| June 3, 2009 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Steel prices in U.S. plunge to 5-year low of $392 a ton
Steel prices in the U.S. hit a five-year low last month, according to Purchasing Magazine. The average price of hot-rolled steel sheet dropped 6.7% in May to $392 a ton, the lowest price since January 2004. Demand for steel has fallen abruptly as the recession slowed production for automobiles, homes and appliances. Bloomberg
(5/29)      
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| | Economic Stimulus Opportunities for Wholesale Distribution
Dr. Adam Fein, distribution industry expert, presents an exclusive report that helps executives to understand this major piece of economic legislation and then take advantage of any private business benefits of the new spending. The report focuses on the provisions of the bill with the greatest relevance to wholesale distribution companies. Click to download your complimentary report. | |
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- Innovation helps companies come out of tough times stronger
The financial crisis has put companies large and small in a critical place in terms of innovation, and studies meanwhile show that the companies that work on innovation during tough times perform significantly better in the long haul, compared with those that make cuts. Innovation should not just be regarded as a product, or something to work on, but a process and a way of working, according to Judith Rodin, president of the Rockefeller Foundation. Leadership Now/Leading Blog
(5/29)
- New expectations for modern corporate leaders
Corporate leaders are no longer expected to simply create wealth for investors but to manage rapid innovation. Executives will be pressed to create companies that are economically, ethically and socially sustainable, and who create increased transparency, and a key to achieving those is to foster a culture based on candor. Harvard Business Review
(6/2009)
 | To survive in today's economy the mandate is clear: control expenses now. Distributors are under pressure to cut costs, reduce waste, and consolidate operations. Download this whitepaper and learn how Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) solutions can help you handle today's marketplace complexities and optimize the costs, people, and processes associated with your operation. |
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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Interested in learning more about advertising in NAW SmartBrief? Contact Jim Pataki at (202) 407-7850 or jpataki@smartbrief.com.
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| Distribution Trends Blog | | |
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Fein's Mid-year Economic Update -- free webcast
Pembroke Consulting President and NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence Fellow Adam J. Fein, Ph.D is offering a free webcast on his 2009 Mid-Year Economic Update. Check out his latest blog entry for a rundown of the topics he plans to cover. Distribution Trends
(6/1)
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| Small Business Manager | | |
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- How to keep existing customers from exiting
Failing to pay attention to a valued customer can sacrifice revenue when it is most needed, USA TODAY columnist Rhonda Abrams writes. "Whether you call it customer retention, account management, relationship management, or just staying in touch, developing a strategy so that you don't lose the customers or clients you have is vital to the success of any business -- especially now," she writes. USA TODAY
(5/29)
| Executive Life | | |
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- America's "healthiest" hotels named
Health magazine's list of "America's Healthiest Hotels" names chains including Fairmont, the Four Seasons, Kimpton, Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Ritz-Carlton and Westin. Features that earned chains spots on the list included an Eat Right menu at Hilton, hypoallergenic bedding at Ritz-Carlton, and top-quality spas and fitness equipment at Four Seasons. TravelPost.com
(5/26)
- Travel packages offer even better deals this summer
Bookings for hotel rooms, car rentals and air trips have been slow, prompting travel vendors to create enticing package deals. In recent years, the package deals weren't as discounted as many travelers would have liked as business was booming, but times have changed. Although getting the best bargain possible can be a bit of a challenge, travel agents are a good place to start. NYTimes.com
(5/31)
| NAW Insider | | |
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The Hertz Green Collection: Reserve and conserve
Now you can reserve fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars that are both easy on the wallet and suitable for families and small groups traveling together. Reservable by specific make and model with an EPA highway fuel efficiency rating of 28 miles or more per gallon. To enroll in the NAW/Hertz Business Account Program, visit NAW's Web site.
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NAW Roundtables -- exclusive opportunities to network
NAW's Billion Dollar Company CIO and HR Roundtables are unique and valuable business tools that allow you to meet with executives from like-sized firms in a collegial setting that are conducive to sharing information and best practices. Relationships built during these events will become invaluable as you navigate your business through these difficult times. Register now.
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Drive your sales beyond and outperform your competition
Brand new Driving Distributor Sales Beyond: Best Practices for Outselling Your Competitors provides a road map and best practices for how to take more from your market than it's prepared to give you by outstrategizing, outmanaging and outselling your competitors. Based on industry research and in-depth interviews with high-performing distributors, this book shows what separates those distributors that consistently outperform their competitors.
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 | Do not turn back when you are just at the goal."
--Publilius Syrus,
Latin writer of maxims
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, June 01, 2009
- Friday, May 29, 2009
- Thursday, May 28, 2009
- Wednesday, May 27, 2009
- Tuesday, May 26, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Brooke Howell
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Nina Davidson
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