| IN1 www. retailenvironments .org What an honor! Many thanks to all of you for the privilege of being your spokes- person for the next two years. And my deepest gratitude to Alan Harvill, who raised the bar during his outstanding two years of leadership of this great and growing organization. Upon those big shoulders and those of Alan’s predecessors, I hope over the next two years to build on the momentum of A.R.E.’s success while we work to realize our strategic initiatives. I want to hear from members to better understand what you’re looking for in this association. In this column and at A.R.E. events, I’ll share with you what I’m hearing and some lessons learned in the process. “So what’s next?” at’s one of six strategic initiatives developed this summer during planning sessions. What’s next is learning through education and networking. It’s key to ensuring our growth and relevancy in this dynamic industry. As my wife, Nancy, and I take our high school senior, Will, on college visits, I’m continually reminded how much I’d like to do school over and how much was missed. ree jobs during school distracted me, but no doubt the socializing and fun that led to a few all-nighters took their toll. Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s right-hand man and a sage (IMHO), says, “I constantly see people rise in life who are not the smartest, sometimes not even the most diligent, but they are learning machines. ey go to bed every night a little wiser than when they got up. And boy does that help, particularly when you have a long run ahead of you.” So please check out A.R.E. Connect. Participate in the members-only discussions and search individuals from more than 750 member companies to connect with others. I can’t express enough the wisdom gained from conversations with Alan Harvill, Bob Riley, Robert Frackleton, Ernie Ernest, Jim Schubert, Jack Hale, John Schlegel, Karen Schaffner, Richard Stolls, Wallace Fetzer, and many other A.R.E. members. Shoptalks, the PAVE Gala, and the A.R.E. Design Awards provide opportunities to meet peers and up-and-comers and to see the newest talent and best design work. GlobalShop seminars drive home ideas and examples of success. And the recent A.R.E. Summit was yet another opportunity to connect with folks who’ve paid lots of tuition bills toward their success. We know now that the econ- omy is giving us tailwinds and our sails must be positioned correctly to harness this. Please invest in your business through industry education. A.R.E. is serving up school hours that are flexible, relevant, and critical to keep your business thriving! | IN1 What’s next? Education and networking “ What’s next is learning through education and networking. It’s key to ensuring our growth and relevancy in this dynamic industry. ” Bob Rosean A.R.E. President | CEO, TJ Hale I N S I D E R a special section for suppliers only IN THIS ISSUE: 1 | Presidential Perspectives 4 | Lead Time 6 | GlobalShop Exhibiting Tips 8 | Global Harmonization 10 | A.R.E. Connect 11 | Using Your Benefits 12 | Inboarding 14 | 2014 A.R.E. Summit 16 | Member News