| June 17, 2009 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Consumer confidence jumps to highest level in 9 months
U.S. consumer confidence jumped to its highest level in nine months, according to a preliminary report for June. The Reuters/University of Michigan consumer survey reported a 69 reading for June, a slight uptick from May's reading of 68.7. "The apocalyptic tone to public discourse on the economy is continuing to abate," said Mike Englund, an economist at Action Economics. Financial Times (free content)
(6/12)     
- RMI: Trucking companies can save $7.6 billion through fuel efficiency
The Rocky Mountain Institute's trucking summit highlighted the opportunities for fuel economy with existing technology. According to the RMI, the trucking industry could save $7.6 billion in fuel costs by implementing technology such as auxiliary power units, more efficient wide-base tires and improved aerodynamic mechanisms. But trucking companies might be reluctant to implement technology that requires repair by specialized technicians. Reuters/GreenBiz.com
(6/12)
- CEOs: The most important skill is ...
CEOs of Bentley, AstraZeneca, BMW and other top companies were asked what one skill a leader needs most in today's business climate. They share insights on courage, adaptability and strategic planning in this slide show. Forbes
(6/11)
- Give resistant employees a choice: Get along or move on
Resistant employees can represent a tremendous burden on an organization -- taking up, on average, more than 80 hours a year of the average manager's time. To address such situations, ask the employee to set up a plan for how they will contribute more and cause less emotional distress. If the employee can't come up with a plan, then it's time to plan for their transition out of the company. FastCompany.com/FC Expert Blog
(6/10)
 | 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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- Try wargaming to get into your customer's head
Instead of working to predict a customer's response to your sales pitch or anticipate his strategy, most sellers simply try to predict dynamics and hope for the best. But wargaming -- in which the seller works to see the world through their clients' eyes -- can help provide a better outcome. Phases of wargaming include accurate role playing and testing a variety of strategies. DO NOT USE Sales & Marketing Management
(6/11)
| Distribution Trends Blog | | |
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A bad Q1 for distributors, but the worst is over
We've reached the bottom of the recession -- or are nearly there -- writes Pembroke Consulting President and NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence Fellow Adam J. Fein, Ph.D in his latest blog post. The post contains his evidence for this statement along with his predictions for the recovery. Distribution Trends
(6/15)
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| Small Business Manager | | |
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| Executive Life | | |
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- Omni loyalty program offers welcome new wrinkle -- free ironing
Omni Hotels is getting creative in boosting its business by offering free ironing and shoe-shining to members of its Select Guest loyalty program. One writer whose pet peeve is hotels that charge for Wi-Fi says the move is a smart one, especially since the Select Guest program, which is free to join, also offers free Wi-Fi. The Times (London) (subscription required)
(6/10)
| NAW Insider | | |
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NAW's Large Company CEO/COO Roundtable -- Sept. 16 and 17
Benchmark and network with CEOs and COOs of wholesale distribution companies with revenues of more than $100 million up to $1 billion. This CEO/COO Roundtable is a valuable business tool where you will learn about cutting-edge business strategies. Executives will share how they are surviving this economy and how they are positioning their companies for the rebound. NAW members receive one free registration. Register now.
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Optimizing Distributor Profitability: Best Practices to a Stronger Bottom Line
Optimizing Distributor Profitability: Best Practices to a Stronger Bottom Line -- the best practices in this book were developed from actual experiences of real distribution firms. This is not academic modeling or theory. This book includes a five-step methodology with how-to-implement ideas and tools; more than 120 exhibits; and a separate distributor-profitability-framework map showing how distributors identify and implement process improvements and the impact those improvements have on shareholder value.
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| Weekly Poll | | |
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Do you support a mandate that would require employers to provide health insurance as part of the national effort to reform health care?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes -- for all businesses. |
| Yes, but with exemptions for small businesses. |
| Yes, but only if the mandate comes with tax incentives for businesses. |
| No. |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | A smile is a curve that sets everything straight."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, June 15, 2009
- Friday, June 12, 2009
- Thursday, June 11, 2009
- Wednesday, June 10, 2009
- Monday, June 08, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Brooke Howell
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Nina Davidson
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An expert at the Wine Research Center in British Columbia has figured out how to produce red wines and some whites that don't induce hangovers. The key is genetically modified yeast, and it contributes to the debate over listing genetically modified ingredients on labels. 
