RSS-14: Preparing for Item-Level Barcodes
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$99 members/$198 non-members

Reduced Space Symbology (RSS-14, now known as GS1 Databar), is transforming the way retailers, wholesalers and grower-shippers identify and track bulk produce at the item level. If you are new to RSS technology, or are preparing to implement RSS barcodes, be sure to mark your calendar for this informative Webinar, brought to you by PMA and CPMA.

From the convenience of your desk or conference room, you will gain an overview of RSS-14, including first-hand experiences implementing item-level barcodes from North America's largest retailers, Wal-Mart and Loblaws. Both retailers participated in a 2006 pilot program which focused on using RSS-14 to increase supply chain efficiencies. Speakers will include Michael J. Agostini, Merchandise Manager, Dept-94 Produce at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Larry Kieswetter, Senior Director, Produce Procurement for Loblaws, who will share results to date from the pilot.

You'll also learn the benefits, challenges and impact of RSS-14 from industry and technology representatives, including Greg Rowe, Director, Business Development, GS1 US; Gil King, Domestic Sales, Rainier Fruit; Jane Proctor, Director, Industry Technology & Standardization, CPMA; and Alicia Calhoun, Director, Industry Technology and Standards, PMA.

Rounding out the pilot program findings, will be information on:

• How retailers can use RSS-14 to access point-of-sale data at the item level.
• How RSS-14 data can help grower-shippers track product movement to consumers.
• How RSS-14 can help users effectively track shrink.
• How RSS-14 can be used to price, market and differentiate your products.

About the Speakers

Michael J. Agostini
Merchandise Manager, Dept-94 Produce
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Michael is responsible for the merchandising of produce categories at Wal-Mart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets, which currently total more than 2,200 retail stores nationwide. He also leads Wal-Mart's Produce Supply Chain and Technology Teams, which seek to create innovative processes for the worldwide movement of produce for Wal-Mart's business units and their supplier partners.

A veteran of over 34 years in the produce and grocery industry, Michael has previously held key positions at Agribuys.com, Torrance, CA and Food Lion, Inc., Salisbury, NC. He currently serves on the Produce Electronic Identification Board and has previously served on the Retail Board of Directors of the Produce Marketing Association and Produce for Better Health Foundation as well as participated on numerous industry committees and taskforces.

Larry Kieswetter
Senior Director, Produce Procurement, Loblaws

Larry began his career in the produce industry in 1963, as a produce clerk with Zehrs Markets (a division of Loblaw Companies). Within Zehrs Markets, he was promoted to Produce Manager in 1967, Produce Labor Scheduling Specialist in 1973, Produce Supervisor in 1975, and Director of Produce Operations in 1978. By 2001, Larry was named Senior Director of Loblaw Companies.

A previous director of the Ontario Produce Marketing Association and current director of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, Larry serves on numerous committees within the produce industry. He received the Ontario Produce Man of the Year Award in 2001.

Greg Rowe
Director, Business Development, GS1 US

Greg joined GS1 US in 1999. As Director of Business Development, he is responsible for developing efficient methods of conducting business and improving supply chain management within the grocery and foodservice industries. Greg is currently working with the Fresh Food sectors to improve product identification, traceability, data synchronization, RFID / EPC and bar coding through implementation of the GS1 System. He serves as a member of the Produce Marketing Association, Can-Trace, the International Deli, Dairy and Bakery Association, and the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association User Committees. Greg participated in the development of the GS1 Traceability Standard, as well as other numerous GS1 Committees. Prior to joining the GS1 US, Greg held various sales and management positions for Unilever.

Gil King
Wal-Mart Account Manager, Rainier Fruit Company

As Wal-Mart Account Manager for the last eight years, Gil has helped Rainier Fruit earn distinction as "Best of the Best" apple supplier for Wal-Mart in 2003. He has participated on Wal-Mart's supplier task force for three years, and served as team leader for multiple Wal-Mart driven initiatives in the apple and pear industries. Gil holds an accounting degree from Trend Business College in Yakima, Washington.

Jane Proctor
Director, Industry Technology & Standardization, Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA)

With 22 years' experience in the produce industry as part of the CPMA, Jane has worked for the past eight years in the areas of marketing, government relations and industry technologies and standardization. Jane is the CPMA representative on many international committees and groups examining technologies that impact the industry. This includes chairing the International Federation for Produce Standards, serving on the Board of Directors of the Produce Electronic Identification Board and participating in the Global Standards Management Process of GS1 and the PMA RFID Task Force.

Jane has participated in many initiatives domestically, bilaterally and internationally. She facilitates the CPMA Industry Technology Advisory Council and represents industry on the Can-Trace Steering Committee and the Steering Committee of the Canadian RFID Center.

Alicia Calhoun
Director, Industry Technology and Standards, Produce Marketing Association (PMA)

Most of Alicia's 13-year tenure with PMA has been focused in the area of industry technology and standards. Alicia serves as the secretary-general for the International Federation of Produce Standards, whose long-term objective is to improve the supply chain efficiency of the fresh produce industry through developing, implementing and managing harmonized international standards. Alicia has gained valuable insights with regard to industry technology initiatives through her involvement with and facilitation of the Produce Electronic Identification Board meetings and her participation on other GS1 committees.