Business Journal Power Breakfast
Armed with one of my girlfriends, boss, and never-been-worn skirt, I excitedly attended my first Milwaukee Business Journal Power Breakfast. The event surrounds the lifespan and success of businesses stationed in Milwaukee, and rightfully encourages the importance of community commerce and relations.
Hosted by the Pfister Hotel, this years event featured the CEO of Bon-Ton, Kathy Bufano-hence my connection. As President of a nation-wide, 26-state operation, Bufano proves more than qualified for the keystone position.
Bufano primarily focused on the importance of the company’s northern roots and true compassion for their shoppers, as evident by their new slogan, “Your Store, Your Style”. The most interesting point stressed by Bufano I thought was Bon-Ton’s unwavering sense of unity in the face of mass department store mergers. We’ve all mourned the losses of classics like Marshal Fields-my grandmother in particular-and Bon-ton has promised to remain solid. With a unique company like Bon-Ton containing six different subsidiaries, they value the need to stay true to their shoppers by acknowledging that someone in Peoria, Illinois is not looking for the same garment as a New York City shopper. No subsidiary under the Bon-Ton nameplate contains the same set of merchandise, and according to Bufano this strategically stewards to each store within the region. This adaptability to reinvent itself internally has allowed the company to thrive in a competitive market.
Bon-ton stands as a prime example of the right way to accommodate for the rapid-paced industry and diverse costumer. By featuring Kathy Bufano, the Milwaukee Business Journal reminds us how crucial versatility and integrity are within the business world-a critical lesson for both CEO’s and guppies such as myself.
