General Merchandise/HBC

Eby-Brown Celebrates 50th Anniversary of First Trade Show

C-store distributor’s 1966 single-day show has expanded to three-day event

NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- Eby-Brown Co. LLC, a leading consumer products distributor to the convenience-store industry, recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first trade show, now named the Eby-Expo.

Eby-Brown Expo distributor (CSP Daily News / Convenience Stores / Gas Stations)

In the last 50 years, Eby-Brown has grown from a local Illinois tobacco and candy distributor to a national distribution company, delivering thousands of products to over 13,500 retail locations.

Eby-Brown’s first trade show in 1966 (pictured below) was a single-day event, held at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, Ill. The 2015 Eby-Expo in April was a three-day event, held at the Blue Chip Hotel & Casino in Michigan City, Ind. It saw record attendance of more than 1,800 people. The event featured the trade show, cocktail receptions, dinner and live entertainment.

“Eby-Brown has been a family-owned and family-run business since our very first truck hit the streets of Chicago. While our geography and offerings have expanded, the staple of our success has remained the same; an unwavering commitment to our partners. This year’s Eby-Expo is a celebration of all of our mutual successes,” said Tom Wake, Eby-Brown’s co-president.

Naperville, Ill.-based Eby-Brown is the largest family-owned wholesale distributor in the convenience-store industry, it said, driving efficiencies and profitability through its programs, technology and variety of product offerings. Eby-Brown owns and operates six distribution centers throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

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