News and Trends

• Many top-50 distributors remain optimistic for 2008
  Executives at most of the 50 largest distribution firms, as identified by Industrial Distribution, say that despite weakness in the overall economy, they remain cautiously optimistic in terms of their outlook for the year. Aside from the automotive and construction sectors, many categories are holding up well, leading some companies to plan acquisitions. Industrial Distribution (6/1)

• Corporate Express promises details of proposed Lyreco merger
  As it contends with an unsolicited bid by rival Staples Inc., Dutch office-supply company Corporate Express NV says it will offer up more details of its proposed merger with Lyreco SAS of France by Tuesday. The company intends to hold a general shareholders' meeting on June 18 to seek approval for the intended merger. CNNMoney.com/Dow Jones Newswires (5/29)

• Other News

• Source Interlink set to occupy new distribution center
  The News-Press (Fort Myers, Fla.) (5/29)

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Best Practices

• Peer mentors offer productive partnerships
  Peer mentors can be highly useful for entrepreneurs as sources of motivation and as trusted colleagues in whom to confide. Three relationships described in this article show how peer partnerships can come in many forms and offer extensive benefits. Entrepreneur.com (5/23)

• Summer can be fun -- even at work
  Workers in many countries around the world are allowed much more time off work than Americans, but there are still plenty of ways for workers to enjoy their summer while on the job. Ideas range from riding a bike to work to working from home a few days a week or working four-day, flex weeks. Forbes (5/27)

Sales

• In relationship marketing, accentuate the positive
  Having the right attitude is essential for relationship marketing. Not only does having a positive attitude drive motivation, but it can make you a valuable source of hope and inspiration for others. American City Business Journals (5/27)

Hot Topics

Top five news stories selected by NAW SmartBrief readers in the past week.

• Distributors weigh the cost of imposing fuel surcharges (Modern Distribution Management)

• Sysco drives earnings with efficiency, innovation (Chicago Tribune)

• International sourcing leads to higher inventories (Modern Materials Handling)

• Academic warehouse design gets real-world test (DC Velocity)

• Time, territory management essential for sales planning (CEO Strategist)

• Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.

Small Business Manager

• When it comes to rent, you can come home again
  Some small businesses are making a move back home to base their operations in the sluggish economy, enabling them to invest their rent money into the business. Nationwide Tax Relief CEO Richard Boggs says tightening of credit standards is forcing some businesses to abandon rental space, but it can backfire on loan applications because banks don't view home-based businesses as healthy. MSNBC/Associated Press (5/28)

Executive Life

• Review: No matter the price, GPS units are a good investment
  The increasingly ubiquitous GPS units in today's automobiles are great to get you where you need to be. And, according to this side-by-side review of a high-priced factory-installed model versus a less costly portable system, the devices perform well at both ends of the cost spectrum. The Toronto Star (5/29)

• Stylish "select service" hotels expand in U.S.
  A new trend of "select service" hotels such as Hyatt Place are offering affordability combined with a strong sense of style borrowed from more upscale chains. The trend actually started in Europe, and the U.S. is picking up on it: Eighteen of the 38 hotel chains that have launched in the past three years fit into the trendy category. CNN/Travel + Leisure (5/29)

NAW Insider

• 2008 Employee Compensation Report: Available for immediate download
  As the U.S. economy continues to present challenges, distributors are reconsidering their staffing needs and how to attract and keep top performers. See how your compensation program compares to others. This report focuses on data from 1,704 distributors from across all lines of trade. It gives you the benchmarks and backup needed to budget employee pay and benefits with confidence.

• NAW and The Hartford
  NAW has partnered with The Hartford to offer insurance expertise and comprehensive coverage tailored to the specific needs of wholesaler-distributors. The Hartford also offers expedited claims-handling services and a countrywide network of loss control and risk management experts to help wholesaler-distributors protect their businesses and minimize loss costs. More information available here.

Weekly Poll

• Does your office allow flextime scheduling?
  After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.

	Yes, it is an option.
	No, it is not allowed.
	It used to be offered but not anymore.
	Not yet, but I would like to look into it.

Information Technology Manager All-Tex Pipe & Supply, Inc. Dallas, TX Account Manager Coastal Chemical & Paper Supply, Inc. Sarasota, Florida CFO / Controller International Wholesale Tile Palm City, Florida

SmartQuote

I was so naive as a kid I used to sneak behind the barn and do nothing." --Johnny Carson, American comedian