Promoworks expands presence in NWA

DSN Retailing Today, May 23, 2005

The growth of in-store sample at Wal-Mart stores has led to a number of recent changes at PromoWorks. The company has increased its staffing in Northwest Arkansas and introduced a system that allows for the tracking of demonstrators so that those proven to generate sales can be assigned to specific projects.

"As Wal-Mart's in-store sampling business has continued to grow, we have stayed ahead of that curve to ensure we effectively meet the needs of Wal-Mart and its vendor community. This has included expanding our Bentonville staff and capabilities to provide full service, turnkey execution," said Eric Bergh, vp of business development/Wal-Mart. "With the launch of our new Proven Sales Performers Program, we have added a promotion/Retail Link analyst and increased our in-store operations team. We have also expanded business development and our Wal-Mart client service team for enhanced customization of programs."

Those joining PromoWorks recently include Mary Beth Cardoni and Cindi Gehler, both of whom serve as directors of business development/Wal-Mart. New additions to the company also include, Angel Clower, Retail Link analyst; Lane Coleman, sales assistant; Ashlee Lazenby, event manager; and Julie Hoffman, assistant event manager.

To make room for its increased staff, PromoWorks relocated its office to the Dogwood Office Park located at 3105 N.W. 11th Street, Suite 9, in Bentonville.

In addition to expanding its staff, the company earlier this year introduced what it calls the first demonstrator-identification and performance-tracking system in the industry.

"In an industry where companies continually promise the 'best-of-the-best' labor, we are excited to be the first with the technology in place to provide factual data that actually proves why specific demonstrators are the best," said Joanne Balogh, evp of business development with PromoWorks.

Demonstrators are assigned a PromoPIN that uniquely identifies them and can be linked with Wal-Mart's Retail Link data to analyze sales results by store to identify solid performers. The PromoPIN technology allows the company to measure and track individual demonstrator performance against key measures such as sales, distribution and on-target execution to ensure only proven performers are assigned to work on PromoWorks projects.

For more information visit www.promoworks.com or contact Eric Bergh at 479-271-5800.