Confluence Expands Supply Chain Team to Support Growth and Assure Quick Response

April 13, 2011 - PRLog -- EASLEY, S.C. – Confluence Watersports has hired Barbara Deaver as director of strategic sourcing and supply chain management for all of the company’s brands. In this newly created senior level position, Deaver will oversee an expanded supply chain team to ensure reliable availability, top quality products, and align the supply chain function with customer requirements.  

The hiring of Deaver underscores the company’s commitment to being the premier supplier to paddlesports retailers.  The ongoing growth trajectory necessitated an expanded team with a comprehensive range of expertise for five top-line boat brands, Adventure Technology, the expansive Harmony line, and the recently acquired Bomber Gear brand. Deaver will lead the team with singular focus on providing consistently high quality products, reliably quick turnaround times, and a 100% in-stock position.

Though Deaver will oversee all Confluence sourcing, the accessories division (Adventure Technology, Harmony and Bomber Gear) will see the most immediate impact of the increased attention to the supply chain.

“With the establishment of a dedicated accessories division two years ago, the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports. “In order to help our retail partners maximize sell through and profits on accessories, we’re always seeking to improve our own performance. There have been instances where we were caught short on inventory, which caused unacceptable inconveniences to our retail partners. To prevent this in the future, we’ve strengthened and expanded our supply chain team. Barbara and the team will coordinate with our global supply chain for timely delivery and optimum quality, allowing us to better meet retailer demand. She is an experienced and highly capable manager. We’re pleased to have her as part of the team.”

Deaver will collaborate with all departments to determine opportunities for expanded sourcing and quality enhancement. Her expertise, along with that of recently hired Adriana Buzzell and Robert Noble in the roles of senior buyers, brings new depth to the supply chain team. With the recent inclusion of Bomber Gear into the Confluence brand portfolio, this depth of experience will benefit boat, accessory and soft-good sales for retail partners.

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About Confluence Watersports:
Confluence Watersports is a family of brands that covers the full spectrum of paddlesports. Wilderness Systems, Perception, Dagger, Wave Sport, Mad River Canoe, Adventure Technology, Harmony accessories and Bomber Gear speak to different sectors, but share the same enthusiasm for the water. Based in Easley, S.C., but employing over 500 people across the U.S. and Canada, the company is a dynamic blend of passionate paddlers, adept businesspeople and paddling industry icons, jointly committed to ensuring the future success of paddling, in all its forms. To learn more about the company and its brands, visit http://www.confluencewatersports.com.