Important Industry News

Launch of Natural Insight of Technology Center

Natural Insight will debut their Technology Center during the 15th Annual NARMS Spring Conference at the Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, FL on April 17th. The Technology Center will give conference attendees the opportunity to discover leading edge advancements. Presentations will be made by Natural Insight and its partners Fusient, myStaffingPro, and Omega Solutions on topics such as Inventory Scanning, Recruiting, Shelf Management, Professional Employment Organization, Location Management as well as an introduction to the iPhone App GPS Check-In. There will also be an option for one-on-one sessions and personalized demonstrations.

RORI™ Goes to GlobalShop

The NARMS RORI™ Industry Research Study reached an important benchmark when it was presented to a group of industry professionals at GlobalShop in Las Vegas. Additional RORI details will be presented at the NARMS Spring Conference scheduled for April 17 through 20 in Tampa, Florida. A group of over one hundred witnessed a panel discussion lead by Phil Lauria of Pelco Advisors. The blue ribbon panel consisted of Don Unser of NPD, Bill Harvey of TRA Global Inc., John Dranow of Smart Revenue and Jerry O’Brien of the Kohl Department Store Center of Retailing Excellence at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Read the full story.

UW and Students Enhance Conference Learning

Last year, NARMS established a formal relationship with the University of Wisconsin School of Business and the Kohl Center for Retail Excellence. That relationship has blossomed and will be on full display at the 2010 NARMS Spring Conference on April 17-20 at the Saddlebrook Resort near Tampa, Florida. UW staff and students will contribute to five unique sessions during five time blocks throughout the event. These sessions are being featured under the NARMS U banner which entails all of NARMS educational programs. Read the full story.

NARMSCertify U Now Live!

Mark down March 2, 2010 as an important date in the history of NARMS. Yesterday, our NARMSCertify U field representative training tool went live. Training and education are critical to our members who operate a largely decentralized workforce to deliver expert at-retail merchandising and marketing services. Now, eight career building courses are available to provide marketing representatives with a simple, straightforward online learning experience. In addition, there will be a special workshop entitled, “NARMSCertify U and You,” at the NARMS Spring Conference on Sunday April 18th at the Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa. Read the full story.

NARMS Spring Conference Engaging Social Media

It’s without question that social media networks are in the mainstream. For almost two years, NARMS has been engaging with field personnel seeking employment. The NARMS Facebook group has 3,631 members as of this morning and over 4,000 following on Twitter. The next step in the evolution is to engage a professional audience such as customers, members, potential members, other trade groups and trade media. NARMS Spring Conference is doing just that by employing social media to communicate and network before, during and after the event. Read the full story.

Natural Insight Recognized for Outstanding Brand Strength

Natural Insight was recently honored for its rebranding work performed over the past year. At the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals' 2009 Hermes Creative Awards competition, the company received a platinum award for its comprehensive branding campaign.

The company's branding effort has touched everything from the Natural Insight logo and advertisements to the corporation's website and trade show exhibit. “While we're proud that we've been recognized for the quality and consistency of our brand,” says CEO and President Stefan Midford, “what is even more significant is the impact that our refreshed branding has had in attracting increased attention within our industry and new support from investors.”

Christine Clifford Beckwith to Present - The Art of Selling To Your Retail Service Client - at NARMS Spring Conference

Stevens Point, WI - Christine Clifford Beckwith, author of You, Inc. - The Art of Selling Yourself, will be presenting as a Keynote Speaker at the 14th Annual NARMS International Spring Conference Annual Meeting & Exposition next April. Written along with husband, Harry Beckwith, her newest book was named a "Notable Book of 2007" by the American Booksellers Association. Ms. Beckwith will appear on the NARMS program on Tuesday, April 7 at the Closing General Session. Read the full story.