Western Region Discusses Exchange Priorities During Virtual Conference

John Wayne Anderson, general manager of the Edwards Air Force Base Exchange, took home the Western Region conference’s Spirit Award after showing up in costume.

When COVID-19 sidelined an annual conference of Exchange managers in Dallas, Western Region leaders still found a way to get together to hear about priorities for the Department of Defense’s largest retailer.

About 80 of the region’s main store managers and general managers, along with representatives from Exchange directorates, met during a four-day virtual conference on Teams from July 27-30.

“We invited all of our GMs and main store managers, and because it was a virtual conference, this allowed more of our junior managers to attend,” Northwest Vice President Patricia Austin said.

Attendees heard presentations from multiple directorates, including Merchandizing and Food and Fuel Services on corporate strategies. Human Resources representatives discussed recruiting and retention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conference also heard presentations from CEO/Director Tom Shull and Chief Operating Officer Dave Nelson.

Each daily session lasted about four hours and included a question-and-answer period.

Organizers tried to keep the conference light by employing a Minions theme, inspired by the “Despicable Me” movie series. John Wayne Anderson, general manager of the Edwards Air Force Base Exchange, took home the conference’s Spirit Award after showing up in costume.

“I got an outfit, some overalls and a shirt, and I said, ‘That’s not enough,’ so I went out on our store floor, got a Minions costume and put it over a yellow pillow and brought it with me. I told everyone, ‘Here’s something to brighten your day.’”

Attendees provided positive reviews after the conference, Austin said.

“I talked to our GMs afterward and got some good feedback,” she said.