| April 16, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Slowing economy means buying opportunity for strong companies
Amid slowing sales and tightening credit, distributors are expected to face a tough economic environment during the next 12 months to two years, writes investment banker Jon Skelly of PCE. The good news for strong companies is that buyers will find fewer competitors in the M&A marketplace, making it easier to complete strategic acquisitions. Supply House Times magazine
(4/2008)
     
- Shippers rethink policies in light of soaring diesel costs
Diesel prices are rising at a record rate, leading to both higher product costs and changed behaviors throughout the supply chain. Companies are doing such things as consolidating shipments, opting for rail transport and negotiating fixed-price contracts. Just-in-time delivery is falling out of favor as companies find it cheaper to warehouse goods than to accept frequent, smaller shipments. Financial Week
(4/14)
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| Best Practices |  | |
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- Eight tips can help in getting past "hello"
A list of eight tips for overcoming social anxiety and feeling comfortable in making the first move in a business situation include making the conversation all about the other person's thoughts and listening intently to their responses. Another tip is to rehearse icebreakers with a friend before going to a meeting or gathering. Forbes
(4/10)
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| Distribution Trends Blog | | |
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The 2008 slowdown
Pembroke Consulting President and NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence Fellow Adam J. Fein Ph.D. offers a glimpse into the recently released 2008 Wholesale Distribution Economic Reports in his latest blog update. He also discusses revenue growth and the overall performance of the 19 major wholesale distribution industry sectors and outlines the economic challenges that the U.S. is apt to face in 2008 and beyond. Distribution Trends
(4/14)
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| Small Business Manager | | |
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| Executive Life | | |
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- Traveling continues despite frustrations, expenses
Flight cancellations, increased gas prices, a weak dollar and slow economy have failed to keep Americans from traveling. Although many are trying to reduce their travel expenses, most are not cutting it out altogether. "Leisure travel is kind of like food and rent -- it's considered an essential cost within a relevant range," said Bjorn Hanson of PricewaterhouseCoopers. The New York Times
(4/12)
- Virtual workplace reduces operational costs
Julia Hutton's public relations firm in Phoenix is an example of how a startup business can be successful by establishing a virtual workplace. The 20 publicists who work for Hutton work from laptops in their homes home -- from Las Vegas to Tampa. Telecommuting is one of the ways a small firm can cope with a weaker economy because it cuts costs for gasoline and energy, says Bruce Phillips, NFIB Business Research Foundation senior fellow. Reuters
(4/13)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Enrollment in NAW Health Insurance Program is simple
Through a convenient and paperless telephone application process, member companies and their employees can easily apply for group coverage in the NAW Health Insurance Program. What are the advantages of enrolling in the Trust? Learn more about this unique group health insurance enrollment process.
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Register for NAW's Large Company Financial Networking Conference
NAW's Large Company Financial Networking Conference is in Chicago, May 13 to 14. It joins top-level financial executives from wholesale distribution companies with sales of $100 million and above to network and learn. Agenda topics are based on responses from the financial community and address specific needs of the group, including risk management, strategic pricing and generational demographics. Get the details and register.
| Weekly Poll | | |
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Do you hope Congress passes a passenger bill of rights for air travel?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes -- Airlines need a checks-and-balance system. |
| No -- It will not make delays any less frequent. |
| Maybe, but I do not fly enough to worry about it. |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Better know nothing than half-know many things."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, April 14, 2008
- Friday, April 11, 2008
- Thursday, April 10, 2008
- Wednesday, April 09, 2008
- Monday, April 07, 2008
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Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Robert Jones
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