The American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) has unveiled a new webinar series, titled “Good Jobs Enable Core Innovation And Supply-Chain Partnering,” featuring esteemed presenter Bruce Merrifield. The three-part series will delve into critical strategies that empower companies to navigate the challenges of the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.
The manufacturing industry is no stranger to continuous expansion as businesses seek growth through increasing product portfolios and customer bases. However, the rising complexity and diminishing incremental profits in this pursuit require a reevaluation of approaches. Recognizing this need, leading companies like Coca-Cola have made strategic decisions to downsize marginal SKUs and customers to realign focus on their core strengths and better-performing brands.
The first webinar of the series, titled “More From Your Core,” will take place on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 2:00 pm (ET). Participants will gain invaluable insights into optimizing core competencies to drive innovation and growth in their businesses.
As manufacturers seek ways to simultaneously address downsizing, upgrading, and renewal, one key aspect that cannot be overlooked is attracting, engaging, and retaining the best employees. The second webinar, “How To Migrate To A High-Performance, All-Win, Good Jobs Company,” will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 1:00 pm (ET). Presenter Bruce Merrifield, a renowned consultant in the world of independent-distribution channels, will share the “Good Jobs Strategy.” This system-thinking solution, pioneered by FedEx in 1973, emphasizes the value of prioritizing people, service, and profits to achieve operational excellence and flexibility. Costco’s successful adoption of this strategy since its inception in 1983 further underscores its relevance and effectiveness.
With the world and the US economies continually facing “perma-crises,” the need for agility becomes paramount. The third webinar, “Agility and Earned, Partnering-Possibilities With Gazelles,” will be conducted on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 2:00 pm (ET). Participants will explore how companies can adapt swiftly, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Additionally, forging partnerships with the top five percent of best supply-chain players, also known as “Gazelles,” enhances a company’s competitive advantage and market position.
The series’ presenter, Bruce Merrifield, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. As a consultant to independent-distribution channels since 1980, Merrifield’s impressive career includes turning around distribution companies, delivering numerous speeches to industry associations, and providing strategic advice to major corporations. His contributions to the field extend to authoring trade-magazine articles and a highly acclaimed book, “Electronic Commerce for Distribution Channels,” published by the National Association of Wholesale-distributors (NAW).
The ABMA encourages participants to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from Bruce Merrifield’s invaluable insights and practical wisdom. Registration for the webinars is now open, and interested individuals can visit the ABMA website to register for the event.
Webinar Details
Presenter: Bruce Merrifield
- More From Your Core — Tuesday, August 8, 2023, 2:00 p.m. (ET)
- How To Migrate To A High-Performance, All-Win, Good Jobs Company — Thursday, October 26, 2023, 1:00 p.m. (ET)
- Agility And Earned, Partnering-Possibilities With Gazelles — Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 2:00 p.m. (ET)
