HVACR distributor Johnstone Supply, Inc., celebrated a strong year and presented a range of new initiatives to improve customer service during its Annual Members’ Meeting held in Chicago IL, October 12th - 15th.

While economic challenges continue for the industry at large, the Johnstone Cooperative announced the continuing addition of new stores and a range of high-growth member sales awards. Meeting seminars included discussions of Johnstone’s recently approved Strategic Plan. New initiatives already in motion include heavy investments in customer service and contractor resources and training, along with major technology and infrastructure improvements including a completely revamped website and streamlined product information management.

The week’s events included keynote presentations by Talbot Gee, Vice President of HARDI (Heating, Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International), and Alan Beaulieu, President and Principal of the Institute for Trend Research. Johnstone also announced a new Cooperative-wide relationship with HARDI (further announcements to follow).

The Awards Banquet honored multiple members for exceptional performance and growth despite a tough economy. Among other awards presented, owner Mark Temple, Tulsa, OK, received the “Small Market Member of the Year” award after posting a phenomenal sales increase over the past 12 months.

Jeffrey and Tracy Sheehan, Detroit, MI, took the “Large Market Member of the Year” award for their store group, boasting tremendous sales growth since 2008. The meeting’s theme of “One Team. One Goal” reinforced every Member’s commitment to cementing the Cooperative’s national reputation as the customer’s best product and information resource in the industry.

Hundreds of independent Johnstone store owners attended from across the country, coming together to share best practices, tackle industry and store challenges, and attend instructive seminars focusing on new products, marketing and operations, including Thursday’s Service Vendor Trade Show.