| December 18, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Producer Price Index dropped 2.2% in November
The Producer Price Index for Finished Goods dipped 2.2% in November, compared to a 2.8% drop in October. The price index for energy goods plummeted 11.2% in November, while consumer foods prices stayed flat on the heels of a 0.2% decline in October. However, prices for goods other than foods and energy rose 0.1% in November. Modern Distribution Management
(12/12)      
 | Discover how one products company uses Microsoft Dynamics AX® to keep inventory under control while optimizing its warehouses and delivering on its promises to manufacturing clients. By upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics 4.0 they were able to create strategic business initiatives, including the development of an e-commerce strategy. Read the case study>> |
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- Expert: Where IT security is concerned, the devil is in the details
In an interview, IT security expert Bruce Schneier says securing a business is a complex matter that can't rely on quick-fixes or short-cuts. "Security is hard: It's not simply a matter of tossing a piece of technology at a problem," he says. "The devil is in the details, and the details are complicated." Additionally, inadvertently establishing a culture of suspicion in the name of security isn't smart business because it is likely to alienate customers, he says. CIO Insight
(12/16)
- Major corporations form coalition on climate change
Companies including Starbucks, Levi & Strauss and Timberland have launched a coalition to push Congress to take action on climate change and move toward a clean energy economy. Issues that have priority with the coalition, called BICEP -- Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy -- include the effect of climate change on agriculture, as well as transportation and clean energy. Bloomberg Businessweek/Harvard Business Online
(12/9)
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- Fewer business travelers mix pleasure with work
Booking trends and new studies show that fewer business travelers are tacking on vacation time to a work-related trip. Business travelers are also more concerned about the negative perceptions some have about travel perks, according to Peter Yesawich of the travel research and marketing firm Ypartnership. In 2000, 60% of business travelers said they had added a bit of vacation onto a business trip in the previous year. In May, about 30% said they had combined such trips. Yesawich said he expects that figure has declined further. USA TODAY
(12/9)
- Expert: Economy lucky if it reaches bottom in 2009
Damage to the world's economy this year was so enormous and widespread that the most that central banks and governments can hope for is to stop things from getting worse and start building the foundation for a comeback in 2010, experts said. "We will be very lucky if we reach the bottom in 2009," Harvard University professor Martin Feldstein said. Bloomberg
(12/15)
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Sales executives: Give a copy to every front-line salesperson!
Distributor salespeople need a consistent sales model that provides them with the structure to effectively use their talents and skills for increased profitability -- especially today. Objective-Based Selling in Wholesale Distribution provides exactly that sales model. It is specifically geared to distributor salespeople in all lines of trade. It will teach your salespeople how to sell more at higher gross margins!
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Critical tool for financial success in tough times
In today's tough economic climate, it's vital that your employees understand the realities of how the finances of your business work. That's where the Official Guide to Wholesaler-Distributor Financial Success comes in. It's your complete employee training tool. It shows you how to transition employees at every level to financial management thinking. Buy multiple copies for everyone on your staff.
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| Weekly Poll | | |
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Is your company providing any employee bonuses or rewards this year?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes, we are distributing cash bonuses. |
| No, we are nixing bonuses this year. |
| We have an alternative employee recognition program planned. |
| I don't know yet. |
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 | Fighting about issues [from] 25 years ago robs our children of resources, which are already scarce."
--Arne Duncan,
President-elect Barack Obama's pick for Education Department secretary
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, December 17, 2008
- Monday, December 15, 2008
- Friday, December 12, 2008
- Thursday, December 11, 2008
- Wednesday, December 10, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Robert Jones
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