Events 2016

Workshop – January 8, 2016 - Steve Turner

Turner Time Management Workshop


With all the new technology services, apps and devices that are now available, what is best for you and/or your organization? What will enhance you and your employees’ effectiveness and maximize their productivity?

This session will provide the following take-aways:

1. What technology devices (Surface Pro/Book, iPad Pro, smartphones, Android tablets, etc.) are best to equip your team

2.  Using Software as a Service (SaaS) for “Office” programs and/or CRM

3. Top e-mail management tips, both for in the office and when “mobile”

4. MAC “Best Practices”: What apps for your smartphone and/or tablet have you found most beneficial?

5. Ask the Expert” Q&A segment

With a background in technology and nearly 30 years of business experience, Steve has shared during the last nine years, technology and time management tools, techniques and tips with thousands of professionals across the country. His speaking, training and coaching has helped many organizations increase the productivity of their employees. Steve has significant experience with working with independent sales and marketing agencies. His proven ability to leverage technology (including desktops, laptops and mobile devices) is of great value to anyone in need of greater sales and/or productivity results. TurnerTime℠ is time management tools, techniques and tips to effectively manage emails, tasks and projects. Visit www.GetTurnerTime.com for more about our time saving strategies.

Luncheon – February 12, 2016 - Ed Finke

Ed Finke, President, of Simply Money to speak.

Our speaker will be Ed Finke, President, of Simply Money™. Ed will discuss with us what today’s economic and investment conditions mean to your 401k.  There will be plenty of time for Q&A so bring your financial questions for Ed.

Ed has more than 30 years of financial consulting and teaching experience working with personal and corporate clients.With his extensive experience, Ed is a voting member on the Investment Committee at Simply Money Investments.Ed presents financial education programs for local businesses and community service organizations in the community.Ed is on the board of directors for Honor Flight Tri-State and serves as a sponsor and media partner for the nonprofit organization. Honor Flight Tri-State honors World War II and Korean War veterans visiting their memorials in Washington D.C.In 2012, Ed was named Volunteer Team Finalist for Invest in Others Community Leadership Awards.Ed is a U.S. Army veteran and a Cincinnati native with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Xavier University


Luncheon – March 11, 2016 - Steve Melink

Topic: Latest Trends in Renewable Energy

Our speaker, Steve Melink, will share the latest trends in renewable energy; Wind, Solar and Geo Thermal.

Steve Melink is the founder, owner, and president of Melink Corporation, a provider of building commissioning services, energy-saving kitchen ventilation controls and solar PV systems for the commercial and institutional building industry since 1987. Customers include national restaurant, retail, supermarket, and hotel chains, as well as schools, hospitals, and federal, state, and local governments.

Steve is author of the book, “CEO Power & Light CEO Power & Light Transcendent Leadership for a Sustainable World”.  The book is destined to become a business classic on transcendent leadership—doing the right thing and making the world a better place. The strategic advantages that flow from this emerging, higher form of leadership are indispensable to building great brands and companies in the 21st century.

Melink Corporation’s headquarters in Cincinnati is the first LEED-Gold NC and LEED-Platinum EB certified office building in the State of Ohio. It is also Energy Star certified with a rating of 99 out of 100. In 2010 the Association of Energy Engineers awarded their building the Renewable Energy Project of the Year. And their building is one of the first in the U.S. and world to become net-zero energy. Steve’s goal is to help mainstream the sustainability movement through positive leadership. In addition to walking the talk at his home and business, he has actively promoted energy efficiency, and renewable energy at the local, state and national level. He believes that energy is the core of some of our most pressing challenges in the U.S, including economic growth, national security, environmental health.


Luncheon – April 8, 2016 - Charles Cohon

Topic: How I Sold My Rep Company and How You Can Too!

In 2013 MANA CEO Charles Cohon sold the manufacturers’ representative firm he’d launched in 1984 to his key employee. And, as longtime MANA member as well as its CEO, he based his plan on some of the best educational resources and legal talent available to reps anywhere.

In this very special meeting of MAC, Charley will pull back the curtain, share the details of how he and other MANA members have structured the sales of their rep companies, and lead a conversation about topics that are important you as you plan the sale of your own rep firm.

And, to be sure that this is a conversation instead of a presentation, today’s meeting has been designated as a PowerPoint-free zone. No projector. No screen. Just a group of fellow reps discussing the ways they can structure a transition to provide for themselves and their families in retirement.


Workshop – May 13, 2016 - Crystal Thies

Topic: How to use LinkedIn to grow your Business

Join us on May 13 for a workshop facilitated by Crystal Thies, The LinkedIn Ninja. She will cover three main areas including:

This training is done in a live “demo” mode using examples that are relevant to independent sales reps.

Facilitator – Crystal Thies, also known as the LinkedIn Ninja, is the founder and CEO of Crystal Clear Buzz, LLC, a company focused on helping companies and individuals utilize social media for sales and business development. Although well versed and experienced in all social media, Crystal specializes in the utilization of LinkedIn® for both B2B and B2C companies. The strategies, methodologies and philosophies that she advocates were developed completely by her through her own use as a salesperson and small business owner. Daily trial and testing are her modus operandi for staying on top of the ever evolving and changing LinkedIn platform.

The Crystal Clear Buzz LinkedIn Ninja provides training, customized strategies, and even outsourced services such as LinkedIn profile and company page building, to help you and your company find prospects, build relationships, establish yourself as an expert and ultimately grow your revenues utilizing LinkedIn. She is the co-author of “The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors: How to Use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to Build and Grow Your Business” which was released by Bloomberg Press in July 2012.


Luncheon – September 9, 2016 - Don Gray

To Win BIG, Learn How to Lose Early

Topic: Learning How to Lose Early and Other Axioms of Sales
The selling world has seen many changes in recent years:  new tools to support the selling approach,  new selling methodologies like the Challenger Sale or revisions/improvements to existing selling methodologies.  CRMs have also come a long way.  And then there is marketing automation.  As I have looked at and welcomed these changes and improvements, I have been struck by some fundamental truths that don’t seem to have changed, but we have lost sight of them in our rush to adopt the latest tool, technology, or methodology. I am not suggesting that there is no value in the new items on the market, but I do believe we have lost sight of some of the core techniques of selling.

To Win Big, Learn How to Lose Early, from the upcoming book by the same name, takes a look at what I see are some of the fundamental truths of sales that have not changed.  And they can be applied to the modern selling world just like they were 30, 40, or more years ago.  Through this talk, I will review 14 of my favorite axioms of sales.  These are Sales Fundamentals that you can use in any selling situation in any selling industry.  You will see how applying each of these 14 axioms can help you become more effective at selling and will drive more and greater sales.

Presenter: Don Gray, President, Sales Engineering Group

Don has enjoyed a thirty-year career in sales, marketing, international management, and sales development.  Over his career, he has developed an extensive background in systems software, database and business application technologies, and data warehousing solutions.  Don has held positions in Sales, Sales Management, Marketing, International Management and Strategic Planning.  In addition, he has led sales education development and deployment activities. Don has extensive experience in facilitating both sales skills and business solution workshop sessions worldwide.

Don pursued his academic career at Cleveland State University and the University of Texas in Dallas in business and marketing.  He is experienced with and certified in a variety of selling methodologies including Sales Force Systems’ Eagle Selling Methodology, Holden International’s Power Base Selling and related programs, Huthwaite’s SPIN Selling, IMPAX Corp.’s The IMPAX Selling Process, and the Dale Carnegie Sales Course.


Luncheon – October 14, 2016 - Roundtable Discussion

Topic:  Roundtable Discussion on Important Topics Affecting Reps

Join us on Friday, October 14 for a lively conversation on the following topics that are important to all reps:

Topic 1 :  “Retainers”

Topic 2 :  “Contract Re-negotiation”

Topic 3 :  “Compensation of Sales People”

Topic 4    “How to reduce your expenses”


Luncheon – November 11, 2016 - Steve Boyd

Topic: Communicating in Another Culture
Speaker:  Stephen Boyd, Ph.D.

We are excited to have Steve Boyd back to speak to us at our November 11 luncheon meeting.  His topic will be on “Communicating in Another Culture.” Having traveled extensively in 36 countries, Steve has practical points to share in talking to people from other countries.

Steve is a professional speaker, seminar leader, and communication consultant, as well as an effective motivator and trainer. He has been involved in the study and practice of communication all of his adult life. His experience and expertise are in improving presentation skills, interpersonal skills, and listening skills.

Steve’s articles on public speaking, sales presentation skills, oral presentation skills, and effective listening skills have appeared in various magazines and journals, and his three books on public speaking have sold over 30,000 copies.

For more information on Steve, visit his website http://sboyd.com.


Luncheon – December 9, 2016 - Dean Gregory

Join us for our annual holiday party to hear Dean Gregory, Vice President, of Montgomery Inn.

We are excited to have Dean Gregory speak to us about the history of Montgomery Inn and his charitable work.  Dean celebrates 50 years at Montgomery Inn this year!

 Be sure to invite your spouse, office personnel and customers to attend for what promises to be an interesting as well as entertaining program!