MONTREAL (30 May 2012) - Mega Group recognized six of its vendor partners for excellence in product and service at its recent conference and annual general meeting here.

"This provides us with an opportunity to recognize those suppliers who excel at their job," Mega general merchandise manager Todd Smith explained to the approximately 400 group members and vendor representatives attending the meeting. This was the sixth year in which the awards were presented.

The process resulting in the giving of the Supplier Recognition Award includes a survey that is sent to a representative same of over 200 Mega and NBA retailers across the country, as well as the credit department located at the group's head office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Dimplex North America won the best vendor distinction for the first time. Here national sales manager Iain Douglas (left) and company vice president Khris Rose accept the award from Benoit Simard, Mega's president and CEO.

Respondents are asked to rate suppliers on quality and service areas that directly impact their businesses. These areas include: accuracy of invoicing; responsive customer service; quality of training and support; point-of-purchase materials; gross margin; debit and credit note processing; and, how well the supplier uses the group's central billing service.

Several of this year's recipients are first-time award winners.

This year's survey - which highlighted the 2011 calendar year - covered six product categories: appliances, bedding, upholstery, case goods, electronics and service.

Winning in the bedding category was the Toronto-based Sealy Canada, which also partners with the group in its fund raising efforts on behalf of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada.

Winning for the first time in the service category was logistics specialist Schenker of Canada.

Another first time winner, this one in the upholstery category, was the Toronto based Superstyle Chesterfield Co.

Taking kudos in the appliance category was Electrolux Canada, while Samsung Electronics Canada took the honors in electronics.

Also winning the group's recognition for the first time was Dimplex North America, the Waterloo, Ontario-based fireplace and occasional case goods producer.

Mega Group CEO Benoit Simard (far right) is seen here presenting the award in the bedding category to Sealy Canada. Accepting, from left to right, are: Demetre Daratikas, vice president of national accounts; Bruno Pittarelli; regional sales manager for eastern Canada; Melodie Parent, regional sales manager; and, Kevin Sisson, chief operating officer.

Laine Reynolds (centre), vice president of sales and marketing for Superstyle, accepts the award in the upholstery category from Mega president and CEO Benoit Simard (right). Looking on at left is Mega general merchandise manager Todd Smith.