| February 20, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
 |  |
- Wine consumption soars in the U.S.
The U.S. has beaten out Italy as the world's No. 2 wine consumer and is on track to surpass France for the No. 1 slot by 2010, according to the London-based International Wine and Spirits Record. Distributor Southern Wine & Spirits of America, which runs the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami, predicts attendance this year will reach 35,000, up from 7,000 in 2002. The Miami Herald
(2/17)
     
- Coupon processor accused of bilking manufacturers
Chris Balsiger, former CEO of coupon clearinghouse International Outsourcing Services, faces a 27-count federal indictment on charges of alleged wire fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud and obstruct justice. Balsiger denies the charges, calling them "bizarre." Prosecutors say Balsiger and other defendants presented unused coupons to manufacturers for reimbursement for nearly a decade, collectively reaping at least $250 million. The Wall Street Journal
(2/16)
 |
|  |
| | Benefit from analyzing customer & product profitability
A recent AMR study reveals that cost-to-serve analysis provides a fact-based focus for decision making on service mix and operational changes. Companies surveyed benefited from a better understanding of end-to-end supply chain costs, improved strategic relationships and better customer negotiating positions. The ROI averaged 9 months. Learn more. | |
 |
 ADVERTISEMENT |
|  |
| Best Practices |  | |
|
- Investment in retention as important as hiring
Companies typically invest plenty of resources in terms of hiring the right people, but fail to put nearly enough energy into creating and sustaining a company culture that encourages these workers to stay for the long term. Talented employees should be provided with challenges to push their potential and a support system to help them through adversity. TomPeters.com
(2/15)
| Sales | | |
|
| Small Business Manager | | |
|
- Survey: Businesses not optimistic on capital spending
The stimulus package may fight off a recession by giving both consumers and small businesses incentives to spend money. However, a survey from the National Federation of Independent Business indicates only 25% plan of the small businesses polled plan to make capital expenditures in the next six months. Experts say the new tax breaks might change that outlook on capital investment and improve the economy. MSNBC/Austin Business Journal
(2/17)
| Executive Life | | |
|
- U.S. retirees head to developing nations
American retirees are flocking to Panama and other developing countries in an effort to stretch their retirement savings. Hard figures are not available, but data and anecdotal evidence illustrate the trend. Panama has emerged as a favorite for retirees by offering special property tax breaks, generous senior citizen discounts and affordable living costs. MarketWatch
(2/15)
| NAW Insider | | |
|
-
Attend Billion Dollar Company CIO webinar March 20
Wholesale distribution organizations investing 40% of their IT spend in new capabilities average 17% revenue growth -- nearly two times those investing less. Are you making the right IT investments? A recent benchmark study by NAW and Deloitte Consulting found that growing revenue is the leading business driver for CIOs within the distribution industry. Learn more when you attend this webinar.
-
Brand-new book: Profit Myths in Wholesale Distribution
This NAW Institute book has one overall goal -- to change the way distribution managers think about their businesses. Author Albert Bates says that both decision quality and decision consistency are influenced by some very bad information. He promises an eye-opening experience if you accept that much, if not most, of what you have been told about distribution finance issues is wrong.
-
Official Guide to Wholesaler-Distributor Financial Success
The three-volume Official Guide to Wholesaler-Distributor Financial Success shows you and your staff at all levels how to transition to financial management thinking. Use these volumes with your employees so that together you can help your company consistently perform in the top quartile of your line of trade. Buy these three volumes individually, or save when you buy them as a set.
| Weekly Poll | | |
|
-
Does your company have a CEO succession plan?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes, we have developed a plan of action. |
| We have given it some thought but have made no decisions. |
| No, we have not addressed the issue. |
| SmartQuote | | |
|
 | Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."
|
| |
| |
|
Read more at SmartBrief.com |
|
A powerful Web site for SmartBrief readers including:
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, February 18, 2008
- Friday, February 15, 2008
- Thursday, February 14, 2008
- Wednesday, February 13, 2008
- Monday, February 11, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 | |
| |
|
| © 1999-2009 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information |
|
