| June 11, 2009 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Economic downturn eases in April
 Seasonal hiring helped ease the national recession in April, according to the Associated Press Economic Stress Index. Analysts say the figures suggest the U.S. is close to the recession's low point. Still, they warn that problems in the housing market and manufacturing sector persist in many parts of the U.S. The Washington Post/The Associated Press
(6/8)     
- Analyst: Weak demand in steel market until end of 2009
Jefferies & Co. analyst Yvonne Varano forecasts weak steel demand until the end of 2009. Varano cites the General Motors and Chrysler bankruptcies for steel's drop in demand, as well as the struggling construction sector. Varano's calculations showed a 47% drop in purchases of steel for the first quarter of this year compared with the same period in 2008. Purchasing.com
(6/8)
- Avoid common reactions that can undermine survival in tough times
When it comes to financial crises, companies typically respond with four critical reactions that will determine whether they will succeed or fail in the long term. They include denial about the severity of the situation, becoming silent and failing to hold staff accountable for straying from agree-upon plans, protecting pet projects and slashing irrationally. Instead, leaders should take action including fostering dialogue and scheduling regular financial workshops. Manage Smarter
(6/2)
 | To survive in today's economy the mandate is clear: control expenses now. Distributors are under pressure to cut costs, reduce waste, and consolidate operations. Download this whitepaper and learn how Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) solutions can help you handle today's marketplace complexities and optimize the costs, people, and processes associated with your operation. |
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- Don't sacrifice training in tough times
Employee training is often the first thing to go when companies are forced to cut costs, yet it should be the last, CEO Strategist's Rick Johnson writes. Companies should keep training programs but enhance them with the most important complementary elements -- coaching and mentoring, in which experts pass along best practices to trainees. CEO Strategist
(6/2)
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| Executive Life | | |
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- Economy drives New York City hotel rates to new lows
With the economy continuing to put a crimp in travel, even some of New York City's toniest hotels are offering bargain-basement rates. At the landmark Waldorf-Astoria, rooms are being offered for an unheard-of $199 per night, and the average price for a room in the city in April was $203, 25% lower than the average rate of $273 seen a year ago. Daily News (New York)
(6/3)
- Williamsburg, Va., evolves beyond history re-enactments
Williamsburg, Va., features a restored Colonial District, interesting cuisine, upscale shops and spas. For those who come for the historical aspect, stagings of Patrick Henry's famous speech and other attractions are always an option. Plus, Virginia's vineyards are now producing high-quality wines. NYTimes.com
(6/7)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Optimizing Distributor Profitability: Best Practices to a Stronger Bottom Line
Optimizing Distributor Profitability: Best Practices to a Stronger Bottom Line -- the best practices in this book were developed from actual experiences of real distribution firms. This is not academic modeling or theory. This book includes a five-step methodology with how-to-implement ideas and tools; more than 120 exhibits; and a separate distributor-profitability-framework map showing how distributors identify and implement process improvements and the impact those improvements have on shareholder value.
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OUTLOOK 2009: Get the latest on key industry trends
OUTLOOK 2009 provides an update on the major and emerging trends identified in 2007's Facing the Forces of Change. It emphasizes practical steps for distributors to take for real success. Read it and make a personal commitment to knowledgeably respond to key industry trends, share information with your staff and plan for success through strategic thinking, analysis and positive action.
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| Weekly Poll | | |
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With many 401(k) plans down significantly and experts predicting a slow climb back to pre-recession levels, have you made changes to your company's plan?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes. |
| No, but we are considering making some changes. |
| No, and we aren't thinking about making any changes. |
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 President | North American Wholsale Lumber Association ( NAWLA ) | Chicago , Illinois |
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 | Each problem that I solved became a rule which served afterwards to solve other problems."
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- Wednesday, June 03, 2009
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When it comes to succession planning, leadership should be the starting and ending point, and in between is a close look at the talent the company has and the talent it needs. Hiring the person with the best looking resume might be the easiest route, but companies should have more focus on growth, says Randall Beck, a senior managing partner for Gallup. 
