| June 24, 2009 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Fed strives for balance between action, spurring inflation
The Federal Reserve, which meets this week, is expected to send a message that it is poised to take action to spur the economy while refraining from stirring inflation concerns. Some economists expect the Fed to avoid an abrupt end to its purchases of government debt by stretching out the effort. The move would likely avert disruptions in the market. "I think there's a good chance the Fed will exert more flexibility in the timing of purchases to slow them down," said Michael Feroli of JPMorgan Economics.  ClipSyndicate/Bloomberg
(6/22), Bloomberg Businessweek/The Associated Press
(6/22)      
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- Report: Real estate slump dampens consumer spending
The housing bust continues to impact consumer spending, according to a report from the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI. A decline in real estate values and other factors led to a $236 billion drop in consumption spending for the fourth quarter of 2008. MAPI estimates the real estate slump alone accounted for 40% of the drop in consumption spending. Modern Distribution Management
(6/19)
- Stimulus has not boosted demand for steel, executives say
The economic-stimulus package has not yet boosted demand for plate and structural steel, according to industry manufacturers. While the government ramps up spending on infrastructure, the private sector continues to cut capital spending programs. Dan DiMicco, CEO of Nucor, said the $787 billion stimulus will not "put a dent in the $2 trillion needed to get our infrastructure up to date." Purchasing.com
(6/18)
 | 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. |
- How your BlackBerry can kill a deal
While some offices still maintain a BlackBerry ban during meetings, office etiquette is slowly tilting in favor of smartphone use, reports Alex Williams. Just a few years ago, smartphones were used mainly by high-powered executives, but now workers young and old alike feel comfortable checking their e-mail during a slow meeting, Williams notes. Smartphone fans say they simply can't afford to set down the devices, on the off chance that a high-priority message needs their attention. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(6/21)
- Keep remaining employees engaged to prevent "survivor syndrome"
As companies downsize, management needs to step up to address "survivor syndrome," in which remaining employees might have decreased motivation and productivity. Downsizing can result in an "us against them" environment in the workplace, and companies should take action before, during and after an event to keep employees engaged at all levels. Manage Smarter
(6/18)
 | Six Steps to Effective Inventory Management
Inventory should be viewed as cash that could have been spent in other ways. Anything above what a customer needs is waste. Storing it, counting it, finding it, and picking it becomes much harder as inventory grows. Learn the six steps to move from reactive inventory management to lean, active inventory management in this free whitepaper. |
- Use strong messaging to pull together sales, marketing
A big divide often exists between sales and marketing teams, but the gap can be bridged and the two forces can build collaborative relationships with the right strategies and sales tools. Doing so can save money and prevent the possible loss of precious sales. MarketingProfs (free registration)
(6/19)
 | Maximize Your Efficiency
Find out how the right operating system can help you to maximize the efficiency of your industrial devices and manufacturing processes. Listen as Gordon Smith of Microsoft and Yannick Chamming of Adaneo Embedded, discuss Windows Embedded, a family of operating systems designed to streamline your industrial environment. |
| Small Business Manager |  | |
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- 6 steps to effective e-mail marketing
Despite studies showing that 84% of consumers like getting marketing e-mails that they have signed up for, companies will still waste some $144 million on messages that are irrelevant or poorly targeted. Lisa Barone writes that it's important to segment your mailing list, send on the right day and write a clear, actionable subject line. You'll also want to find a template with a look and feel that matches your brand, she recommends. Small Business Trends
(6/18)
| Executive Life | | |
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- Walking itineraries between accommodations are increasingly popular
European travelers have long favored walking tours that take them from one lodging to another, known as hut-to-hut hiking. The concept is gathering steam in the U.S. as more tour operators and organizations offer various derivatives. The accommodations on the walking tours range from luxury inns to backcountry huts. "People want to feel like they're getting out of the hubbub. But they don't want to sleep in a tent and eat freeze-dried food," said Brad Niva, owner of Rogue Wilderness Adventures in Oregon. USA TODAY
(6/19)
| NAW Insider | | |
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NAW's Billion Dollar Company CEO Roundtable -- Oct. 13 to 14
Benchmark and network with other CEOs of like-sized wholesale distribution companies. Find out how their companies are surviving the economic downturn and how they are positioning their companies for the coming rebound. The CEO Roundtable is a valuable business tool to learn about cutting-edge strategies and hear updates on legislative issues. NAW members receive one free registration. Register now.
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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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Order Brent Grover's new book "Strategic Pricing for Distributors"
For many distributors, gaining control over pricing is their last "unplowed field." Strategic Pricing for Distributors: Tools and Rules for Building Higher Margins is a combination of business novel and guidebook with real-world lessons for distribution managers. It takes you through a plan using market-driven pricing guidelines and tools for reaching and sustaining strategic pricing improvement -- and ultimately, increased profitability.
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| Weekly Poll | | |
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What do you think of the Obama administration's proposal for federal regulation of U.S. financial markets?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | I think it is mostly good. |
| It has some good points and some bad points. |
| It is all wrong. |
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 | Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you."
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