissions may occur. Office Products International cannot accept responsibility for such errors or omissions. Office Products International accepts no responsibility for comments made by contributing authors or interviewees that may offend.

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

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Last Year

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.

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Last Year

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Last Year

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Last Year

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Venue Information

Diplomatic Service 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.

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 Broadwalk Named 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.

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Art and Culture Center of Hollywood Presenting 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 Reservation Hollywood 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 District Brick-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 Park The 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 Mall If 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 Everglades Also 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?

News | Analysis | Interviews | Events Surveys | Reports | Video

Become a member online today

www.opi.net

Hotel Floorplan

Hotel Floorplan 12

What’s On

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

Wednesday

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

9:00am – 6:00pm

Airport shuttle every 30 minutes to hotel, sponsored by Newell Rubbermaid

4:30pm – 6:00pm

ThinkTank Breakouts

(8:00am shotgun start)

*TriMega Session

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Next Committee Meetup: Mixer Cocktail Reception – The Crystal Room

7:00pm – 9:00pm

EPIC 2014 Poolside Welcome Reception, sponsored by Smead

*TriMega Session

Big Opportunity Thursday September 18th Join us poolside and enjoy spectactular views of the Atlantic Ocean at our Welcome Reception.

Thursday

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

Friday

7:00am – 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

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

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

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What’s On

Place your vote for this year’s EPIC…

Partner of the Year

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!

Don’t miss the excitement!

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

.

Download the EPIC 2014 App to Vote

Vote from these 5 Finalists:

3M, Enterprise Group, Eurotech, Fellowes, Newell Rubbermaid

OPWIL Mix and Mingle OPWIL

represents Office Products Women in Leadership. It is a not-for-profit organization connecting women in leadership roles across the office 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 positions in the future.

It’s also passionate about creating an environment of encouragement, education and sharing among the

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.

growing number of women leaders in the office 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 fantastic 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

Held as part of ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America and ISSA/INTERCLEAN sponsored by OPI, Janitorial Solutions 101 is ideal for North America will those time-pressured dealers that need all the information be held at the Orange in one day. From high-profile keynote speakers and County Convention roundtable discussions to a chance to talk to the Center in Orlando, exhibitors on the show floor – make sure you keep Florida, from 4-7 7 November free!

November 2014. For For more info on the Janitorial Solutions 101 more information, visit Day, visit www.issa.com/janitorialsolutions101 www.issa.com/show or email rosie@issa.com

Opening Session

Thinking BIG Talking BIG EPIC 2014 gets underway with a compelling industry panel

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

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.

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

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.”

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

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 PennzoilQuaker 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.

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Tradeshow Floorplan

Tradeshow Luncheon sponsored by Global

Exhibitor List on g followin page 18

Tradeshow Floorplan

Tradeshow Luncheon sponsored by Global

EPIC 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.

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Tradeshow Floorplan

Exhibitor List 3M Company AAG/MEAD Acco Brands Accutech Acme United Corp.

Acroprint Advertising Specialty Institute Amax Inc American Tombow, Inc Ammex Amplivox Sound Systems Arlington Industries Artistic Products LLC Avery AVW Inc, dba Max Pro Baumgartens BBF - (Bush Industries) BIC Corporation Bisilque/Mastervision BMI Brother International Canon USA CHARTPAK Chicago Lighthouse Industries City of Hope Clean Trails, Inc. C-Line Products Crayola Deflecto Dial Digitek Computer Products DiverseID Products of Florida Diversified Computer Supplies Dixon Ticonderoga DMI Office Furniture Duracell E.S. Robbins ECi Software Solutions Eco-Products eDist Education Market Association Educators Resource Elmer’s Products, Inc. Energizer Enterprise Group Esselte Corporation Eurotech Fellowes Inc. FireKing International, LLC

207 703 703 305 216 620 617 809 314 406 1118 615 420 301 101 419 716 512 903 514 817 714 1116 1115 1109 1110 919 123 209 505 316 709 901 1002 107 307 806 713 917 215 1111 303 517 905 801 417 204 509 319

Fiskars Brands Flash Furniture Fortune Web Marketing Ghent a GMi Company Global GOJO Industries, Inc Gould Paper Corporation Grosfillex Hewlett Packard Co. House of Doolittle HSM of America Iceberg Enterprises Image Star Imation Imprint Plus INDEPENDENT STATIONERS: Federal Sales Marketing Member Relations National Accounts RDC International Paper Intertape Polymer Corp.

ISSA K.Coaching, Inc. Katun Media Sciences KFI Seating Kimberly-Clark Professional Kleer-Fax LathemTime Lee Products Company Lesro Industries, Inc. Liberty Laser Solutions Liberty Paper LMI Solutions Logicblock Master Manufacturing Co., Inc. MAX USA CORP Maxell Mayline Medline Millennium Mat MMF Industries MooreCo Inc = Balt/Best-Rite Navitor, Inc. Neenah Paper Inc. Nestle Professional Newell Rubbermaid NOPA Norstar Office Products/ BOSS Office Products

721 807 415 616 607 513 913 119 213 815 217 408 907 202 923 1130 1127 1128 1131 1129 614 321 1103 1112 1117 113 804 218 418 618 220 1006 820 518 1120 515 200 1018 1000 222 1114 212 802 309 621 521 602 1118

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

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413

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Seminar locations

Convention Center Second Floor

Grand Ballroom

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Seminar Schedule

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.

Grand Ballroom

8:45am – 9:45am

10:00am – 11:15am

Independent Stationers Shareholders Meeting

TriMega Members Only Meeting

Diplomat 1

Diplomat 2

Diplomat 3

Diplomat 4

Diplomat 5

Go Digital Baby!

Michael Morris

Taking Facilities Solutions to the Next Level Chris Whiting & Tom Hoffmann

Board of Directors Fireside Chat: Members of YOUR Board

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

Brian Stevenson

*A TriMega specific seminar

*A TriMega specific seminar

5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your TriMega Membership Grady Taylor

*A TriMega specific seminar

Next Steps in Jan/San, Breakroom and Facilities Products *An IS specific seminar

11:15am – 12:30pm

Managing E-Commerce Drivers Like a Rock Star Mark Evans and Girisha Chandraraj

1:30pm – 2:45pm

Digital Marketing Update: Staying in the Game Jennifer Schulman

2:45pm – 4:00pm

4:00pm – 5:15pm

Dealing with the Affordable Care Act Armando J DiFerdinando Next Steps in Jan/San, Breakroom and Facilities Products *An IS specific seminar

Independent Stationers events

TriMega events

*A TriMega specific seminar

Utilization of Independent Stationers Programs *An IS specific seminar

Best of the Best – Dealer Best Practices Shared Panel Discussion

Furniture Best Practices Panel Discussion

Federal Sales with Independent Stationers Russell Gatewood

EPIC Opportunities for National Account Growth *An IS specific seminar

Surviving No Man’s Land Doug Tatum

Never Get Out-Negotiated Paul Bramson

Women and OP – More than Pink Beth Wright

The Naked Office Supply Salesperson Cody Cleary

Category Corral – Product, Services and Market Expansion Panel Discussion

Win More Business Through Effective Questioning Paul Bramson

*A TriMega specific seminar

*An IS specific seminar

The Value of Clean Anthony Trombetta *A TriMega specific seminar

NOPA: Do You Know What Those Politicians in DC are Doing to Your Business?

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

Brian Stevenson *A TriMega specific seminar

Achieving Success in Transitioning and Retiring from Your Business Anita W Sherman

Leveraging the Power of the ‘Buy Local’ Movement for Your Dealership Kimber Lanning The ABCs of Selling School Supplies through the U.S. Communities Contract *An IS specific seminar

Your VOICE Matters...Survey Results Revealed Krista Moore

Wicked Web Marketing: Idea Exchange Roundtable Jennifer Schulman

All Attendee events

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Seminar Information

Learn BIG

EPIC 2014 Seminars 11:15am – 12:30pm Managing E-Commerce Drivers Like a Rock Star

Surviving No Man’s Land Diplomat 3

Who should attend: Owners, marketing staff and IT staff

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!

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

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

Diplomat 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?

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 Shared Diplomat 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

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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 Dealership Diplomat 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.

Seminar Information

Who should attend: Dealer principals, general managers, marketing personnel and sales personnel Speaker: Kimber Lanning, Executive Director, Local First Arizona and National 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 nonprofit 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 marketing professional, specializing in search engine marketing and various other online marketing strategies. She applies over 14 years’ experience in the internet marketing realm to help her clients develop integrated online marketing strategies.

In 2007, she began Fortune Web Marketing and has grown it into a successful online marketing agency. Previously, Jennifer worked for large corporations such as Thomson Reuters, managing its internet presence, search marketing and web development strategies. Fortune Web Marketing is recognized for extensive work within the office products industry.

Furniture Best Practices Panel Discussion Diplomat 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 ● Identify the common tactics and responses that buyers use in negotiations ● 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 situation and realize personal success. Paul has achieved wide acclaim for his sales seminars and workshops with both national and international corporations. 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 4 Description: NOPA is out of the gate in 2014 with the Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Committee. Learn about all the new things NOPA has planned for its membership on the advocacy, education 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 Act Diplomat 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 Pink Diplomat 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

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Seminar Information

Who Should Attend: Owners and sales managers

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

Speaker: Cody Cleary, CEO, Orbit Design

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

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

Achieving Success in Transitioning and Retiring from Your Business Diplomat 4 Description: 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

Category Corral – Product, Services and Market Expansion Panel Discussion Diplomat 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 PortaPotty 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

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.

Win More Business Through Effective Questioning

Wicked Web Marketing: Idea Exchange Roundtable

Diplomat 3

Diplomat 5

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.

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.

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

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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

Independent Stationers Only 8:45am – 9:45am Independent Stationers Shareholders Meeting Grand 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 Products Diplomat 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 Direct Kevin 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 Stationers Mike 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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Utilization of Independent Stationers Programs Diplomat 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 Stationers Mike 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 20082009, and is a past member of the Board of Governors for the National Office Products Association.

Charles Forman, Executive VP, Independent Stationers Charles 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 Growth Diplomat 3 Description: 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:

Seminar Information

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●

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●

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 Stationers Diplomat 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 Representative Prior 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 Contract Diplomat 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 Product Diplomat 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)

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Visit the TriMega booths on the show floor to learn about these and other exciting dealer programs!

After phenomenal success, ThinkTank is back for a 3rd season. The ThinkTank program facilitates best-practice sharing, peer-to-peer learning, creative brainstorming and problem solving through focused conference calls.

This year will see even more new guest SME’s (Subject Matter Experts) participating in the ThinkTank sessions.

Find out about Torque, TriMega’s popular email marketing program with a twist.

Torque delivers a unique approach to product promotion emails while providing a clever, compelling way to create interesting 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 committee representing the next generation of young talent, up-andcoming executives and the future leaders in OP. From networking forums and events, to training to help elevate your tech-game and best practice sharing, Next is all about shaping tomorrow, today. Get info, interact and enroll in Next at www.shapingtomorrowtoday.com

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 exciting promotion 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 find out more!

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

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Seminar Information

TriMega Specific Sessions 8:45am – 9:45am Go Digital Baby!

Diplomat 1 Michael Morris, VP Marketing, TriMega Don’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 Level Diplomat 2 Chris Whiting, VP Cleaning and Breakroom Supplies, SP Richards and Tom Hoffman, Director of Purchasing, TriMega Join 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.

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Board of Directors Fireside Chat Diplomat 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 4 Brian Stevenson, Director of Managed Print Services, TriMega Paperless 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 Membership Diplomat 5 Grady Taylor, EVP Member Development; Managing Director, Point Nationwide, TriMega There 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.

Seminar Information

10:00am – 11:15am TriMega Members Only Meeting Grand 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 Clean Diplomat 4 Anthony Trombetta, Director of Sales, ISSA Cleaning has typically been viewed as a cost center.

Decisions about cleaning supplies have been onedimensional 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, TriMega Paperless 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

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EPIC 2014 App

Download the EPIC 2014 App Keep thinking BIG on the go and stay connected on Android or iOS with our EPIC app for phones and tablets

EPIC 2014

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

This EPIC 2014 Mobile App allows you to:

Features of the App:

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•

• • • •

•

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

•

•

• •

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 to Download related information (session time, Scan the App room number, etc) Users – see who’s at the event and connect with them on the app Exhibitors – find exhibitors and sponsors

Sponsored by

Enjoy the app and have a great show!

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Entertainment

Don’t miss the...

WHERE BIG HAPPENS EPIC 2014

Welcome Reception

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

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 Reception 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.

Ea t , D r ink and E n j oy t he o f I n d u C o m p a ny st r y F r i ends & Fami l y at E P IC 2014!

ix M e et , M gle… n i M d n a ay !

W G I B in a

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Sponsored by:

Entertainment

It Only

Takes A Minute Hard work on the show floor could lead to the chance to win big with our great post-show competition…

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!

How do you win?

Put in some quality MINUTES on the Tradeshow floor between 1:00pm and 4:00pm and you could win BIG in MINUTE TO WIN IT!

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!

Sponsored by

Color

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

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Entertainment

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

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 own mermaid!

Sponsored by

Under water fo: FantaSea In is located

ing Diplomat Land e street from th ss directly acro se lomat Hotel. U the Westin Dip e th alkway over the covered w ss our world street to acce of wonder.

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Directory

Independent Stationers Staff Directory Executive Staff

Staff Russell Gatewood

Michael Gentile

Tom Ashburn

President & CEO gentile@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1113

Membership Development Representative ashburn@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1117

Federal Sales Business Development Representative gatewood@independentstationers.coop 240-682-4028

Charles Forman

Lisa Bales

Joyce Grimes

Executive VP forman@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1177

National Accounts Sales Specialist bales@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1155

A/R Customer Service grimes@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1104

Kevin France

Ty Blankenbaker Merchandising Manager blankenbaker@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1163

April Hayes

VP National Accounts france@independentstationers.coop 972-207-8560

Bruce Campbell

Cindy Bruce

Roxanne Kehl

Chief Financial Officer campbell@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1116

National Accounts Administration Manager bruce@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1129

Assistant to Controller / HR kehl@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1107

Dean Dalrymple

Jason Bush

Phyllis Kriner

IT Director dalrymple@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1135

Marketing Specialist bush@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1152

Senior Financial Analyst kriner@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1151

Janet Eshenour

Paula Check

Kevin McKeen

Director of Marketing eshenour@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1153

National Accounts Credit & Collections check@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1120

Mike Foster

46

Staff

Ted Day

National Accounts Credit & Collections hayes@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1149

National Accounts Implementation Manager mckeen@independentstationers.coop 469-441-8949

Doug Murray

Director of Merchandising foster@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1101

National Accounts Business Development Manager day@independentstationers.coop 972-467-6681

Robin Keltner

Joe Downham

Bob Nimmo

Controller keltner@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1102

Oracle Systems Analyst downham@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1112

Member Relations Representative nimmo@independentstationers.coop 706-490-9290

Cora Lienemann

Angie Fenoglio

Sarah Perry

Administrative Assistant lienemann@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1111

GSA Contract Manager fenoglio@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1147

National Accounts Administrator perry@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1150

Neera Yanus

Doug Fox

Angela Summers

National Training Director yanus@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1128

National Accounts Pricing Analyst fox@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1140

Accounts Payable summers@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1134

EDI & Systems Specialist murray@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1103

Directory

Independent Stationers Staff Directory Staff

Board of Directors Sandy Teets

Bryan Kristenson

GSA Administrative Representative teets@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1127

Chairman Office Plus of Kansas bryan@officeplusks.com 316-838-9329

Toby Tobin

Brian Kerr

National Accounts Business Development Manager tobin@independentstationers.coop 520-334-5759

Thomas Wang

Vice Chairman, Treasurer Kerr Office Group bkerr@kerrog.com 270-765-6171

Steve Gordon

Oracle Systems Analyst wang@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1139

Secretary Independence Business Supply steve.gordon@ibuyibs.com 216-398-8880

Kimberly Wells

Larry Bridgeland

A/R Customer Service wells@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1143

Mid-City Stationers lbridgeland@tds.net 815-633-6789

Scott Zintz National Accounts Business Development Manager zintz@independentstationers.coop 630-220-9505

Randy Garcia Office Express Supply randy@xpressbuy.com 305-557-1667

Kathy Zunica

John Hauptstueck

Accounting Clerk zunica@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1176

Rosa’s Office Plus johnh@rosasop.com 765-962-5543

Jordan Kudler Legacy Office Solutions jkudler@crest-op.com 718-235-2200

Dave Sanner Sanner Office Supply & Interiors dsanner@sanneros.com 814-454-6374

Kenny Sayes Past Chairman Sayes Office Supply ksayes@sayesoffice.com 318-448-4225

Craig Bartholomew Pinnacle Affiliates Representative 360 Office Solutions craigb@360-os.com 406-248-7881

47

Directory

TriMega Staff Directory Executive Staff

Staff

Mike Maggio

Audrey Daniel

Marie Schmidt

President mmaggio@trimega.org Ext 16

Customer Service adaniel@trimega.org Ext 23

Administrative Assistant mschmidt@trimega.org Ext 10

Greg Fish

Rachel Dorman

Kelly Schoen

Executive VP Purchasing gfish@trimega.org Ext 12

Rebate Manager rdorman@trimega.org Ext 11

Product Analyst kschoen@trimega.org Ext 21

Michael Morris

Tom Hoffmann

Cindy Serrano

VP Marketing mmorris@trimega.org Ext 18

Grady Taylor Executive VP Member Development; Managing Director, Point Nationwide gtaylor@trimega.org Ext 19

Gene Rigitano VP Finance grigitano@trimega.org Ext 20

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

48

Staff

Director of Purchasing thoffmann@trimega.org Ext 64

Executive Administrator cserrano@trimega.org Ext 30

Barbara Kraus

Carolyn Yost

Credit Manager bkraus@trimega.org Ext 26

Accounts Payable cyost@trimega.org Ext 25

Linda Kusiolek

Eric Jensen

Assistant IT Manager lkusiolek@trimega.org Ext 24

IT Administrator ejensen@trimega.org Ext 32

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

Point Nationwide Staff

Maureen Modelski

Pam Quackenbush

Customer Service mmodelski@trimega.org Ext 27

Staff Accountant pquackenbush@trimega.org Ext 98

Diane Pakonen

Andy Sullenberger

Customer Service Manager dpakonen@trimega.org Ext 22

Manager Customer Support + Quality asullenberger@pointnationwide.com Ext 94

Tanya Ross

Davida Townzen

Partner Business Manager tross@trimega.org Ext 70

Implementation Support dtownzen@pointnationwide.com Ext 79

Bob Samborski

Nita Turpin

Systems Administrator rsamborski@trimega.org Ext 33

Implementation Manager nturpin@pointnationwide.com Ext 97

Directory

TriMega Board & Committee Members Board of Directors Ian Wist Chairman Wist Office Products, Tempe, AZ 480-921-2900 ianw@wist.com

Lyle Dabbert Vice Chairman Brown & Saenger, Sioux Falls, SD 605-336-1960 ldabbert@brown-saenger.com

Dave Kenworthy Treasurer Storey Kenworthy Co, Des Moines, IA 515-558-6058 dkenworthy@storeykenworthy.com

Tricia Burke

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

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

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

Mark Porter Porter’s Office City, Rexburg, ID

Secretary Office Environment Co, Louisville, KY 502-585-5161 triciaburke@oecoffice.com

208-356-4616 mwporter@portersop.com

Gary Ables

Wayne Stillwagon

Ables-Land Inc, Tyler, TX 903-593-8407 gary@ablesland.com

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

Audit Dave Kenworthy, Chairman Wayne Stillwagon, Ian Wist, Gary Ables, Mark Porter

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

Executive Ian Wist, Chairman Tricia Burke, Dave Kenworthy, Lyle Dabbert

Finance Dave Kenworthy, Chairman Mike Maggio, Gene Rigitano, Wayne Stillwagon, Mark Porter

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

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

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

Karla Veliz, Chairperson Rosemary Czopek, Michael Morris, David Stock, Mark Porter

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

Regional Coordinators Western Region Karla Veliz – Economy Office karla@economyofficesupply.com 818-548-1525

North Central Region Gary Molz – EZ Office Products gmolz@ezop.com 608-310-7425

South Central Region Stacy Duke – Butler Business Products

sduke@butlerbusinessproducts.com 713-461-2938

Northeastern Region Ray Bourret – Suburban Stationers

ray@suburbanop.com 860-347-0299

Southeastern Region Todd Isenberg – Petter Business Systems

tisenberg@petter-business.com 270-575-6921

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

Nominating Lane Harper, Chairperson Gary Ables, Tricia Burke, Thomas Jordan, Ian Wist

Purchasing Lyle Dabbert, Chairman Greg Fish, Tom Hoffermann, Martin Woodward

Technology Mark Porter, Chairman Karen Bogart, Mike Miller, Sean Allen, Jerry Carroll

Point Nationwide Board of Managers Wayne Stillwagon, Chairman Chip Pike, Sid Lerman, Grady Taylor, Gary Ables, Greg Fox, Lane Harper

49

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Charity

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

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 lowincome 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 Stationers’ exhibitors have proudly supported the Kids in Need Foundation and contributed over $75,000 in product donations.

51

Charity

TriMega’s Next Committee was developed in 2013 to represent the next generation of young talent, up-and-coming executives and the future leaders of the business product industry. The Next Committee is excited to launch the Next Gives Back program. Next will be supporting the Ronald McDonald House by taking part in its Adopt-a-Meal program, after EPIC 2014 on Saturday, September 20th, from 7:30am – 11:00am.

The Adopt-A-Meal program provides a muchneeded support service to families who are taking care of their sick children and often don’t have the time, funds or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. After 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: Official EPIC 2014 App

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Notes

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