Lassonde Pappas and WISE Host Night of Dynamic Networking in Carney’s Point, NJ

WISE Partner Member Lassonde Pappas hosted a WISE Night of Dynamic Networking event on September 25 at its headquarters in Carney’s Point, New Jersey. More than 100 industry representatives, WISE board members and Lassonde Pappas employees gathered for an energetic evening of networking. “The Lassonde Pappas team was very excited to partner with WISE on this event,” said Laurie Larue, Treasurer, Lassoed Pappas and Company, Inc. “It not only gave our employees the important opportunity to network with industry partners, but also a unique opportunity to engage with each other and learn why Lassonde Pappas is a member of WISE.”

Lassonde also hosted featured speaker Dr. Emily M. Moscato, Professor at St. Joseph’s University, Food Marketing Program. Dr. Moscato delivered a very thought provoking and entertaining discussion entitled “Mindless to Mindful.” Her presentation focused on understanding choice architecture and behavior economics. Understanding how people make choices can help us develop better decision-making skills ourselves and ultimately help us reach consumers for effectively. For more on this topic, here is a list of books suggested by Dr. Moscato:

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth and Happiness by Richard H Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely
Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics by Richard H Thaler
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experience have Extraordinary Impact by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

December Webinar: Breaking Through Gender Bias

Join us Wednesday December 12 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm CST for an informative and lively discussion with Andie Kramer and Al Harris, authors of the bestselling book Breaking Through Bias: Communication Techniques for Women to Succeed at Work (2016). Andie and Al are a married couple, former law partners, and champions of gender equality in the workplace. This discussion will draw on their extensive professional and business experience and the benefit of their combined female and male perspectives to provide you with realistic, detailed, and readily usable advice. They approach the topic of gender and career success with a blend of compassion, candor, and practicality.  Click here to register.  

Learning Objectives:

Simmons and WISE Host Night of Dynamic Networking in Bentonville

On September 11, Women of Simmons and WISE hosted a Night of Dynamic Networking in Bentonville. Todd Simmons, Vice Chairman and CEO of Simmons Foods, welcomed the group of about 40 private-label industry professionals.

“We were thrilled to have the Women of Simmons group join WISE for a great night of networking, and we were especially pleased to have Todd Simmons as our featured speaker. Overall, it was a fantastic event with great conversation covering many different topics relating to women and the importance of diversity in store brands,” said Leslie MacNeil, Director of Sales, U.S. Private Brands for Simmons Pet Food.

Simmons Pet Food is an integral partner member of WISE. In addition to Simmon’s active support of WISE, Simmons champions diversity in leadership through its newly created resource group, Women of Simmons. Earlier this year, the group hosted its inaugural event entitled “Advance Your Career! Improve your performance and prepare yourself for advancement opportunities.” More than 100 men and women across Simmons attended the event with featured speaker Christine McLaren, a seasoned human resources and marketing communications professional. “I want Simmons to be a place where you want your family and friends to work, and part of that is making sure that my daughter and niece know Simmons is a place where they have opportunity,” said Todd Simmons, CEO, Simmons Foods.

To find out more about WISE and our Nights of Dynamic Networking, visit www.womeninstorebrands.com.

 

Mentee Spotlight: Byron Kroner

Name of Mentee: Byron Kroner

Mentor Circle Lead: Kelly Mihalis-McGolrick

Company: Marketing Concepts Group, Inc. 

Position: Account Executive

Tell us a little about yourself (professional/personal): I’ve worked with Marketing Concepts Group since January 2013, after graduating from the University of New Mexico with concentrations in Economics and Business Administration. While working towards my degree, I spent time interning at a manufacturing facility where I was involved in many aspects of food production, logistics, and sales. During my time with MCG, I built upon my manufacturing experience by gaining skills in account management, including the administrative requirements of several national retailers (category bids, new item set-up, order processing, forecasting, artwork development, etc.). In my free time, I enjoy playing hockey and golf, as well as spending time outdoors and traveling.

What do you value from the Mentor Circle?: I believe the Mentor Circle program has been of great value to me personally due to the diversity of our group. The differences in age, gender, and stages of our careers has led to insightful perspectives on the topics we cover from a number of different angles. I feel this has allowed us all to leave no stone unturned in our discussions, which ultimately leads to getting the most out of the program.

How is this experience (i.e. topics, dynamics of the group, program) helping you with your professional development?: The experience has had an extremely positive benefit to my professional development. The topics we’ve covered have all been relevant to potential issues faced in day to day business dealings. I also feel like our group itself has bonded over this shared experience, and I can easily see keeping in touch with many of them when the program concludes. 

What programs/resources do you use within WISE (i.e. webinars, InPower Coaching, networking events) and what value do these provide?: Networking events put on by WISE are something I genuinely look forward to. It is a great resource for anyone in the industry to meet amazing people, and truly learn from the best in their field. The PLMA luncheon is a particular highlight for me personally, as the topics covered and speakers presenting are always well constructed and executed. It’s hard not to come away with newfound insight and inspiration.

If you’re a volunteer on any WISE committee, which one and what is your role?: I am not currently a volunteer on any WISE committee, but would be glad to lend my services wherever there is a need!

 

Mentee Spotlight: Raychel Parker-Dull

Name of Mentee: Raychel Parker-Dull

 Mentor Circle Lead: Kelly Mihalis-McGolrick

 Company: Topco Associates LLC

Position: Manager, Member Services

 Tell us a little about yourself (professional/personal):

I’m originally from Texas, but the arts are what eventually led me to Chicago. I’ve been with Topco for a little over nine years, starting as a temp in the Logistics Department specializing in warehouse order processing. I’ve worked in various positions here learning all I can about the member experience. I was promoted to Manager in May 2017.

 What do you value from the Mentor Circle?

I appreciate all of the diverse viewpoints on any given topic. We all come from different backgrounds and experiences; it’s enlightening to hear tales from all levels. I am a part of the first ever co-ed circle and our discussions relating to gender differences in the workforce have been thought-provoking and fascinating.

How is this experience (i.e. topics, dynamics of the group, program) helping you with your professional development?

My circle has covered a wide-range of topics all of which have been educational and interesting. Our team building discussion especially hit home for me as a newer manager. I have been able to glean some tips and ideas from others in my circle about how to approach various situations. It truly has been a wonderful experience and opportunity!

 What programs/resources do you use within WISE (i.e. webinars, InPower Coaching, networking events) and what value do these provide?

Any time a webinar is offered I do my very best to attend. These have provided tremendous insight and knowledge about how to make my day a little less crazy, and how to plan a little bit better. I am also slated to attend the WISE Annual Meeting in November. I can’t wait to meet other motivated and talented individuals from across the country!

 If you’re a volunteer on any WISE committee, which one and what is your role?

I currently am not a volunteer on any WISE committee.