| November 20, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- More closures, layoffs planned for some W-Ds, manufacturers
Several companies in the industrial distribution sector have announced layoffs and closures in the face of the weak economy. Wolseley plc subsidiary Stock Building Supply Co. will close additional locations in Nevada, Idaho and South Carolina, according to news reports, which would bring the company's total to 30 closures as part of a major restructuring previously announced by Wolseley. Elsewhere in the industry, Praxair laid off 60 workers at its technology center in Tonawanda, N.Y., a local TV news station reported. Industrial Distribution
(11/17)
     
 | Download this FREE brochure to read about how Microsoft Dynamics® solutions can help distribution companies effectively deal with demands for lower prices, improved packaging, specific labeling, and tight delivery timelines. |
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- When going gets tough, get proactive and strategize
The inclination to immediately cut spending as a reaction to an economic decline is the business version of "fight or flight," and can cause big problems. Instead, companies should focus on cutting only weak products. Moreover, instead of taking a wait-and-see approach, leaders should be proactive and use data in crafting a strategy. Forbes/bMighty.com
(11/17)
- Design logo, Web site to express brand with just a glance
In seeking to impart a comprehensive brand image via your logo and Web site, begin with the premise that your potential customers don't know you, and will likely form their opinion based on their first glance of your visual offerings. Keep things simple and uncluttered, creating a clean, well-balanced graphic design and using one or two basic colors that go well together. Entrepreneur.com
(11/10)
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- Crisis shines spotlight on 401(k) system
The stock market's downturn has some in Congress looking to review and potentially overhaul the 401(k) system, while others point out that the system is a "very efficient savings machine" over the long term. "The current 401(k) system has not turned out to be as secure as we want it to be," said Rep. George Miller, D-Calif. Democrats campaigned on giving the middle class a boost, and they are expected to examine retirement savings in the coming session. Los Angeles Times
(11/16)
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Save 10%: Interactive online courses in professional development
With the high price of travel, economic constraints and no time to get away, it is no wonder that wholesaler-distributors are looking for lower-cost alternatives to provide professional development for their employees. To address this issue, NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence has partnered with the Texas A&M System to present a suite of online courses specifically designed for our industry.
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Don't make wrong decisions about profitability
Al Bates, founder and president of Profit Planning Group, has spent 30 years analyzing distributor financial statements. His findings in Profit Myths in Wholesale Distribution boil down to this conclusion: Much, and possibly even most, of what managers in distribution companies know about improving profitability is wrong. Good economic times mask this fact, while challenging times make this fact absolutely dangerous!
| Weekly Poll | | |
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Does your business have any mergers or acquisitions planned in 2009?
To find out how your peers are responding, check out the NAW Year-end Report, which will be published on Dec. 11.
 | Yes -- we already have at least one planned. |
| We don't have any plans yet, but there is still time. |
| No -- we don't foresee any 2009 mergers or acquisitions. |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | If it keeps up, man will atrophy all his limbs but the push-button finger."
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