Biz X Magazine July/Aug 2009 Issue : Page 8
FRONT LINES The Great Lakes Industrial Sales Consortium, otherwise known as GLISC has been created by Mike Kramer,Todd Kuzniak and Rick Evans. Leaders in their respective fields, the trio understands that in order to remain competitive in the marketplace today, the philosophy can no longer be “business as usual”. “In the past,” says Kramer, General Manager of Con-Syst-Int Group Inc. and Co-Founder of GLISC,“we had a steady stream of clients readily needing our products and services.As we all know,the industry has changed in recent years, however, all that really means is that we must be able to change with it.” Together, they developed a business networking model specific to Industrial Sales Professionals. GLISC is a voluntary referral system of non-competing businesses which began in late May.These businesses work through a network to learn about each other’s company and expand the ability to make referrals through a company’s own sales network. The consortium functions under a “givers gain” philosophy, referring to the concept that the higher the level of collaboration that takes place between companies, the greater the returns will be.There is a focus on a “go to” source for your customer service base to provide a consolidated informational network. “It does not cost money to become a member and this is what makes it unique,” says Pamela Breault,Technical Marketing/Sales for Con-Syst-Int Group Inc.“Most other business networking groups charge members several hundred dollars in membership fees.This group only costs one to two hours of a member’s time, every other week.” EXCHANGE INFORMATION & NETWORK YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS! This group meets bi-weekly for one hour with the hosts rotating each meeting.The host is the focus of the meeting with a 10 minute presentation to demonstrate the function and capacity of their respective company to other network members. The group has final say on who is accepted and once accepted your competitors are not able to join that particular Chapter, however, guests are always welcome, and if there is already a competitor in the Chapter, they are encouraged to begin a new Chapter following the same model. The group is currently seeking charter members.If you are interested please contact Breault by emailing pbreault@consystint.com X In the photo from left are: Todd Kuzniak, Senior Project Manager (MTE Controls); Rick Evans, Account Manager (Cornerstone Intelligent Software) and Mike Kramer, General Manager (Con- Syst-Int Group Inc.) The creators of GLISC stand in front of one of the control panels engineered by Con-Syst-Int Group Inc. and built by MTE Controls.This panel was shipped to a customer in the European Union (Ireland). ESSEX – THE LITTLE TOWN THAT “MAKES IT HAPPEN!” Before you head over the border to shop stateside remember that “Essex Can Make It Happen”. The Town of Essex, which is the hub of the county, has what shoppers want: • Quality goods and professional services • Small town friendliness with big town knowledge • Old fashioned courtesy • New trends and ideas • Product educated staff and well trained professionals The Town of Essex, under the guidance of Marlene Markham of the Essex BIA, has decided not to participate in the recession. Merchants, along with their staff, are not letting customers hear how the economy is negatively impacting on the establishment. “It is not necessary to let customers or staff hear negative talk about the economy because the news does that for us every day,” believes Markham. Markham stresses that customers to Essex businesses are treated in an upbeat and friendly manner. In order to stop cutting prices the merchants are educating their customers about the quality issues and how higher quality goods, although normally a higher price, in the long run are going to save the customer money. According to Markham “It is better to pay a little more and get quality goods and service, than have to spend twice as much for poor quality and bad advice.” Customers are given the impression that it is business as usual and that there is a bright outlook for the future. “The Essex BIA is encouraging for a new business because of their proactive manner in which they support businesses,” says new business owner Charlene Pillon of Earthly Elements, a home and garden décor shop situated at 109 Albert Street. In turn, Essex merchants support the BIA by showing the customers that they care and understand the problems that many are fighting in this tough economic climate. “The ‘Make It Happen’ program is a great way to keep people shopping locally in town,” adds Dave Hitchcock of Dave Hitchcock Chevrolet, 224 Talbot Street North. Shopping at home, such as in a town like Essex, supports the local economy and can strengthen employment and community well being. And since Essex retailers also give generously of their time and money to support local groups, when customers support the local merchants the community benefits as well. Markham believes if the Town works together it could be like the “Little Engine That Could.” It’s up to you to….”Make it Happen”. X 8 BIZ X MAGAZINE • JULY/AUGUST 2009
