Bankers Advertising Company (asi/131650), Counselor’s 2021 Distributor Family Business of the Year, recently held a conference that brought together its sales professionals and supplier representatives at the Hotel Julien in Dubuque, IA.

The 2022 Gathering of the Stars National Sales Meeting, themed around the concept of “Experience the Magic,” included education sessions, sales workshops, peer panel discussions, networking with suppliers, a product-trend trade show and awards ceremonies celebrating the career achievements of Bankers’ top sales partners.

David Bywater, Bankers Advertising Company

Additionally, attendees enjoyed a tour of the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. There was also a reception and dinner for 55 Bankers representatives, guests, suppliers and employees.

“Having our meeting in person again was wonderful,” said Erica Kelley-Gogel, Bankers’ vice president of sales. “The camaraderie among our sales partners is truly special and wonderful to see. They come to this meeting with a purpose in mind – find new ideas, share experiences and celebrate successes among their peers. We couldn’t ask for a better group of sales partners, both veteran and new.”

S.W. Mercer founded Bankers Advertising Company 122 years ago in Iowa City, IA. These days, the promotional products distributorship is fifth-generation family-owned and -operated, run by Mercer’s great-great-grandson David Bywater, the firm’s president and general manager. 

“We value relationships and have been very loyal to our customers,” Bywater has said in explaining the firm’s longevity and continued success. “We get to know our clients. We solve their problems and spend their money on advertising initiatives as if it were our own.”