02/2010 TopSource celebrates successful 2010 Summit for retailers and suppliers
February 1 - 3, 2010, at the Paris Las Vegas (NV) resort

TopSource celebrates successful 2010 Summit

Forty-two members and more than 150 suppliers converged on Las Vegas last week 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.

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 www.supermarketnews.com - or click on the PDF to the right to open or download the article. To learn more about TopSource’s reusable bag program, contact Bill Barry (Sourcing Manager) at 781-926-6042 or wbarry@topsourcellc.com.

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.

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 or to extend a request to exhibit (877 270 9648).