Capitalising on individual members’ specific industry expertise is integral to Chemical Management Systems’ (CMS) ethos. That was a key message imparted at the buying group’s first national conference, which was held late August in the Melbourne Airport Convention Centre.
CMS directors and members attended the two day event, discussing the group’s vision for the future; how to develop the distributor network; and how to attract new suppliers.
Product presentations and updates from preferred suppliers performed an important educational component.
In his opening address and presentation, CMS director Barry Taylor explained that it was important for the group to be able to buy better in order to secure higher profit margins. He also noted that the CMS board was developing exclusive products for the group and those product ranges would carry the CMS brand.
“We need to grow our number of distributor members and, in turn, build CMS into a significant national distribution network. We intend to develop the network in areas not already covered by the group and we will sell service and support with our brand,” Taylor emphasised.
The conference highlighted the importance of developing national corporate accounts, new market segments and other opportunities. CMS’s proposed initiatives include staff training; field support; promotional specials; reports and documentation; and technical information.
Taylor said he was pleased with the input and feedback from the conference.
CMS plans to hold regular meetings to ensure that members in all states communicate effectively with each other as well as keep up-to-date with product knowledge.
“Our mission is to build a team of professionals completely focused on service and committed to our vision,” enthused Taylor.
Among the member companies represented at the conference were Envirochem (Melbourne, Vic), Coola’s Cleaning Supplies (Bendigo, Vic), Johnson Hospitality Supplies (Sydney, NSW), Rivchem (Wagga Wagga NSW), Argus Australia (Lawnton, Qld), and Walcotts (Geelong, Vic).
“A number of other members – from Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT, South Australia, and North Coast NSW – were unfortunately unable to attend this conference,” pointed out Taylor.
CMS’s preferred suppliers include Amazing Cleaning Products, Promocean Australia, Total Dispensing Solutions, Davidson Imports, NAB Australia, Knight Equipment, Alpen Products, Queensland Straw Factory, Clean Plus Detergents, Equipe Solutions, DEMA Australia, Kentway International, John S Hayes, Hydro Nova Equipment, Mar Plast Oceanic, MPM Marketing, Envirochem Australia, Lallan Safety, RCR International, Kenware Products and The O Kelly Group.