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.

 

 

 

 

 

Diversity in Our Mentor Circle Leads to Valuable Insight

by Kelly McGolrick – Lassonde Pappas

2018 is my second year as a lead in the WISE Mentor Circle Program, and the first time we piloted a mixed gender group. Our group is comprised of sales, marketing, customer service and food science professionals that represent public, private and family-owned businesses. Using articles and references for background, we’ve tackled a variety of topics including Conducting Effective and Efficient Meetings, Communication Styles, Relationship Management/Building Relationships, Ready for a Promotion and Team Building. Our varied roles, types of companies, years in the industry and genders have resulted in spirited discussions and eye-opening insights. We are excited to get a few more topics under our belt as we close out the year.

 

WISE Speaker Panel Featured at Velocity Conference

On September 19, WISE sponsored a panel discussion “Unlocking Real Results Through Diversity” at the 2018 Velocity-The My Private Brand Conference in Charlotte. Moderator Kieran Forsey, S4RB, led featured speakers Deanna Dorrance, Ace Hardware; Clay Dockery, MZB; Laura McCready, OFD Foods; and John Clague, Former Waitrose and ASDA through an exchange of experiences as to how diversity and inclusion have impacted the private label industry. As the need for diversity has become a higher-profile topic at retail, given its direct impact on interactions with customers and associates, WISE organized a panel of speakers with varied backgrounds to share their experiences.

WISE Board member Kara Miencier shares her thoughts and a few highlights from the panel discussion.

For me, the panel really showcased a diverse group of individual thoughts, experiences, and words of wisdom for fostering a more inclusive and successful workplace environment. While their experiences all stemmed from various backgrounds, when the panel was asked about the importance and need for diversity within the workplace, they all answered with an absolute “obviously.”

As a millennial, it’s hard to believe that there was ever such a thing as a “training women in sales roles” class that men would partake in; however, there was. Clay Dockery, MZB, shared his story of having to take such a class early on his career. The shock of hearing this during the panel reminded me that a huge gender gap took place not that long ago. Deanna Dorrence, Ace Hardware, shared a story about how their company has evolved and her story really stood out to me in a positive way. When she first began at Ace, each meeting would take place with “Hello, my name is “X” and I’ve been here for 25 years”. Now, when they introduce themselves, the dialogue is more “Hello, my name is “X” and these are my experiences.” The focus has shifted from age to purpose. And, for me, Laura McCready’s success story was really quite inspiring. Earlier in Laura’s career, she was a wife who moved with her husband’s career. She had to kick start a new career when they moved. She is now the “breadwinner” for her family, while her husband is at home with their daughter. Being from a Japanese family, this sort of family arrangement is not necessarily the norm.

The best news from this panel? The industry is changing in a positive direction. While of course there is still plenty of work that needs to be done, the tides are shifting. It was very apparent through the panel that the need for diversity (race, gender, age, etc.) is not only wanted and needed, it is here. The panelists expressed what is occurring within their organizations is hiring based on talent, but keeping the workplace environment inclusive and open for diversification. Definitely a valuable and enlightening discussion on the topic of diversity.