| July 18, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Ingram says it can no longer absorb rising fuel costs
Rising fuel prices have prompted Ingram's decision to levy a freight charge on all customer orders. "Rapidly rising costs, especially energy costs, require that we address the matter of shipping costs related to our products," said Jay Forbes, president of Ingram Micro EMEA. "We understand this decision will be challenging for our customers, and will work with them to make the transition as smooth as possible," he added. CRN (U.K.)
(7/15)
    
- Kinks in steel supply, demand affect strategy, pricing
Steel supplies are tight in the U.S., and prices have risen for the past eight months, more than doubling in the last half dozen, according to statistics for June released by the Institute for Supply Management. A sluggish economy and weak new-homes construction segment have lessened the demand for steel in the U.S., this article says. Modern Distribution Management
(7/10)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Tips for adopting a happy vacation attitude
People typically seem nicer when they are on vacation, says customer service expert Hal Becker. Some tips for being nice when you're not on vacation include simply pretending you're on vacation; imagining you just got off a cruise ship when shopping in the mall; and thinking about a stressful commute as the same drive on vacation. American City Business Journals
(7/14)
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- Give top 20% of your territory 50% of your time
Salespeople who each day ask themselves the following questions -- "Where should I go? Who should I see? What should do?" -- are the ones who will rise to the top of their profession. Sales guru Dave Kahle recommends reps spending half their time with the top 20% of their sales territory. DaveKahle.com
(7/8)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Points to consider when starting a small business
People thinking about starting their own businesses need to consider a number of factors before signing any papers, according to this article. Entrepreneurs should speak with other small-business owners and maintain a business plan, but they should also be wise enough to know when to put the new business on the back burner in favor of financial security from another opportunity. The Sun (Baltimore)
(7/13)
| Executive Life | | |
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- More HDTV price cuts on the horizon
Large-screen HDTVs, both plasmas and LCDs, will drop further in price, according to HD Guru, which sees the slowing economy as the main driver for this trend. The lowered price points are expected to help fuel sales of HDTV sets. CEPro.com
(7/16)
- Study: Low-carb diet promotes more weight loss
Individuals who followed a diet low in carbohydrates lost more weight and improved their cholesterol more than those who followed a low-fat diet, a new study shows. A representative from the Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Foundation called the study a "vindication." Yahoo!/Associated Press
(7/17)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Prevent driver slips and falls
Slip and fall accidents are a significant factor in driver injuries, causing approximately 22% of injuries to drivers. Next to motor vehicle collisions, driver slips and falls are the most expensive type of driver accident. The Hartford shares some tips to help drivers protect themselves from slips and falls on the job. Get more information here.
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Register for NAW's Large Company CEO/COO Networking Roundtable
NAW's Large Company CEO/COO Networking Roundtable, Chicago, Sept. 24 to 25, brings together CEOs/COOs from distribution companies with sales of $100 million and above. Topics are based on CEO/COO responses and address specific needs of the group, including an Economic Overview; In a Changing Economy: How are You Adjusting Your Company to Fit the New Realities; Optimizing Profitability and more. Register now!
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Do you take the time to protect your technology from cyberthieves?
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Companies can improve both their workplace culture and the flow of communications by implementing such things as learning lunches that double as training sessions, business columnist Christi L. Gibson writes. 
