Business View Caribbean | Feb 2019

“We’re also in the process of centralizing distribution and we actually got access to some additional space in the existing warehouse district we’re in. We also brought in a lot of help on the IT side that’s helping develop a better POS (Point of Service) system. We’ve been in discussion about new ways to market using our existing POS technology; the availability of offering online coupon codes/ discounts that you can redeem in-store. We wouldn’t have had that functionality available before, so now we can accommodate that.” BVC: Congratulations on Bashco’s upcoming 30th anniversary! What challenges do you foresee going forward and what are your future goals? Azan: “There’s a funny story to that. About four years ago, we celebrated our 25th anniversary, and then we had an interesting debate because the company’s original registration date and the start of business date were different. This led to some confusion. So, what we’re planning this October, and into next year, will be our 30th year celebration. It will run for 12 months from October 2019 to October 2020. We figured we can’t go wrong with that. “As for challenges, the Jamaican dollar fluctuates to the U.S. dollar, and since a lot of our goods are imported, that can be an issue. The other challenge has been crime in parts of Kingston and Montego Bay. Mind you, the government and security forces have made By Omar Azan In the fall of 2018, we lost a treasured member of our Bashco family with the passing, far too soon, of Elva Ruddock: “The Queen of Bashco.” It was a huge loss. Elva was larger than life; our energy source, full of love and compassion to all. For nine years, she was the beloved smiling face and voice of our television and video marketing campaigns and company outreach events. It has been a very difficult time for all of us – Bashco employees, suppliers, and customers, alike – but just like Elva would, we persevere. Her life was all about posi- tivity. She used to say, “Keep it positive, or keep it moving.” And we are all about that life, right now. A Tribute to Elva Ruddock 24