The biggest and best Chicago Show ever is behind us. Thousands of hands were shaken, business cards exchanged, LinkedIn connections made, and innovative products discovered. New relationships were formed and familiar ones renewed.

Now the essential follow-through begins. With store brands on track for a record year in sales and market share, both opportunities and challenges lie ahead. As keynoter Joel Rampoldt of Lidl US reminded us: “Private brands are life and death for us.”  Next up: the nationwide celebration of January IS Store Brands Month.

In this dynamic industry, the work never stops — and neither does the satisfaction of doing it well.