2007 Independent Grocers Survey
As an independent operator in today’s marketplace, you have a challenging job which requires an understanding of where your business is succeeding and where you need to improve. Benchmarking against other companies and your other stores can be a useful tool in evaluating your operation. This session will be a financial and operational re­view of the independent retail grocery industry. Leading retailers will showcase a number of different topics including; labor costs, departmental distribution rates, department gross margins, key expenses, health care cost by employ­ee, inventory turns and more.

Moderator:
John Schock, President, Financial Management Solutions

Speakers:
Robert Graybill, Vice President, Financial Management Solutions
Mike Stigers, President, PW Supermarkets, Inc.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Point of Sales Technology: Self-Check Out to “Contactless” Payment
As more and more stores have added the option of self-check out, consumers are finding that it really is a satisfac­tory means of getting out of the store quickly verses the traditional check out counter. In 1999, 8% of grocery stores had self-check out, however by 2006 that number had increased to 44%. Self-check out accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, personal checks, gift cer­tificates, food stamps, food vouchers, coupons, and makes change. Every­thing you would find at the traditional check out. “Contactless” Payment offers a tap-and-go payment system much like the Paypass at toll booths, so no signature is needed for transactions under $25. It is easy, fast, convenient and improves the customer’s shopping experience. In a recent survey, 58% of the retailers who responded stated they plan to add contactless payment systems in the next year or two. Thirty percent of the retailers indicated that they had already adopted the system. Come to this session to learn the facts about these two new technologies.

Moderator:
Bob Graybill, Vice President, Financial Management Solutions

Speakers:
Joseph Grove, Vice President and Group Editor, Net World Alliance
Don Mascola, Director Scanning/POS, K-VA-T Foods

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

The Technology of Loss Prevention
Every month, there seems to be all new technologies with new bells and whistles and new promises. But in this maze of techno-solutions, which ones are the best ones? Companies want to know exactly what technologies get the best results and how to implement technologies for maximum return on investment. In this session we will examine five core Loss Prevention technologies, their relative cost verses return on investment, obstacles and pitfalls to proper technology imple­mentations and how to use technology to help reinvent your loss prevention program for better results. Ideal for owners and CFO’s trying to make the best business decisions and great for managers at all levels who are charged with technology use for better shrink control in stores. All participants will receive a hand-out for technology implementation best practices as their after the convention’ guide.

Moderator:
Bob Graybill, Vice President, Financial Management Solutions

Speaker:
Larry Miller, President, National Retail Research Group

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Acquisitions and Private Equity Sales: Industry Update and Outlook
The retail grocery industry has undergone numerous acquisitions and private equity sales in the last year.  According to Food Partners Inc., the environment continues to change, and with this change, you will face new obstacles and potential for greater rewards.  As a retailer, learn what the new horizon looks like for your company and your competition.   How does the industry view the value of your company?  How can you better position yourself to gain access to these deals and opportunities?  Learn where you and the industry stand from Food Partners, Inc. and what the future may hold.

Moderator:
Bob Graybill, Vice President, Financial Management Solutions

Speaker:
David Schoeder, Principal, The Food Partners

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Energy Costs - How Can New Technologies Change the Outlook and Reduce Cost?
Energy Costs are skyrocketing and a decline in pricing is not likely. While you can not control the cost of these commodities, you can control how much you use. Whether you are the owner or CFO of your company, it is up to you to decide what investments will give you the highest ROI on you capital investments.
This session will take a look at a variety of energy saving technology including low energy lighting, refrigeration and transportation equipment and how their installation can impact your bottom line. Learn if this purchase will save or cost you money. How do you measure the potential saving associated with the new piece of equipment and determine the real ROI? This step is important in understanding how the equipment you are being sold will stack up in your business.  See real life examples and facts, so you can make the right decision.

Moderator:
Bob Graybill, Vice President, Financial Management Solutions

Speakers:
Bill Noto, Partner, Your Retail Resources,
Mark Eckhouse, Vice President & COO, McCaffrey's Market
Frank Vadino, Vice President of Engineering, Cold Technology, Inc.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

A 5th P - A One Stop Payments Strategy that Works
Credit, debit, prepaid, check and alternative payments – what’s the right mix?
The blend of technological applications and consumer demand for choice and convenience at the checkout lane is driving the implementation of far more streamlined payment solutions for grocers of all sizes.
Today’s consumers are more and more accustomed to paying for goods how they want. Many are even making choices about where to shop based on convenient payment choices and/or coupled with loyalty and rewards programs. Grocers of all sizes are navigating a complex payment landscape and the challenge of escalating costs. The opportunity for integrating payments is moving ahead quickly with resources that offer all-in-one payment systems with significant merchant and consumer benefits.
Having a Payments Strategy is as critical a component for achieving success in the grocery marketplace as balancing the traditional Four Ps” of marketing—price, place, product and promotion.
“A 5th P” will offer an insightful look at how to build an all-in-one payments strategy for success – one that will help grocers meet consumer demands and expectations regarding payment choice and convenience while effectively managing cost, operational efficiencies and return on investment.
Join Brett Narlinger, First Data Corp. senior vice president, as he discusses the current payments environment and market vision by addressing the diversity of the payments landscape and strategies to drive efficiencies, loyalty and sales. This session will help in evaluating what lies ahead and explaining how merchants can best benefit from the development and implementation of a proactive payments strategy.

Moderator:
Bob Graybill, Vice President, Financial Management Solutions

Speaker:
Brett Narlinger, Senior Vice President, First Data