News and Trends

• A new EVP for International Electrical Supply
  Chris Hartmann, previously COO of Thomas & Betts, is now EVP for International Electrical Supply Co. Hartmann, who assumed the role Friday, replaces Dick Waterman, who will become chairman of the National Association of Electrical Distributors in May. International Electrical Supply is the parent company for Rexel SA's U.S. operations. Industrial Distribution (1/3) , TED Magazine (1/2)

• Tube City IMS Corp. merges operating subsidiaries
  Tube City IMS Corp., a products and services provider for steel mills and foundries around the globe, says its operating subsidiaries Tube City LLC and International Mill Service Inc. have consolidated as Tube City IMS LLC. The two companies had been operated as separate wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tube City IMS Corp. since December 2004. Centre Daily Times (State College, Pa.)/Associated Press (1/2)

• A.M. Castle acquires British specialty metals distributor
  Blackburn, England-based Metals UK Group, which distributes specialty metals worldwide, has been acquired by A.M. Castle & Co., of Franklin Park, Ill. A.M. Castle, which distributes specialty metals as well as plastics, said the Metals UK Group acquisition will both complement its North American operations and offer a way for Castle to broaden its global reach. Industrial Distribution (1/3)

• Other News

• Airgas acquires Pacific Diazo Products
  The Philadelphia Inquirer (1/2)

Best Practices

• Run tighter ship to prevent gray market piracy
  Improving process controls, enforcing investigative measures and pursuing remedies through the courts can help close off supply chain leaks. CRM Buyer (1/2)

• Take steps to get best performance out of employees
  Some steps for getting employees to give their best performance include assessing workers' individual talents; considering reassignments if employees are in inappropriate positions; and identifying employees who are the most valued, among others. CEO Strategist (1/1)

Sales

• Three examples of powerful press kits
  Press kits from The Gap, Coca-Cola and Verizon offer great examples of how to convey powerful messages. Online press kits can help public relations with a wide variety of needs, including the promotion of special events or product launches. MarketingProfs (free registration) (12/27)

Hot Topics

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

• Friends, colleagues remember Ken Hendricks (Inc.com)

• Rapid growth led WinWholesale to upgrade supply chain ops (CRM Buyer)

• November new home sales take a plunge (The Wall Street Journal)

• Setting your sights on leadership success (Strategy+Business)

• How an effective sales coach can produce a championship team (American City Business Journals)

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

Small Business Manager

• Creating internal "think tank" triggers success
  Conducting brainstorming sessions is one way to energize employees, says USA TODAY columnist Gladys Edmunds. A business "can increase profit, visibility and develop new business and marketing strategies" by organizing professional meetings regularly, she says. USA TODAY (1/2)

Executive Life

• No quick fixes when it comes to good health, experts say
  Nutrition experts say consumers should be cautious of packaged foods with labels touting "miracle" ingredients. A diet including nuts, fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and fiber, omega-3-rich fish and foods containing probiotics are important for good health. San Francisco Chronicle (1/2)

• Librarian wins couch-potato contest
  The ESPN Zone Ultimate Couch Potato Competition was won by Manhattan librarian Stan Friedman. He sat in a recliner for more than 29 hours while continuously watching sports. His prizes for outlasting three other contestants included a large TV, a recliner and a potato-topped trophy. The New York Times/Associated Press (1/4)

NAW Insider

• 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.

• Now distributors can quote prices with greater confidence
  NAW's Price For Success: An Online Course for the Wholesale Distribution Sales Team shows your inside and outside salesforce how to quote prices with complete confidence that they are striking the correct balance between pleasing the customer and achieving the company's profit goals.

Weekly Poll

• Has your company experienced any issues with gray market piracy?
  After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.

	Yes, but we are taking measures to prevent further issues.
	No, and we have been careful to avoid such issues.
	We have not yet, but we need a plan in place to prevent future incidents.
	I do not think gray market piracy applies to my business.

Operations Manager Exotic Automation & Supply Farmington Hills, MI Director of Purchasing and Vendor Relations Crescent Electric Supply Company East Dubuque, IL

SmartQuote

To play it safe is not to play." --Robert Altman, film director, producer and screenwriter