| April 24, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Graybar CEO touts 2007 as "banner year"
Graybar Electric Co. had $5.25 billion in sales in 2007, a 5% increase from the prior year. "We had a banner year in 2007 with record sales and profitability," chairman, president and CEO Robert Reynolds Jr. said, adding, "Our investments in technology and commitment to organic growth enabled us to improve our bottom-line results." The electrical and MRO distributor's net income last year exceeded $83 million, a 45% increase from fiscal 2006. Industrial Distribution
(4/21)
    
- Owens & Minor sees boost in first-quarter profit
First-quarter net income for medical and surgical equipment distributor Owens & Minor rose from $10.82 million in last year's Q1 to $24.21 million this year. Reaffirming its outlook for the current fiscal year, the company expects earnings to increase 23% to 28% versus the previous year. RTT News
(4/21)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Customer experience is king
While technology has to some extent leveled the playing field for marketers, companies can distinguish themselves by making an extra effort to create a positive customer experience. One expert says, "Every aspect of your business must reflect your company's DNA -- and what you have learned about the desires of your customer." BusinessWeek
(4/11)
- Facebook 101
Facebook can be a great place to make business contacts, but users should be sure to follow the unwritten etiquette that governs this social and, increasingly, professional, networking site. This article outlines some blunders that are best avoided. CIO
(4/2008)
| Sales | | |
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- Get creative to stir up sales
Sales people need to be as creative as possible in making their pitches. Some tips to get the creative juices flowing include taking some risks; not giving up; looking around for inspiration; and thinking forward instead of looking back. Manage Smarter
(4/21)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Online incubator will let small firms develop ideas
A Cincinnati company next week will launch an online marketplace that lets researchers sell ideas to small businesses and small firms pitch their wares to big businesses. Eureka Ranch Technology's USA National Innovation Marketplace will be an online business incubator focused on small business. The Wall Street Journal
(4/22)
| Executive Life | | |
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- Dell touts eco-friendly PC for consumers
Dell CEO Michael Dell marked Earth Day by detailing plans Tuesday for his computer company to manufacture a "green" desktop PC aimed at consumers. Speaking to the Fortune Brainstorm: Green conference, Dell said the PC would be 81% smaller and use 70% less energy than one of the company's mini-tower units. CNET
(4/22)
- Parents magazine lists top 10 resorts for families
Parents magazine has reviewed 200-plus beach resorts in the U.S. and Caribbean -- including factors such as room rates and activities -- and come up with what it calls the 10 best resorts for families. Resorts on the list include the Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya, Bahamas; the Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and the South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island, Fla. USA TODAY/Associated Press
(4/23)
| NAW Insider | | |
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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.
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Register now for Manager's Course: Discount expires May 1
Register today for the Wholesale Distribution Manager's Course, June 9 to 13, on the beautiful campus of The Ohio State University. Join other distribution managers and elevate your distribution skills to the next level. You'll learn specific ways to improve your company's profitability, and you'll improve your personal performance, too! The early bird discount expires May 1. Register now!
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