Independent C-Store Expo to Explore Workforce Differences

BURR RIDGE, Ill. — Royal Buying Group Inc. (RBG) announced the keynote speaker and educational sessions scheduled for its 2015 Independent C-store Expo (I-C-Expo) on Thursday, April 30. Hosted at the Chicago Marriott Burr Ridge, the I-C-Expo is exclusively targeted to independent single-site, multiple-site and wholesale jobbers representing all brands of petroleum/convenience store locations.

Linda McKenna, principal and co-founder of Convenience Store Coaches Inc. and Employee Performance Strategies Inc. — consulting firms that improve clients' bottom line through customer relationships, leadership and employee performance improvement strategies — will host the keynote session, "Motivation Across the Generational Divide" from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

McKenna, who with her business partner spent nearly 30 years with Mobil Oil Corp. in various capacities, focuses on the "how to" approach to business success, as opposed to speakers who theorize and tell stories on "why" organizations should do something, according to the announcement. This leaves participants with the required skills and knowledge to take specific actions to become more profitable.

Educational sessions will include "Trends in Prepaid: Growth Drivers in Wireless, Gift Cards and Financial Services," presented by RBG and InComm, a provider of point-of-sale technology solutions at 9 a.m.; and "Evolution of Tobacco," presented by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. at 10 a.m.

The I-C-Expo lets c-store suppliers network with retailers while introducing products and promotions. Educational sessions and the keynote will take place before the trade show hours and attendance is free for all independent retailers.

Lisle, Ill.-based RBG is a national merchandising and marketing organization representing wholesaler and retailer locations of all brands of convenience stores, petroleum suppliers, college bookstores and independent pharmacies.