Dealers meet in North Carolina.

Dealership representatives from the Carolinas and Virginias converged on the Sheraton Imperial Convention Center at the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina for a two-day fall festival recently.

Outdoor Equipment Distributors Inc. used this opportunity to say "thank you" to their long-term customers and to say "welcome" to the newest members of the O.E.D. family. During 1991-1992, O.E.D. expanded their distribution territory to include Virginia and eastern West Virginia. In 1992, O.E.D. also celebrated 61 year of operations in the Carolinas. They attribute the long life of the company, to a very large degree, to dedicated dealerships who have supported O.E.D. and the quality product lines they have distributed for many years.

The second theme of the Fall Festival was to enhance dealership knowledge in the many aspects of two-step distribution. The grounds of the Sheraton were filled with product demonstration areas. Representatives from Echo, Scag, Exmark, White, Little Wonder, BCS, Ariens, Brown Mfg., Technic Tool, Oregon and Sarlo were available to provide hands-on demonstrations and in-depth information about their lines.

In addition, these manufacturers held seminars on new products, long term goals and other topics relevant to their products. Leasing and dealer/retail finance companies addressed financial support. Booths staffed by O.E.D. personnel provided information on co-op advertising, telecommunications, service and warranty.

The Sunday morning buffet proved to be very informative. Joe Rund, V.P. Sales and Marketing for Echo, Inc. spoke briefly on Echo's commitment to two-step distribution both now and in the future. James C. Shafe of Sales & Management Training, Inc., Atlanta, GA placed emphasis on O.E.D.'s theme, Moving Ahead Together, with his discussion of implementing changes within dealerships to stay abreast with changing markets. "There is only one constant in business...change!" His remarks focused the dealer's attention on how to adapt to "Different customers...Different Attitudes...Different Needs."

Robert L. Zucker, O.E.D. President, gave an overview of O.E.D.'s sixty-one years of operations. Zucker continued the emphasis by stressing the dealer's importance in Moving Ahead Together.

O.E.D. came up with a mix of serious topics and light hearted moments during the entire weekend. A dunking booth, with proceeds going to the American Red Cross, drew a crowd throughout Saturday afternoon. Another highlight was the O.E.D. staff's baby picture contest. Cindy Buck of One Stop Equipment, Greenville, NC took first place and $175 with her entry. Home-style cooking was featured with lunch catered on the grounds of the Sheraton. Over 75 booth prizes and door prizes were given away Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Saturday night, a political satire drew quite a few laughs as "national candidates" made their campaign promises to O.E.D. dealers for unlimited credit lines, 100 percent advertising co-op, repeal of Returned Goods Authorizations and the like. However, these candidates suddenly were all in agreement on one topic. When Saddam Hussein made a surprise visit to the debate, they joined forces to give him a barrage of pies-in-the-face. Saturday evening's entertainment drew even more laughs when the comedian "Killer Beaz" of Nashville, Tenn. took the stage.

O.E.D. concluded their dealer appreciation Fall Festival weekend with an Open House Sunday afternoon at their facilities. There, dealers were able to see Moving Ahead Together in action as they toured O.E.D.'s facilities and enjoyed a cookout prepared on site.