OAK BROOK, Ill. -- It is painstaking work for manufacturers to gain a better understanding of the independent convenience store market—between one and 10 locations—that comprises approximately 90,000 stores, 67% of the entire c-store channel, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). CSP Information Group is presenting the second rendition of CSP's State of the Independent Summit,"The Rise of the Independent C-Store Operator," at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca, Ill., June 16-17, 2008. The program will illustrate the demographic and psychographic [image-nocss] differences of independent operators and how to apply these different models and cultures to mutually grow their businesses.
This year, CSP will highlight a special breakout session entitled "Not All Independents Are Alike," featuring retail panels headed by Chevron and BP ampm.
Speakers from Chevron will include Paul Casadont, Americas merchandising manager of Chevron Corp.; Paul Tomaszewski, president of Pacer Fuels LLC; Peter Van Alyea, owner and CEO of Redwood Oil; and Duane Shields, owner of Short Line Express Markets. BP ampm speakers will include Andrew Baird, vice president of marketing and merchandising for ampm; Bob Juckniess, president of RWJ Management Cos. Inc.; Jack Kofdarali, president and owner of J&R Oil Co. Inc.; and Francis Alvandi, president of Big Daddy's Oil.
Chevron and ampm will discuss the challenges of selling to their independent networks. Each company will share insight on how their branding strategies and portfolio will be the building blocks for long-term growth and sustainability.
These breakout sessions will give manufacturers and retailers the opportunity to provide a "real-life" perspective related to areas such as acquiring products, supplier best practices, improving service that reflects the needs of the marketplace and wholesaler relationships.
Additional key elements of the summit will include:
State of the Independent Implications of actions over the past 12 months. The Many Faces of the Independent Retailer led by Lisa Han, senior consumer insights associate for General Mills. Best in Class Supplier Attributes presented by Bill Donahue of CSP Information Group.CSP Information Group, publisher of CSP and CSP Independent magazines, is a business-to-business communication company specializing in the convenience and retail petroleum industry. Its other business units include the CSP Daily News email newsletter, CSPNetwork CyberConferences, CSPTV, CSP Leadership Conferences and Events, 24-7 Connect Virtual Expo and CSP Consulting. Visit www.cspnet.com for more information.
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