07/2010 TopSource partners with Verisae, the global leader in sustainability resource planning (SRP)

04/2010 Supermarket News features Affiliated Foods Midwest Earth Day efforts

04/2010 Supply BrainChain publishes TopSource unloading services article

04/2010 Raymond Corporation named TopSource 2009 Partner of the Year

03/ 2010 TopSource named #4 of Food Logistics "Ten companies to watch"

02/2010 TopSource celebrates successful Summit for members, customers and suppliers

04/2009 TopSource appears in Purchasing magazine

05/2009 Ariba partners with Topco Associates

07/2008 TopSource reusable bag project featured in Supermarket News

06/2008 Steve Schmitchel named new Vice President of Program Management and Business Development

05/2008 TopSource launches Health Benefit program - sign up now in progress

04/2008 David Picarillo tapped to lead TopSource

TopSource partners with Verisae to drive value for members
Partnership Brings Sustainability, Energy, Operations, and Carbon Emissions Reduction Opportunities to Leading Grocery Retailers and Supporting Organizations

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Boston, MA, July 15, 2010 -- TopSource LLC, a member of one of the largest buying cooperatives for grocers in the United States, recently selected Verisae as its preferred supplier partner in the area of enterprise sustainability. Since 2006, TopSource has provided grocers and other retailers with innovative solutions. Energy management is a key business focus for TopSource members. To support this initiative, TopSource selected Verisae as their preferred vendor partner to support their members current and future efficiency efforts.

Apr 19, 2010 Supermarket News | AFM Offers Recycled Bags for Earth Day Anniversary 

NORFOLK, Neb. - Affiliated Foods Midwest here is commemorating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this week by distributing plastic bags made with 40% recycled content. The bags are part of a special Happy Earth Day promotion at the cooperative wholesaler that also includes manufacturer support and other initiatives. "We thought these bags would tie in perfectly with our ads, since they are 40% recycled content," Helen Bailey, category manager for store supplies at AFM, told SN last week. The company purchased a truckload of the commemorative bags - 2,880 cases of 1,000 bags each, or nearly 3 million bags - through a sourcing initiative at Braintree, Mass-based TopSource, a division of private label supplier Topco. Read full article.

04/2010 Supply BrainChain publishes TopSource unloading services article by Susan McNamara, Senior Sourcing Manager of Logistics & Distribution, TopSource.  

Do companies ever think of unloading services as an area where money can be saved?  Some do, but most retail and wholesalers often overlook this essential service as a way to reduce their supply chain costs. Some companies assume more money is saved by using "lumpers" or internal employees to unload.  But think of all the risks a business assumes when using internal employees to unload trucks - product damage, equipment damage, property damage, workers compensation, benefits, management costs, training costs, recruiting costs and, usually, hourly wage payments. Why not use a third-party unloading service to help a retailer/wholesaler eliminate risk and create a positive financial situation? Read the full article.

04/2010 The Raymond Corporation named TopSource Partner of the Year for 2009 - Greene, NY

The Raymond Corporation has been named 2009 Partner of the Year by TopSource LLC, a division of Topco Associates LLC. TopSource offers not-for-resale strategic sourcing to companies in the retial, wholsale and food industries. Raymond is one of three supplier to receive the award this year, and one of 250 suppliers that are part of the TopSource preferred supplier list. TopSource is focused on helping businesses maximize value by working with world-class supplier that are willing to work collaboratively with their customers. To receive the partnership award, TopSource suppliers must embrace these initiatives and demonstrate strength in a number of categories, including sales growth, customer service and meeting supplier requirements. Raymond's performance in these categories, coupled with its innovation and creativity in embracing the TopSource core values of service and support, helped the company secure the 2009 Partner of the Year award. "TopSource considers Raymond one of our most strategic supplier partners. Raymond consistently looks for ways to continue to grow our logistics and supply chain programs by offering a variety of materil handling solutions to our members," says Greg Magrisi, vice president of sourcing for TopSource. "It was without question that Raymond fit the criteria of our Partner of the Year award. We look forward to a continued partnership in 2010 and beyond."
   Jim Hess, national accounts manager for Raymond, and Jason Smith, grocery and retail segment manager for Raymond, accepted the award on behalf of Raymond at TopSource's biennial 2010 Summit on Feb. 3, 2010. For more information on Raymond, please visit www.raymondcorp.com. The Raymond Corporation is a global provider of material handling solutions that improve space utilization and productivity, with lower cost of operation and greater operator acceptance. TopSource LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Topco Associates LLC, the largest cooperative buying organization in retail food in the U.S.

03/2008 TopSource in top 10 of Ten Companies To Watch - Food Logistics' annual salute to food and beverage companies that are using innovative solutions to address logistical challenges. Read the full article.

#4. TopSource LLC is in the top ten of Food Logistics Ten Companies to Watch. TopSource performs strategic sourcing for its members, helps retailers and wholesalers lower costs and improve profits. TopSource LLC, a not-for-resale (NFR) division of Topco Associates LLC, is using innovative technologies and processes to help its members to lower costs and improve the efficiency of their supply chains. Topco, based in Skokie, IL, is a private label purchasing consortium serving food retailers and wholesalers.

TopSource’s main purpose is to help companies lower costs on a wide range of goods and services, including corporate and national brands, perishables, equipment, supplies and business services. “Rising costs for ingredients and transportation as well as cutbacks in consumer spending have combined to create one of the most difficult environments for food retailers and wholesalers in recent history,” says Chuck Wright, director, sourcing, at TopSource, Braintree, MA. “We perform the strategic sourcing function for our members—smaller companies that compete with WalMart and Kroger. “
   NFR spend is an area of huge savings potential for retail and wholesale companies. It’s spending on all products and services not resold to customers. According to TopSource, NFR spend represents one of the three largest categories of spend, along with cost of goods and wages. TopSource says it has saved customers an average of 18 percent in this area. In order to achieve these results, TopSource is using a combination of Ariba Sourcing On-Demand, Ariba Contract Management and Ariba Supplier Performance Management. Ariba Sourcing was developed to enhance the ability to negotiate for goods and services and drive bottom-line savings. Leveraging Ariba Contract Management, TopSource can manage and drive compliance with agreements. And through Ariba Supplier Performance Management, TopSource can discover, assess and on-board new supplier partners, with the ability to continuously measure and improve supplier performance. “We chose Ariba because it offers a complete strategic sourcing solution,” says Wright. “So RFP, auction, contract and supplier management—we found the functionality of the tool to be superior to other solutions in the marketplace. Also, the tool is used by  suppliers that participate in the events with us.”
TopSource’s eAuction offering can optimize capacity, quality service and cost for retailers that manage a diverse cross section of transportation, including dry and refrigerated transportation. By utilizing auctions, a TopSource customer has received up to 16 percent savings from high quality, fully qualified suppliers, while at the same time benefiting from a significant reduction in negotiation cycle time.

02/2010 TopSource celebrates successful 2010 Summit for retailers and suppliers

TopSource celebrates successful 2010 Summit Forty-two members and more than 150 suppliers converged on Las Vegas February 1-3 for the TopSource 2010 Summit. Participating members and suppliers embraced the Summit’s theme “Winning Together” as they forged new partnerships and solidified existing business relationships through networking events and meetings held during the Supplier Showcase. The informative event featured not-for-resale (NFR) category meetings on equipment, construction, hired services, HR benefits, IT/telecom, logistics and distribution, marketing, packaging and utilities. The three-day summit at the Paris Resort focused on developing common specifications, reviewing of the TopSource 2010 sourcing plan and previewing three new innovative programs including the aggregation of a member 401 (k) plan administration, development of a member owned group insurance captive, and launch of the TopSource online technology marketplace. Early feedback on the Summit confirms the value and success of the event. “I had an excellent experience with vendors and the sourcing team,” said Eric Berg, Associate Merchant-Packaging & Supplies at Raley's Family of Fine Stores. "I believe there are synergies that will develop with the members and vendors as a result of the Summit and it was time well spent." Ryan A. McMillian, Senior Account Executive at Grayon Enterprises said: “As a sales executive, I have never been a part of a conference that was so beneficial for the member and the supplier.” For more information, please contact Carol Mather (Senior Marketing Communications Manager-TopSource) at 781-926-6053 or cmather@topsourcellc.com.    View the Summit highlights video.

04/2009  TopSource appears in Purchasing Magazine

The article titled "Supplier collaboration drives power transmission buy" discussed TopSource's role in buyer-tobuyer collaboration, stating that "buyers in different industries collaborate to get lower prices for all." The article discusses the recent plastic bag program in which 21 supermarket chains collaborated, along with Giant Eagle, to save up to $1 Million each through TopSource. Read the full article.

Topco Associates LLC Improves Sourcing Efficiencies with Ariba

Leading group purchasing organization leverages Ariba’s on-demand technology to drive greater value for food retailers and wholesalers.

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – May 12, 2009 - Ariba, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARBA), the leading spend management solutions provider, announced today that Topco Associates LLC, a leading private-label purchasing consortium serving food retailers and wholesalers, will leverage its on-demand offerings to increase and accelerate the savings it delivers. As part of its mission to create competitive advantage for its member-owners, Topco will implement a comprehensive range of Ariba’s spend management solutions through TopSource, LLC.  TopSource LLC is Topco’s strategic Not-For-Resale sourcing arm whose main purpose is to help companies lower costs on a wide range of goods and services, including corporate and national brands, perishables, equipment, supplies and business services. “Rising costs for ingredients and transportation as well as cutbacks in consumer spending have combined to create one of the most difficult environments for food retailers and wholesalers in recent history,” said Chuck Wright, Director, Sourcing, TopSource. “At TopSource, we strive to help our members overcome these barriers by applying innovative technologies and processes to lower costs and improve the efficiency of their supply chains.” To drive these goals, TopSource will use a combination of Ariba® Sourcing™ On-Demand, Ariba Contract Management™ and Ariba Supplier Performance Management™. With Ariba Sourcing, TopSource can enhance its ability to negotiate for goods and services and drive bottom-line savings. Leveraging Ariba Contract Management, TopSource can manage and drive compliance with agreements. And through Ariba Supplier Performance Management, TopSource can discover, assess, and on-board new supplier partners with the ability to continuously measure and improve supplier performance.  “TopSource has taken the lead on helping food-related companies weather the tough economy by applying cutting-edge solutions and procurement best practices to drive substantial and measurable savings on goods and services that are critical to their operations,” said Daryl Rolley, Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America and Asia Pacific Operations, Ariba. “In adding Ariba’s spend management solutions to its portfolio, TopSource can enhance its own efficiencies and create even greater value for its members.”  Read the full press release.

02/2008 TopSource attends two major industry shows

TopSource joined other industry leaders to exhibit at the May 2008 Food Marketing Institute (FMI) show Las Vegas, the largest single event for the supermarket industry www.fmi.org. TopSource showcased technology for sourcing and shared strategic sourcing processes with attendees. TopSource exhibited at the Super Show hosted by Topco Associates LLC in Schaumburg, IL held May 13-15. Topco is one of the largest supermarket consortiums in the U.S. The annual Super Show gives wholesalers and manufacturers a venue to showcase offerings in grocery, health & beauty care and general merchandising categories. Contact TopSource for more information (877 270 9648).

07/2008 TopSource reusable bag project featured in Supermarket News

The July 14th article “Supermarkets Make Most of Resuable Bags” featured two companies who worked through TopSource to purchase reusable bags at a savings, and explained how retailers are leveraging the eco-friendly shopping bags to save on the high cost of plastic bags and promote a “green” image. United Supermarkets, a TopSource customer, stated: “Offering the bags helps burnish the company's image in the area of environmental sustainability, augmenting several other green efforts at the company”. Find the story in the July 14th issue of Supermarket News, page 18, or online at http://www.topsourcellc.com/announcements/www.supermarketnews.com To learn more about TopSource’s reusable bag program, contact Bill Barry (Sourcing Manager) at 781-926-6042 or wbarry@topsourcellc.com.               Read entire article

06/2008 Steve Schmitchel named new Vice President of Program Management and Business Development

In his new position, Steve is responsible for overall TopSource business development and program management. In leading the program management team, Steve will be working closely to support successful member participation in the TopSource program. Steve is also responsible for the development of new business initiatives, such as the recently launched Health Benefits offering to members. Steve has worked with TopSource for 4 years, most recently as Director of Sourcing.

05/2008 TopSource launches Health Benefit program - sign up now in progress

TopSource's Health Benefits initiative has entered the Member Recruitment Phase. Member interest is strong and companies are making decisions to buy through the Group Purchasing Organization (GPO). Eighteen members are exploring participation for 2009, and significantly more members are including TopSource in their 2010 benefits planning discussions. Early member engagement has confirmed the value of the GPO model by:

• Proving that significant savings opportunities exist
• Identifying additional process and product opportunities
• Validating the Health Benefit GPO as a strategic effort that requires senior level involvement to achieve success

Engaging TopSource early in the benefits planning process is a critical first step to success. TopSource is pleased with the high level of interest and eager to work with members' HR teams to achieve their corporate benefits objectives. To support the Health Benefits offering, TopSource has recently added a full time associate, David Willett, who is Senior Sourcing Manager of Human Resources and Health Benefits. To learn more about the Health Benefits offering, please contact David at 781 926 6039 or dwillett@topsourcellc.com.

04/2008 David Picarillo tapped to lead TopSource

Dave Picarillo has been named head of TopSource. As Senior Vice President of Topco, TopSource’s parent company, Dave assumes full responsibility for the company, building on his six years of success as head of sourcing across all TopSource categories. In his previous position as Vice President of TopSource, Dave was responsible for leading the development of TopSource's overall approach to sourcing and not-for-resale spend management. Dave has more than 21 years of supermarket retail, consulting and manufacturing management experience, including Managing Director of Business Development for ICG Commerce and Senior Manager with Accenture. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Science in industrial engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.