WASHINGTON -- The Grocery Manufacturers of America here said it will make several organizational changes to increase member participation, improve efficiency and add more value to its programs.
s reviewing all activities to increase real value to members and broaden participation from all segments of the membership," according to C. Manly Molpus, president and chief executive officer. "To achieve the objectives detailed in GMA's board-approved strategic plan, we are creating new programs, reducing meeting time and duplication, and responding to evolving member needs to make the most effective use of member company and GMA resources."
The President's Advisory Council, which will identify opportunities as consumer issues emerge, review GMA programs and recommend new initiatives. The council will be chaired by Daniel Dillon, president and CEO of Welch's, Concord, Mass.
A Sales Committee forum that will allow sales vice presidents to share their expertise in electronic commerce, sales-force structure and activity-based management.
The expansion of Share Groups for senior managers from noncompeting member companies to share solution ideas in areas ranging from unsaleables to invoice accuracy.
A Trade Relations Roundtable, which will establish small forums for noncompeting trade-relations executives to assess problems and identify trends.
A Direct Store Delivery Committee to focus on the role that collective industry action will play in eliminating non-value-added activities from the DSD supply chain.
Other meetings and conference changes include a 10% cut in formal education programs plus the elimination of a sales and marketing conference, the annual trade issues conference and a technical regulatory conference.