| September 3, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Labor productivity in wholesale trade rises 2.1%
Labor productivity rose 2.1% in the wholesale sector between 2006 and 2007, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show. Labor productivity is defined as output per hour, and output per hour grew in 12 out of 19 specific wholesale industries in 2007. The annual rate of growth in labor productivity in wholesale trade averaged 3.3% from 1987 to 2007. Modern Distribution Management
(8/27)
     
- Platinum Equity charts fast track to success
Platinum Equity LLC, a private equity firm with partners Jacob Kotzubei and Rob Archambault, purchased metals distributor Ryerson Inc. last year and recently sold another -- PNA Group -- to Reliance Steel and Aluminum as part of its effort to increase its presence in the distribution industry. Kotzubei, a former lawyer, and Archambault, a former merchant marine, combined their backgrounds to find success in investing in metals service companies. Modern Distribution Management
(8/27)
, Forward
(8/2008)
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| | Benefits for Distributors of an Integrated Business Suite
Addressing the mish-mash of disconnected applications is a key step wholesale distributors can take to gain better control and increase the efficiency of its business. This white paper looks at the value of a single integrated software suite in providing significant advantages to the wholesale distribution business. | |
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 ADVERTISEMENT |
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- Automating compliance management has its benefits
Many companies make the mistake of approaching compliance management the same way they do insurance policies -- as a preventive measure that imparts no innate value to the company. But automating quality-based mandates and internal best practices can indeed improve return on investment and help boost continued success. IndustryWeek
(8/27)
- Time, cost big factors in deciding software needs
Companies may confront the challenge of deciding whether to buy off-the-shelf software or to have a custom program tailored for the company's needs. Issues to consider in making the decision include cost, customer needs and the company's desired timeline for having its software solution up and running. Baseline (free registration)
(8/27)
 | Download the 2008 CFO Research Report.
To see how other mid-sized companies are using corporate cards and other strategies to control expenses, register to download the Sixth Annual CFO Research Report, prepared by CFO Research Services, in collaboration with American Express. |
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- Sales mistakes that set up prospects to just say no
Sales professionals can inadvertently set themselves up to fail by delivering a poor pitch and actually opening the door for objections that prospects may not have even considered on their own. Remember: Use the pitch as a springboard to uncover and a prospect's needs and wants, so that you can better position your offering as the ideal solution. Manage Smarter
(8/28)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Business owner's insurance can keep the doors open in crisis
Many small businesses damaged this year by Tropical Storm Fay, floods in the Midwest or wildfires in California are facing difficulty if they were underinsured. A business owner's policy costs more than typical policies covering property damage but can keep a company in business if it loses profit because it has to shut down. The Oregonian (Portland)
(8/28)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
Send your salespeople to the Top Gun Survival School for Distributor Salespeople and give them the edge they need to succeed! In these action-packed, one-day regional programs, Distribution Guru Dave Kahle will teach participants ten afterburner power tactics they can use to get on top and stay there. Learn more online at www.davekahle.com/topgun/seminar, or call 800-331-1287 now.
Interested in learning more about advertising in NAW SmartBrief? Contact Henry Murphey at (202) 737-5500 ext. 245 or hmurphey@smartbrief.com
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| Executive Life | | |
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- Honolulu leads list of tax-friendly U.S. cities for travelers
An increasing number of U.S. cities are levying travel surcharges on visitors in the form of taxes on hotel rooms, rental cars and restaurant tabs. This article lists the top-five most tax-friendly cities where tourism is concerned, starting with Honolulu, and followed up by Portland, Ore., and three Florida cities. SmartMoney.com
(8/25)
- Optics on golf putters send visual signal to brain
Optical aids on golf putters are designed to help golfers with their line of sight. "Golfers are the most visually sensitive athletes," said Nike's director for vision science, who helped develop a new series of color-contrast putters meant to help golfers keep their focus solidly on making the putt. Golf Digest
(9/1)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Save on overnight shipping with DHL ShipReady
NAW and DHL have partnered to offer a unique delivery service from DHL Express. Members can ship anywhere in the continental U.S. for one flat rate with no weight limits, extra fees or fuel surcharges. Receive two free envelopes with your first order by visiting the ShipReady site and entering the promo code NAWSR07.
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Hertz Local Edition®
Choose Hertz Local Edition® for your local car rental needs. At more than 1,000 locations across the U.S., Hertz Local Edition® offers a fast customer pick-up and return service. As Hertz expands to more neighborhoods across the country, it'll be even easier for you to rent a car. To enroll in the NAW/Hertz Business Account Program, visit NAW's Web site.
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New Edition: Learn the Essentials of Profitable Wholesale Distribution
Making money in distribution gets tougher every year -- it's even harder during an economic slump! Running a successful company requires cooperative efforts from knowledgeable and motivated employees. Speed their learning and retention by giving them Essentials of Profitable Wholesale Distribution. Twice the size of the first edition, this second edition includes both brand-new and updated instructional text and all-new graphics!
| Weekly Poll | | |
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Where is your company most likely to seek additional funds?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Banks |
| Investors |
| Increasing sales |
| Budget cuts |
| Other |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Play by the rules, but be ferocious."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Tuesday, September 02, 2008
- Friday, August 29, 2008
- Thursday, August 28, 2008
- Wednesday, August 27, 2008
- Monday, August 25, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Robert Jones
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