| January 19, 2007 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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| News and Trends |  |  |
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- SFC passes legislation regarding executives' tax deferrals
The Senate Finance Committee passed a measure this week that will limit the amount of tax-deferred dollars that highly paid executives often collect through certain accounts. The extra money raised can be used to offset the tax breaks given to small businesses that may get hurt following a minimum wage hike. "In an environment like the one we face today, every business is at risk," said National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors President Dirk Van Dongen. The committee has said adjusting the rules could raise an estimated $806 million over 10 years. The Washington Post
(1/17)
       
- Associated Food Stores buys Hispanic distributor
Wholesaler Associated Food Stores acquired Gonzales & Sons, a Hispanic food wholesaler-distributor for an undisclosed price. "Associated will use this new partnership to grow business opportunities in not only companies currently served by Gonzales, but also expanding product availability to the Hispanic/Latino communities through member store supermarkets of Associated Food Stores," said an Associated executive. Progressive Grocer
(1/18)
       
- RFID solves shipping issues, creates opportunities
RFID technology has taken off in recent years, offering solutions for nearly every tracking problem possible, and a number of small players have continued to thrive in the business. "Some of the smaller integrators aren't so averse to take a $200,000 contract ...," says one RFID analyst. "But ... those smaller guys taking those little deals have gained a host of experience around RFID deployment and have gained a competitive advantage in the process." DC Velocity
(1/2007)
       
| Best Practices |  |  |
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- Firms set up on-site clinics to hold down health costs
Facing continued increases in the costs of employee health insurance, many employers have set up their own primary-care clinics on site. Considered too expensive 30 years ago, the workplace medical centers now are seen as more cost-effective due to an emphasis on preventive health care, which leads to reduced health insurance premiums for employers. The New York Times
(1/14)
       
| Sales |  |  |
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- Take advantage of every contact, prospect
The best way to close the loop on prospects is to keep their contact information organized and update. Everyone has a business card, and research shows that most companies believe they are the best form of marketing. Take the time to record the contact data on every one you receive before discarding these informational jewels. American Marketing Association
(1/17)
       
| Small Business Manager |  |  |
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- How to keep the business going
Create a detailed and viable business plan, embrace well-calculated risks and be prepared to make sacrifices when it comes to getting a start-up off the ground and making it succeed. "Don't look at it as a hassle or burden, look at it as an opportunity to survive," says Courage Group President Neil Anderson, whose firm advises entrepreneurs. CNNMoney.com
(1/10)
       
| Executive Life |  |  |
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- Registered Traveler's ShoeScanner debut is disappointing
Many travelers who were screened by the first ShoeScanner at Orlando International Airport had to remove their shoes to get through airport security. The machine is designed to allow travelers to keep their shoes on. In many cases, the machine could not do an electronic scan for weapons because the travelers moved their feet or because they had metal material in their shoes. USA TODAY
(1/17)
       
- The set-top box gets a face-lift amid competitive pressures
For many Americans, the cable box "may be the most disappointing piece of technology in their home," according to the New York Times. But new competition is spurring a new generation of boxes with such features as "more hard-disk space for storing digitally recorded TV shows, easier-to-navigate program guides, connections to Web sites, DVD burners and video games." The New York Times
(1/17)
       
| NAW Insider |  |  |
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Try Remote Deposit Capture risk free for 30 days
Securely deposit paper checks from the convenience and safety of your office. NAW has negotiated group discounts and a risk free 30-day trial offer for Remote Deposit Capture technology through Solveras Payment Systems. Visit the NAW/Solveras Web site to watch a short video clip of checks being scanned, deposited and digitally archived, or call 800-613-0148 today.        
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Driver hiring tips you won't want to miss!
As a wholesaler-distributor, you know that even a single vehicular accident can cause substantial losses. So choosing the best-qualified drivers for your business is a must. Learn more about effective hiring practices for drivers.        
| Weekly Poll |  |  |
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Do you have plans for a new start-up in 2007?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | I have plans in the works |
 | It's only January, and you never know what a year will bring |
 | No new businesses planned for this year |
| SmartQuote |  | |
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 | Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, January 17, 2007
- Tuesday, January 16, 2007
- Friday, January 12, 2007
- Wednesday, January 10, 2007
- Monday, January 08, 2007
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Contributing Editor: Ashley McMaster
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