| April 30, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Luther King Capital to buy IDG for about $136M
The private equity firm, which already owned a 15% stake in the company, will take Industrial Distribution Group private after the transaction is complete. Platinum Equity had an earlier merger agreement in place with IDG but has decided it will not try to meet or better the bid from Luther King Capital Management. LKCM will repay IDG for the 3% break-up charge that is required per IDG's agreement with Platinum. Modern Distribution Management
(4/26)
     
- Wholesale distribution grows in inflated economy
U.S. wholesale distribution is increasing overall, but the economic downturn has some sectors straining to hold on, according to a new market data reference guide from Pembroke Consulting. High prices for food, fuel and chemical commodities are causing some industries to grow rapidly while others shrank last year when their revenues were adjusted for inflation. "In general, distribution has been growing faster than GDP and the overall economy," said Pembroke Consulting President and NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence Fellow Adam J. Fein, Ph.D. "However, the performance of individual sub-sectors varied more than in previous years." Fleet Owner
(4/23)
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| | Supply Chain Innovations: Executive Kit
Distribution industry expert, Dr. Adam Fein shares the four main topics of his acclaimed book Facing the Forces of Change®: Lead the Way in the Supply Chain in this compilation of articles. Click here to download IBM's
executive kit for strategic insight and innovations for your supply chain. | |
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| Best Practices |  | |
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- Virtual assistant services can help with extra tasks
Finding a good virtual assistant can be a tricky but worthwhile task if you're buried in work. Some tips for having a positive VA experience include discussing your project, its deadline and the expected time the project should take. You should also get the deal in writing. Entrepreneur.com
(4/22)
- Executive benefit plans fill niche for higher-ranking employees
Executive benefit plans can help compensate higher-ranking employees who may not be able to benefit from options such as 401(k) plans. The executive plans help close the retirement gap by enabling executives to save the amount they need for retirement, and the plans can be more easily customized. Forbes
(4/17)
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- Ten tips for holding things together during reorganization
Companies in the process of reorganization can face big disruptions in areas from supply chain to sales. A list of 10 strategies for minimizing risk during a time of change includes designing the new organization based on functions that are needed and setting clearly defined objectives for the transformation. Manage Smarter
(4/28)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Promote value when customer spending declines
When customers are cutting back on spending, business owners need to emphasize the value of products and services they are offering. One franchising expert recommends identifying the products that have the best profit margins and selling them aggressively. Los Angeles Times
(4/28)
| Executive Life | | |
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- Roth 401(k) plans gaining ground with companies
More companies are making a push to offer Roth 401(k) plans. About 22% of companies now offer the plans, up from 12% a year ago, but their complexity has put a limit on broader adoption. "It's a considerable uptick, considering just how new these options are," said Gary Gross, executive director of Grant Thornton's compensation and benefits consulting group. Financial Week
(4/28)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Register now for Manager's Course: Discount expires May 23
Register today for the Wholesale Distribution Manager's Course, June 9 to 13, on the beautiful campus of The Ohio State University. Join other distribution managers and elevate your distribution skills to the next level. You'll learn specific ways to improve your company's profitability, and you'll improve your personal performance, too! The early bird discount expires May 1. Register now!
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The Hertz Green Collection: Reserve and conserve
Now you can reserve fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars that are both easy on the wallet and suitable for families and small groups traveling together. Reservable by specific make and model with an EPA highway fuel-efficiency rating of 28 miles or more per gallon. To enroll in the NAW/Hertz Business Account Program, visit NAW's Web site.
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Branch managers: Master the 5 fundamentals
What does it take to become a "superstar" manager of a wholesale distribution branch? 5 Fundamentals for the Wholesale Distribution Branch Manager, a book from NAW, advises current and aspiring branch managers on how to succeed and excel through the mastery of five fundamental skills.
| Weekly Poll | | |
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How much do you prepare before a sales meeting?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | I like to do all the research I can -- sales figures, clients' names, business history, etc. |
| I like to do a brief run-through of recent data, but that is about it. |
| I do not do much preparation; I like the conversation to flow naturally. |
| I do not participate in sales meetings. |
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- Monday, April 21, 2008
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