| March 13, 2009 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Stimulus package prompts shift in alliances between business, GOP
The $787-billion economic-stimulus package may have caused a rift between the traditional allies of Republicans and business groups. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers both backed President Barack Obama's stimulus plan, which received three votes from Republicans in the Senate. However, other business groups, including NAW, opposed the economic-stimulus package. "Business did not bring the Democrats to office," said NAW President Dirk Van Dongen. "Other folks did. Those folks have different agendas." Bloomberg
(3/10)      
- Business trade associations feel pinch of economic downturn
Several trade associations representing businesses have laid off staff and canceled annual meetings this year. "The economic realities facing our members are impacting our budget and projections for the coming year," said John Engler, president of the National Association of Manufacturers. Meanwhile, many trade groups representing a range of interests are gearing up to do battle against various initiatives coming out of the White House. NAW President Dirk Van Dongen said the group's membership has swamped the Washington office with calls since learning that the Obama administration has made it "very clear they are trying to bring about a massive and, I think, radical transformation of the relationship between government and the economy." The Huffington Post
(3/9)
- Report: U.S. wholesale inventories declined 0.7% in January
U.S. wholesale inventories dropped 0.7% in January for the fifth month in a row, according to a report from the Commerce Department. Last month, government data revealed a 6.2% contraction in the economy for the fourth quarter, marking the steepest decline since 1982. "Sales are falling faster than wholesalers can reduce inventories," said Kim Whelan, an economic analyst at Wachovia. Reuters
(3/10), NYTimes.com/The Associated Press
(3/10)
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| | See How Your Company Compares to Top Performers in Today's Tough Market:
How can companies survive and thrive in times of economic turmoil? Read the attached and then register for your custom report, commissioned for you by SAP and Intel from Stratascope® Inc., a leading independent research firm. This custom KPI report provides a unique snapshot of how your peers are weathering the current storm - and how your company measures up. | |
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| Best Practices |  | |
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- Bring lessons of human resilience into workplace
The words of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Horton Foote serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human condition and how we usually bounce back from hardships. Some tips for incorporating the spirit of resilience in the workplace include gaining the perspective that most companies will survive the recession and that new ones will be born, and showing resolve for the organization to succeed. Harvard Business Review online/Leadership at Work blog
(3/9)
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- Genius.com CEO describes how site helps with sales leads
In an interview, David Thompson, CEO of Genius.com, discusses the workings of the site and shares tips for making sales reps more productive. Genius.com gives users notice when prospects, leads or contacts visit their Web sites via an e-mail link the marketer has sent to them. Selling Power (free registration)
(2/25)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Small businesses turn to credit unions
Some small businesses are finding that credit unions are more willing than traditional banks to provide loans. More than a quarter of the 8,147 credit unions in the U.S. offer business loans. Meanwhile, some industry officials are urging lawmakers to change a law that limits a credit union's business loans to 12.25% of assets. Critics say changing the law would give tax-exempt credit unions an advantage over community banks. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)/Dow Jones Newswires
(3/3)
| Executive Life | | |
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- On the road: Mobile apps give lift to travelers
Drivers have discovered a long and diversified supply of downloadable mobile applications -- some practical, some fun -- that can aid them in their travels, according to a report. The features -- anything from finding a bathroom to finding directions -- result from Americans' long-standing love affair with cars and the innovative technology of smartphones. International Herald Tribune
(3/9)
- Online technology to allow fee comparisons
Two leading travel technology companies plan to introduce tools later this year that will allow fliers and travel agents to compare total flying costs up front, including all taxes and fees. Sabre and Amadeus say passengers will be able to calculate all the add-ons -- such as pets, seating preference and checked bags -- that can make comparison shopping difficult. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)
(3/10)
| NAW Insider | | |
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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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Don't make wrong decisions about profitability
Al Bates, founder and president of Profit Planning Group, has spent 30 years analyzing distributor financial statements. His findings in Profit Myths in Wholesale Distribution boil down to this conclusion: Much, and possibly even most, of what managers in distribution companies know about improving profitability is wrong. Good economic times mask this fact, while challenging times make this fact absolutely dangerous!
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| Weekly Poll | | |
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As a consumer, do you think you need more access to credit right now?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes |
| No |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | I think we may safely trust a good deal more than we do."
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Read more at SmartBrief.com |
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, March 12, 2009
- Wednesday, March 11, 2009
- Monday, March 09, 2009
- Friday, March 06, 2009
- Thursday, March 05, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Brooke Howell
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Nina Davidson
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