Northwestern's Vendor Day is a Success
Posted on Nov. 9, 2009
From probiotics to natural energy drinks; from imaging technology to bankers; almost everything a Northwestern student will need in the field was present at Northwestern Health Sciences University’s 19th annual Vendor Day Nov. 5, 2009. Vendors interested in interacting with the students lined the foyer, cafeteria and bookstore hallway, showing off their wares.
“I find these fairs to be very valuable,” said Allan Share, a representative for Massage Warehouse, a supplier of massage lotions and oils. “Every student here is going to be out in the field someday,” said Share. “Each student is a potential client. I want to meet each one and explain my product face to face.” Share used to attend Northwestern’s Vendor Day as a chiropractic supplier. He switched to selling massage lotions once the market began growing. “There is a spa on every corner,” he said. “Plus, it’s a lot of fun.”
Lachlan Fraser and Laura Posl, T9 chiropractic students, have been attending every Vendor Day since they were in their first trimester. “We definitely see more value in the fairs now that we are closer to graduation,” Fraser said. “I think it is really important that we get to meet particular vendors, like bankers for our business loans and computer software companies.” Both students’ arms were full of sweatshirts, drinks, candy, pens and other free giveaways. “We want to know what is new in the field,” Posl said. “But we also come to get free stuff.”
This year, in addition to the free giveaways, the vendors donated door prizes for the students to win. “We had 68 vendors attend and provide the students with some great products,” said Debbie Peterson, executive director of alumni, development and career services. “The students are happy; the vendors are happy. This was a great success. Wendy Ruchti, program coordinator for alumni, development and career services, really did a wonderful job putting it all together.”
“It is a good idea for Northwestern to have a day like this,” said vendor S.K. Dash, PhD, founder of UAS Laboratories. “It is important that the students learn how to use these products now. It is definitely the students’ day.”