Primera kicked off its 4-day Annual Meeting and Trade Show, bringing together over 230 Member-Owners and Supply Partners as they celebrated 20 years of success.
Jeff Braun, CEO of Primera said “our meeting theme of Honoring the Past, Appreciating the Present and Shaping Our Future, really set the tone for a great week. We were privileged to have one of the founding member-owners, Kip
Connelly, and Primera’s first CEO, Frans Jager, join us to properly honor all that has gone into building the foundation of Primera. When you think about what the last year and a half has been, all our attendees have a great appreciation for the present, being together, in person for the first time in a long time. The smiles and fist bumps were long overdue! And only fitting, we had the opportunity to share with our Member-Owners and Supply Partners the exciting initiatives that will continue Primera’s path to be the industry leader and will shape our future. “
Each year Primera Member-Owners and Supply Partners get together to share best practices, learn about new products, review performance, and hear from industry leaders. This year Member-Owners heard from Mark Ripato, President of Wilbur Ellis about what it takes to celebrate a milestone anniversary such as the 100 years that Wilbur celebrated this past June. Megan Provost, President of Rise, shared the latest on regulatory affairs and how to get involved to ensure the industry’s future success. And, Member-Owners and Suppliers heard from Greg Nathan, Chief Business Office of the National Golf Foundation about the current and future, the outlook of the golf industry.
Member-Owners and Supply Partners participated in over 800, 1:1 meetings aimed at creating key actions to help improve business in the local markets. Past Primera board Member Rocky Dreibrodt had this to say about the 1:1 meetings, “Our 1:1 meetings provide a few minutes to catch up with existing supply partners, but more importantly provide an opportunity to consider new (or reconsider old) suppliers and their products. It’s always time well spent…”
The conference also saw Braun, announce the launch of the Primera Strong Scholarship program. An initiative that recognizes Chairman of the Board Michael Kropp’s fight against cancer by providing the opportunity for Primera member students, entering college, to be rewarded with the Primera Strong Scholarship beginning in 2022.
Primera announced that next year’s meeting will be held in July, 2022 at the Marriott in Madison, Wisconsin.
About Primera
Primera is a member-owned business cooperative of passionate growth-minded distributors who partner with world-class suppliers who together are committed to providing the tools, skills, knowledge, and innovation for the professional turf and ornamental, pest control, and specialty green industry. Primera distributors consolidate purchasing across the U.S. to provide national access, unsurpassed, dedicated service; product expertise; and local touch. Our history, values, and track record shows our steadfast support and commitment to creating exceptional returns and competitive advantages, ensuring our membership grows and prospers.
