The Loss Prevention Foundation recently attended the RILA Loss Prevention Conference in Orlando. We have attended many conferences over the years (since 1985 to be exact), and I must say that this one was one of the better LP conferences that we have attended. Despite the tough economic conditions, attendance was up and the program content was excellent. It was exciting and well orchestrated. There was excitement in the air – and yes, there was much discussion about the proposed merger of RILA & the NRF. Let’s talk about that.
Our industry is slow to accept change, more so than other retail functional areas! We are overly cautious, suspicious and very skeptical. We like to sit back, listen and observe. We tend to analyze everything. We investigate, contemplating the pros and cons. We’re not quick to jump on the band wagon, and often don’t get on board until we feel that we are safe from potential criticism.
Some don’t follow that suit. Some are true leaders, innovators and initiators. They govern themselves by doing what is right for the industry rather than what is self-serving. They have vision of what the future could be. They make decisions based upon what is right and not necessarily what is politically correct, because they know what's right will eventually prevail. They have the backbone to stick their neck out, to take a chance because it is a “good thing” and the “right thing” to do. They know it and feel it. They believe and have passion for it. Boy, have I seen this first-hand over the last several years while watching the evolution of the foundation!
It was the RILA team that took the lead in supporting and developing the foundation, and invited other trade associations to join the mission. It was RILA who supported making LPF a not-for-profit, so it could be a true industry initiative, done right! It was RILA that lead the way for international expansion, soon to be announced. It was RILA that lead the way with their support for academic accreditation for certification, details soon to be announced. It was RILA that broke from tradition and allowed “vendors” to be solution providers and to attend the LP sessions, acting as business partners and not just “vendors”! It was RILA who supported LPF in getting started by allowing two key executives to go and start The Loss Prevention Foundation. We have seen the RILA leadership in action, first-hand.
I have attended twenty two NRF conferences and five RILA conferences. The first RILA conference that I attended was in Orlando, and I exhibited at a booth by myself. Oh, I will never forget that one! I thought it definitely had value, and the next year two people attended. Since then, I have attended three RILA conferences with the foundation. What I know for sure is that there are great people in both organizations. There are many wonderful people on the NRF side. The combined effort of both organizations can be a win for all – if we are willing to embrace change. We have all heard the reasons why some people attend RILA, why others choose to go to the NRF, and why some alternate year to year. Both organizations have their strengths and weaknesses. Truly combining the strengths of both organizations could really be great for our industry, if it is done right.
We have confidence that it will be, because we know the leadership cares about loss prevention. The president, of RILA, Sandy Kennedy, made time to attend the LP conference in Orlando. She also made time to attend a dinner with about twelve LPF board members, a true sign of her genuine support for the LP industry. We have seen first-hand someone who cares, not because it is the popular thing to do but because it is the right thing to do! Bigger is not always better, but we have confidence that the new senior leadership will do it right.
The Loss Prevention Foundation is extremely excited about the planned merger of RILA and the NRF, and we are very confident that the change can be good!