GC Buying Group Announces GC Advisory Panel and Store Partners

Dallas, December 7 – 

GC Buying Group is pleased to introduce the 2017 Advisory Panel Members, esteemed Store Members selected to deepen the Group’s connection to the ever changing retail environment.  By cultivating the network and knowledge, insights provided by these valued advisors mentor both Store and Vendor Members.

Throughout the year, the Advisory Panel will meet to analyze trend reports, discuss references for new vendors and share wisdom and experience on best business practices to run a successful independent store. “Insightful feedback offered by the AP can be directly applied to our day-to-day operations, presenting valuable opportunities not normally available to small business owners,” expressed Chris Wiedemer of Cooks World. 

In addition to the role of Advisory Panel Member, selected AP veterans have accepted the status of GC Store Partner, a chance for an elevated role within the Group.  This prestigious position will work closer with the GC team on special projects, such as developing exclusives and special product introductions and function as a spokesperson on behalf of GC.  

“We have enjoyed GC’s membership for over 31 years and have been able to learn and grow through our strong participation with the Group,” said Art Nading of The Extra Ingredient.  “The expertise of the GC Staff, the camaraderie of our peers and the support of the GC vendors makes us proud to serve as a GC Store Partner.”

The Advisory Panel Members include: A Cook’s Companion – Jennifer Baron (Brooklyn, NY), Cooks on Main – Angela Skogen (Williston, ND), The Cook’s Warehouse – Mary Moore (Atlanta, GA), Cook’sWares – Mary Fricke and Steve Fricke (Cincinnati, OH), Cooks World – Chris Wiedemer (Rochester, NY), The Extra Ingredient –Art Nading (Greensboro NC), Kitchen a la Mode – Ben Salmon (South Orange, NY), Kitchen Kapers – Bob Kratchman, Rick Kratchman and Ron Kratchman (Cherry Hill, NJ), KitchenArt – Larry Oates (West Lafayette, IN), LeRoux At Home – Michael Levandowski (Vineyard Haven, MA) and Sign of the Bear – Laura and Stephen Havlek (Sonoma, CA).  

GC Store Partners include: The Cook’s Warehouse – Mary Moore (Atlanta, GA), Cooks World – Chris Wiedemer (Rochester, NY), The Extra Ingredient –Art Nading (Greensboro NC), LeRoux At Home – Michael Levandowski (Vineyard Haven, MA) and Sign of the Bear – Laura and Stephen Havlek (Sonoma, CA).

2017 GC Advisory Panel:

A Cook’s Companion – Jennifer Baron (Brooklyn, NY)

*Cook’s on Main – Angela Skogen (Willston, ND)

The Cook’s Warehouse – Mary Moore (Atlanta, GA)

Cook’sWares – Mary Fricke and Steve Fricke (Cincinati, OH)

Cooks World- Chris Wiedemer (Rochester, NY)

The Extra Ingredient – Art Nading (Greensboro, NC)

*Kitchen a la Mode- Ben Salmon (South Orange, NY)

Kitchen Kapers- Bob Kractchman, Rick Kratchman and Ron Kratchman (Cherry Hill, NJ)

KitchenArt- Larry Oates (West Lafayette, IN)

*LeRoux At Home – Michael Levandowsi (Vineyard Haven, MA)

Sign of the Bear- Laura and Stephen Havlek (Sonoma, CA)

2017 GC Store Partners

The Cook’s Warehouse – Mary Moore (Atlanta, GA)

Cooks World- Chris Wiedemer (Rochester, NY)

The Extra Ingredient – Art Nading (Greensboro, NC)

*LeRoux At Home – Michael Levandowsi (Vineyard Haven, MA)

Sign of the Bear- Laura and Stephen Havlek (Sonoma, CA)

*Asterisk Signifies First Year Serving

“Serving on the GC AP allows me to give back and contribute to this organization and industry I love where the mentors and relationships I formed have significantly influenced the business person I am today,” said Mary Moore of Cook’s Warehouse.

The first meeting for the 2017 Advisory Panel and Store Partners will be held during the GC Start the Year event in January.  Ben Salmon, new to the AP and owner of Kitchen a la Mode, said “I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to sit on the Advisory Panel and give back to this amazing network of store owners; Kitchen a la Mode wouldn’t be the store it is today without GC.”

About GC Buying Group:

GC Buying Group Members form the original and leading buying group in the housewares industry. Celebrating 35 years in 2016, GC works to ensure the success of independent retailers with a variety of programs and services, including discounts provided by 200 plus vendor members.

 

For more information on Gourmet Catalog, call: +1-214-855-0005, email: info@gourmetcatalog.com or visit: gcbuyinggroup.com.

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