Indianapolis, IN (January 11, 2017)—Independent Stationers, an industry-leading nationwide member-owned business products cooperative, recently shared with its members news of accomplishments and progress during 2016 regarding group programs and services.
- Membership in IS grew by 32 new dealers in 2016.
- Nearly two dozen new vendors were added, giving members even more opportunities to respond to end-user needs. Many of these suppliers are in the fast-growing janitorial/sanitation, breakroom and MRO categories.
- The IS RDC program was enhanced via central-billing through Independent Stationers, allowing for greater credit limit flexibility, payment terms and streamlining of RDC purchases and payments.
- EDI-PO electronic purchasing was developed with roll-out to all members, creating a more efficient and accurate purchasing tool.
- Intelliweb Digital Marketing continues to grow, providing members access to professional, customized website homepages that generate leads, deliver engaging email marketing campaigns and provide creative blogging on social media platforms.
- EPIC Business Essentials was fully developed and continued growth into 2017 is anticipated, allowing dealers to sell into the Public Sector, Healthcare markets, Federal Government, and Commercial Sector.
- The EPIContent initiative, undertaken by IS with TriMega, NOPA, vendor partners, and both national wholesalers, is creating a valuable tool for the Independent Dealer Channel: expanded e-content, which will provide many more products for dealers to sell.
- EPIC 2016 was a success. The focus is now on EPIC 2017, which will be co-located with ISSA, in Las Vegas, NV in September.
- IS closed the year financially strong by reducing the cost to serve, controlling operating expenses, maintaining a stronger balance sheet and continuing to drive growth and success for members.
Joel Vockrodt, chairman of the board of directors, said, “I am truly excited about the future for Independent Stationers’ members. Together we can accomplish great things, and we have a team in place that stands ready and willing to help each of us meet our own dealership goals and objectives. I challenge each member and affiliate to pick one or two areas mentioned in this letter, and add those to your list of goals for 2017.”
###
About Independent Stationers:
Founded in 1977, Independent Stationers is a leading global organization providing sales, marketing support and purchasing power for the community-based independent office products dealer. The organization’s members are located throughout the U.S. and in 7 foreign countries. Collectively, IS members produce $4 billion in end-user sales. For more information, contact Cora Lienemann at 317-579-1111; cora@independentstationers.coop) or visit the Independent Stationers web site at www.independentstationers.coop.
