| December 28, 2007 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Overseas demand gives a boost to U.S. manufacturing
Amid slowing domestic sales, U.S. manufacturers are finding a reprieve overseas, with demand for items such as tractors and medical and electrical equipment helping to drive an export boom that some analysts think will enable the U.S. to cut its massive trade deficit. Propelling much of this new growth in overseas demand is China, where U.S. sales increased by 17% this year. The Washington Post
(12/26)
    
- Hughes Lumber to open new HQ in 2008
The building materials distributor will move its headquarters to a facility in the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, Okla., in September 2008. The port facility will be expanded, as part of the company's plans to centralize its operations, which also will entail closing its Tulsa, Okla., administrative office and a lumberyard in Owasso, Okla. It's been about a decade since Hughes opened a door manufacturing and distribution center at the port. Industrial Distribution
(12/26)
- Automatic enrollment proves popular among 401(k) clients
New York Life Retirement Plan Services saw an unexpected jump in its number of 401(k) plan clients adopting automatic enrollment this year. Examples include ThyssenKrupp Materials NA of Southfield, Mich., where employee response has been overwhelmingly positive. The firm's director of human resources called the move "the very best thing we have done for the company." Pensions & Investments
(12/24)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Lessons in leadership
A blogger reflects on the ways in which notable baseball boss George Steinbrenner has been depicted in various articles and dramas, and says the illustrations hold valuable lessons on the ways in which leaders can back management and hold a team together. Fast Company
(12/2007)
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- Public perception vs. brand identity
It's easy for a company to overlook the crucial issue of how well its brand's public image aligns with the firm's own perceptions of its identity. Some tips for gauging public perception include contacting customers and asking them why they chose your brand and determining whether you are getting repeat business. Entrepreneur
(12/2007)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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| Executive Life | | |
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- Study: More parents restrict TV access
About 47% of parents set multiple TV rules for teens in 2004, including setting time and programming limits, compared to 40% in 1994, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau study. Some 71% of 6- to 11-year-olds had such limits in 2004 compared to 60% in the 1990s. The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
(12/26)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Prevention of motor vehicle collisions
A significant expense for almost any wholesale-distributor is the cost of commercial automobile insurance. Here are tools and tips you can use to protect your business and avoid costly motor vehicle accidents this holiday season. Learn more here.
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NAW Health Insurance Trust: Comprehensive benefits, lower costs for members
NAW, Trustmark Affinity Markets, and Flexible Benefit Service Corporation have partnered to offer a health insurance plan that leverages the combined buying power of member companies, rewards healthy companies with lower premiums, and provides the added benefit of a pooled reserve fund. Learn more about this health insurance program available exclusively to NAW direct members or members of NAW member associations.
| Weekly Poll | | |
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How much time do you get off during the holidays?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | The entire week of Dec. 24 |
| Dec. 24 and 25 |
| Just Dec. 25 |
| None! |
| Other |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Experience, travel -- these are as education in themselves."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, December 27, 2007
- Wednesday, December 26, 2007
- Monday, December 24, 2007
- Friday, December 21, 2007
- Thursday, December 20, 2007
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
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