AD Canada Plumbing & Heating Division Hosts Virtual Supplier Conference
September 29, 2021 | By HPAC Magazine
The wholesale buying group launched a 2021 supplier webinar series this year and will implement a new internal supplier rating system in 2022.
AD Canada Plumbing & Heating 2021 Conference theme was True North. Divisional board co-chairs Martin Deschenes of Groupe Deschênes, Inc. (upper left) and Eric Findlay of Canada Plumbing & Heating (upper right) presented to members and suppliers alongside AD Canada president Rob Dewar (bottom left), and AD marketing manager Darryl Lee (bottom right).
AD Canada, a business unit of AD, the North American contractor and industrial products wholesale buying/marketing group, held a four-day virtual supplier conference for its Canadian Plumbing & Heating division on Sept. 13 to 16, drawing almost 400 participants from 29 member companies and 85 supplier companies.
In opening remarks, AD Canada’s president Rob Dewar highlighted the division’s growth over the past year, despite global challenges. “We are exceptionally proud of the progress we have made in our Canada Plumbing & Heating Division, particularly given the stormy conditions of the past year and a half,” Dewar said. “Despite a few roadblocks along the way, we’ve managed to increase our divisional remittances by 31% from 2020—now up to $1.449 billion in 2021.”
The conference held virtual booth sessions conducted in a rapid meeting format that facilitated conversations between members and suppliers around strategic alignment, best practices, and new ways to grow the independent channel.
Dewar also discussed the launch of two recent initiatives in the division: the 2021 supplier webinar series and a new supplier rating system, which will be introduced in 2022.
The webinar series, launched in June, gives suppliers a channel to engage with AD members to share product and business updates and provide training opportunities. The series will continue into 2022.
The supplier rating system will be an internal star rating scale that reflects how well suppliers deliver services and resources. This system is determined via strategically weighted categories that can be objectively measured. Evaluation criteria includes rebate programs, market planning, eCommerce support, and meeting participation. The new system, where the overall rating is shared via ADHQ.com, not only gives AD members a means to evaluate suppliers, but also provides guidance to suppliers on how to succeed and rewards those who offer outstanding service.
“In true AD fashion, in the face of a challenging time, we’ve come out stronger,” Dewar said. “I applaud each and every one of our devoted members, suppliers and board members today and every day for their keen dedication and for continuing to contribute positively to our growing alliance.”
AD Canada’s Plumbing & Heating Division 2022 Supplier Conference is slated to be held in person, from Sept. 13-15 at the Delta Hotel Toronto Airport & Conference Centre.
