ProSource has released its annual State of the Business address video filmed on location at the ProSource Lighting Technology and Learning Center at the Dallas Market Center. Dave Workman, CEO and president of ProSource, recaps the key 2021 initiatives and challenges, focusing on the organization’s commitment to help members grow their businesses. Following the highlights of the State of the Business presentation is a guided video tour of the recently unveiled ProSource Lighting Technology and Learning Center, home to the exclusive ProSource Lighting Technology Certification Level 2 training.
2021 has proven to be a unique year starting out with an unprecedented global pandemic that unexpectedly presented challenges and opportunities for the industry. Upon being deemed essential service providers, ProSource members experienced great demand for solutions that customers required to shelter in place, including more robust networks to support working from home, home schooling, and entertainment options. A variety of categories have seen tremendous growth including premium TVs, 2-channel audio, lighting, shading and outdoor entertainment spaces.
Communication in 2021 has been even more critical than ever before. The membership has learned about supply chain disruptions, product shortages, and upside opportunities throughout the year via videoconferencing, day-to-day, one-on-one contact with the District Managers, and through a series of peer-to-peer experiences recorded on video. Monthly member surveys have been valuable to the ProSource vendor community for accurate forecasting and tracking regional business conditions.
The launch of ProSource University in May of 2020 was a timely investment by the ProSource Board of Directors and the management team. Since its launch, the depth and breadth of the education and training modules has grown exponentially, having generated over 450 unique courses with more on the way with leadership, sales and project management curriculum in development. Participation in PSU for every member company and their employees is free through 2021.
With business trending up, another challenge that has risen to the forefront of the organization is recruitment and retention. Launched in 2019, the ProSource healthcare program has evolved with new benefits and competitive pricing providing the opportunity for members to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Two new programs launched in 2021, including the McQuaig Candidate Assessment Solution that enables member companies to measure the job candidate’s potential for success against powerful benchmarking data. And, most recently, ProSource announced the launch of ProSource Academy this fall addressing the pain point of finding qualified technicians with an exclusive three-day hands-on basic training for new installers.
Additional live events are in the planning stage for the second half of the year including a Summer Conference for the PRO and Power members in August, a presence at CEDIA Expo 2021, an expanded roster of Town Hall dinners, and the inaugural Lighting Certification Level 2 trainings at the ProSource Lighting Technology and Learning Center in Dallas this fall. The annual Summit for the CI members is planned for Spring 2022 in Las Vegas.
For more information, visit www.prosourceinfo.com.
