Mega Group CFO Kevin Leier, left, presents a check for $12,025 to Jacqueline Mallet of Ronald McDonald’s House Charities along with Sealy Canada’s Marie-Josée Chun Fortin and Mega CEO Chris West at the group’s Momentum 2023 convention. (Photo courtesy of Xsight Photography & Cinemas, Saskatoon, SK)
BrandSource Canada convenes for annual convention
By Andy Kriege, YSN
Momentum 2023, the national convention for AVB affiliate Mega Group/BrandSource Canada, was held this past fall in Montréal. The event welcomed a record-breaking 380 attendees from across the Great White North.
The annual event brought regulars and newcomers together who then immersed themselves in four days of inspiration and collaboration.
In his welcoming speech, Chris West, president/CEO of Mega Group, expressed his appreciation for all who took time out of their busy schedules to attend. “It’s evident that there is a deep sense of pride and passion within our organization, extending to our members and valued partners,” he said. “This unwavering commitment fuels our drive to excel and succeed in everything that we do.”
West went on to reiterate the group’s commitment to the convention’s theme of continuous improvement and working together.
See: West Leads AVB’s Neighbor in the North
Momentum 2023 provided a number of notable features, including exclusive “member huddles” with Mega’s executive leadership team and an inspiring keynote delivered by three-time Olympic hockey player and gold medalist Jennifer Botterill.
Members also had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into succession planning and to receive tips on data-driven success strategies from their peers. Marketing was also a hot topic, with the AVB Marketing (AVBM) team on hand. AVBM representatives encouraged Mega members to leverage their marketing prowess to their advantage, identified solutions they deliver best for retailers, and emphasized how AVBM is committed to working hard for its member partners north of the border.
The gala event also saw the entry of longtime Mega member Richard Kullberg into the prestigious Mega Hall of Fame, becoming its second-ever inductee. Launched last year, the Mega Hall of Fame honors the most influential and significant contributors to the success of Mega Group and its members.
Kullberg’s connection to the group goes back to its very beginning after his father, Jack Kullberg, founded VIP Stores Ltd. in 1965. “To me, the buying group has always been important, not only because it was partially started by our family, but also because it afforded me interaction with like-minded people who I was able to run ideas by,” Kullberg said. “I am so proud to be a member of this group; even prouder to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. This is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Added Mega Vice-Chairman Michel Gaudreau, “Richard’s impact on our group is immeasurable and we are grateful for his contributions.”
CEO West summed it all up best. “Momentum was a remarkable event filled with valuable interactions, industry insights, successful strategies and important knowledge,” he said. “We would like to thank our sponsors for their support and look forward to our next convention in Vancouver in the summer of 2024.”
