VendorNet Connection 2008 Focuses on Strategic Moves for Managing a Global Supply Chain to Cut Costs and Expand Revenue Opportunities

Delray Beach, FL., June 18, 2008 - VendorNet, a supply chain collaboration solutions provider recently held VendorNet Connection 2008, its third Users Conference and Training Symposium for 90 attendees. Conference participants included retail executives and hands-on VendorNet users from Merchandising & Purchasing, Operations, Inventory Control, Transportation and Logistics, and Information Technology.

The conference kicked off with a keynote presentation on Global Changes in Sourcing, Supply Chain, and Economics from Don Libey, President of Libey Incorporated. In his inimitable style, Libey discussed the inevitable global shifts that lie ahead including the U.S. driven more by social welfare than consumption, foreign entities buying U.S. manufacturing resources to produce goods at a lower cost, and U.S. energy costs rising significantly equalizing with costs already faced by Europe, China and the rest of the world. In addition, Libey predicted global changes in sourcing and energy costs will drive the decentralization of the supply chain forming a global merchandising and distribution model with integrated systems intelligence.

Sharon Gardner, President of VendorNet delivered a business update including company and technology news, as well as the announcement of two new product additions to the VendorNet Commerce Suite - VendorNet Event Manager for managing transportation and work in process, and VendorNet StoreNet Manager, which allows a retailer’s e-commerce website and retail store inventory to be shared across the enterprise creating a single virtual warehouse. Both products are designed to further streamline the inventory fulfillment process, minimizing inventory carrying costs and expanding sales opportunities.

New to the conference was a Vendor Showcase featuring VendorNet-enabled vendors exhibiting their products. VendorNet retail clients and product vendors came together for a hands-on review of the vendor’s product lines and the opportunity to form new business relationships. The retailers and vendors unanimously agreed that the Vendor Showcase was a great addition to the conference, and look forward to repeat performances.

The conference also included 40 detailed breakout sessions on various VendorNet functionalities presented by both VendorNet staff and VendorNet clients including: Overton’s, Onlineshoes.com, RedEnvelope, and The Swiss Colony. Guest speaker Curt Barry, President of F. Curtis Barry and Company discussed Vendor Compliance programs, items that compliance guidelines should include, and how to successfully administer them. Special guest, Joe Andraski, President and CEO of VICS, provided information on the purpose of their retail standards organization, and the importance of pushing cost out of the supply chain for both retailers and suppliers alike. John Terwilliger, VP, Market Development, and Al Garton, Director of General Merchandise and Apparel from GS1-US, and Tom Clarkson retired Director of Supply Chain Technology from Barnes & Noble discussed the proper implementation of SSCC carton labels and U.P.C./GTIN product labels and how they streamline warehouse operations and distribution.

“VICS and GS1-US work cooperatively to promote and implement retail standards specifically designed to create uniformity between retailers and vendors to streamline supply chain processes and reduce costs for both parties. Their participation was strategic in exposing our client base to the benefits of both organizations particularly in light of the current and projected economic climate,” stated Sharon Gardner, President of VendorNet.

This year’s conference also initiated the start of VNUG, a VendorNet client-driven user group designed to foster communication among VendorNet users, and articulate and prioritize enhancements and new VendorNet solutions. Board member volunteers came together to discuss the specifics of launching the VNUG program.

VendorNet Connection 2008 also provided many networking opportunities including the popular interactive hollow square discussions where retailers and vendors discussed various dropship and stock purchasing operational issues. Each day culminated with relaxing evening events providing attendees with the opportunity to mingle and converse with VendorNet staff and industry peers in an informal setting.

John Roth, Vice President, American Hotel Register Company commented on the conference, “VendorNet Connection 2008 provided an excellent forum to acquire an up-to-date, high level view of VendorNet’s complete capabilities from experts within the VendorNet staff as well as from VendorNet’s client community. As a result of attending the conference, I have already met with our senior management team and operations managers to outline plans for five or six key action items involving VendorNet’s capabilities including: global order tracking, transportation management and carrier integration, as well as conducting an overall process assessment of where VendorNet can further improve our customer care and operational excellence.”

About VendorNet
VendorNet delivers web-based supply chain management solutions to multi-channel retailers enabling real-time collaboration with suppliers. VendorNet Commerce Suite, which includes its flagship products VendorNet Stock PO Manager and VendorNet Dropship Manager establishes a powerful foundation for solutions that dramatically improve supply chain processes, reduce costs, and strengthen retailer and supplier relationships. VendorNet's client base includes leading retail, catalog, and e-commerce companies such as Plow & Hearth/1-800-Flowers, Neiman Marcus, Norm Thompson, The Swiss Colony, FrontGate, Levenger, Gevalia/Kraft, Hammacher Schlemmer, RedEnvelope, Uline, David’s Bridal, and Lands’ End. For more information, visit www.vendornet.com


Contact:
VendorNet, Delray Beach
Louisa Rupp
954-767-8228
lrupp@vendornet.com