Sam’s has enjoyed accelerating same-store sales growth the past two years, and to keep that momentum going chief merchandising officer Linda Hefner is looking for a few good suppliers to commit to a new joint business planning process.

Actually, she would like as many suppliers as possible to participate in the new initiative that involves an unprecedented degree of collaboration. And to ensure the company’s suppliers understand how Sam’s defines joint business planning, or JBP, and what is expected of them should they decide to pursue the opportunity, Hefner is scheduled to speak on the topic at an upcoming event held by the Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce on March 22 at 9 a.m. at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers, Ark.

“The topic of joint business planning is very important to the supplier community in Northwest Arkansas so we are thrilled that Linda has decided to join us to provide additional details to our Walstreet members,” said Tammy Thurow, VP marketing and membership with the Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce. “A lot has changed at Sam’s since Linda spoke at our Walstreet member event two years ago, and she has played a key role in the growth Sam’s has experienced since then. It will be great to get an update from her on the progress at Sam’s and for suppliers to hear more details on the JBP process.”

The chamber has a special membership tier called Walstreet that is dedicated to suppliers and service provider companies who have a business relationship Sam’s Club or Walmart, according to Thurow.

Those who can’t wait until March 22 to hear from Hefner first hand on the topic of JBP can read about it in the February/March issue of Connecting Northwest Arkansas available next week. Or, the truly impatient can request a PDF of the article by emailing mtroy@LF.com.