MEI awarded Steve Mims, owner and operator of Columbia Snacks, Columbia, S.C., a 32GB iPad® for speaking candidly about vending technology trends. Mims entered to win the iPad via an online 14-question survey and was chosen at random as the winner.
MEI conducted the iPad giveaway in order to benchmark vending technology trends and operator needs. "We wanted to understand what operators value most and how MEI can help them succeed," said Chuck Reed, marketing director at MEI in a prepared statement. "The iPad was an ideal prize choice because it signifies the same quality and reliability standards that MEI strives to deliver."
The 4-week drawing was promoted on MEI's website and the VendingMarketWatch e-Newsletter, which is distributed daily by Automatic Merchandiser.
Survey results show a growing preference for new technology by vending operators, particularly note recyclers and credit card readers. More than 60 percent of those polled said they plan to add note recyclers and more than 67 percent said they plan to add credit card readers to their accounts in 2011.
Mims shared his views in more detail when MEI eastern regional sales manager Michael Bocelli hand-delivered the prize. Mims is an avid user of MEI's EASITRAX(TM) vending management software and is currently considering bill recycling and cashless payment technology for deployment this year.
"It's really promising that an industry vendor went out of its way to gain operator feedback," Mims said. "MEI has its fingers on industry needs, and I have mine on a new iPad."
Columbia Snacks, located in Columbia, S.C., is a family-owned vending and food service company founded in 1957 as a Tom's Distributorship by Paul G. Naylor.
Today it continues with third-generation family ownership and management, operating seven full-line routes with MC-70 handhelds using MEI EASITRAX software, dexing, with line item management. Columbia Snacks continues to recognize the importance of implementing new technology that enables them to adapt to changing customer demands as well as creating maximum efficiencies.
