Feb 2022 - Message from your CAMA President

Wouldn’t it be nice if daily conversation didn’t keep circling back to the topic of COVID and how it has disrupted our business and personal lives through restrictions and unnecessary protests? The world population is fed up with COVID restrictions, but if COVID related restrictions would cease to exist tomorrow, we as business owners will still face challenges with getting our businesses back to a new normal. These challenges include labour shortages, transportation issues, technology shortages and product shortages. To make matters worse these challenges have resulted in unprecedented price increases in our supply chain and have forced the global cost of living to soar out of control.

What can we do to combat these challenges?

Firstly, we need to take a good look at our current business operation and do some housekeeping. Ask yourself, are we operating at peak efficiency? If not, then focus on efficiencies that add to your bottom line.

Secondly, are we using technology to our best advantage? Technology like cashless payment systems, route scheduling / management software and inventory control / picking systems will increase sales and provide operational savings and efficiencies to your business.

Thirdly, are we being the one stop shop to our customers or are we just the vending or coffee supplier? Today’s customer appreciates the logistics of dealing with one supplier that can provide multiple services. Consider diversification and the benefits of being the one stop shop. Review your business model and consider including Vending, Office Coffee, Micro Markets and Water Services in your business portfolio. These services compliment each other and will make you both a stronger company and competitor while increasing cashflow and profitability.

Now after considering the above suggestions, you may ask yourself what are my next steps and where do I go from here? This is where your membership in CAMA plays an important role in your success and future. CAMA has many supplier members that have a wealth of knowledge in all categories of our industry. They would be honoured to have the opportunity to provide you with all the information that you need to make educated decisions that will help you implement technology, diversify and grow your business.

If you are a CAMA member and do not attend our annual trade shows, then I highly suggest that you consider attending in the future. You will be surprised at the wealth of knowledge that your industry colleagues have and are willing to share with you. This is a great opportunity to network and collaborate with your piers.

CAMA is here to support all its members, but it is up to you to engage yourself in our industry. Believe me, I know firsthand the benefits of being an engaged CAMA member.

Let 2022 be a year of rebuilding and continued growth of our business and economy.