| May 2, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Sales of green products mirror rise in oil prices
Manufacturing and industrial companies are buying energy-efficient products despite the sagging economy, looking for ways to reduce costs, ward off regulation and get public recognition for going green. Building maintenance supplies wholesaler-distributor W.W. Grainger say sales of products made of recycled materials or those designed to reduce power use, which it markets on its Web site and catalog, are increasing. "I'm not seeing any evidence of customers cutting back [on the purchase of green products]," said Grainger sales and marketing SVP Patrick Davidson. Reuters
(4/29)
     
- LSPs experience growing pains in world shipping market
Increased global trade has dramatically changed demand in the logistics services industry. Logistics expert Clifford Lynch notes that some global providers offer logistics expertise along with freight-forwarder and customs-broker services, which may present a problem for some domestic LSPs. Lynch adds, "Because many of these shippers prefer to use a single provider for all their needs, they're turning to global players for both their domestic and international requirements." DC Velocity
(5/2008)
- Q1 economic growth weak, but apparently not in recession
The U.S. economy grew 0.6% in the first quarter of 2008, the same as the previous quarter, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Though small, the growth implies the economy is not in recession. "The economy is weak but not collapsing," said Bank of America's Investment Strategies Group's Lynn Reaser. "A recession can't be ruled out, although the stars are not lined up at this point to definitively say one way or the other." Breitbart.com/Associated Press
(4/30)
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| | Supply Chain Innovations: Executive Kit
Distribution industry expert, Dr. Adam Fein shares the four main topics of his acclaimed book Facing the Forces of Change®: Lead the Way in the Supply Chain in this compilation of articles. Click here to download IBM's
executive kit for strategic insight and innovations for your supply chain. | |
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| Best Practices |  | |
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- Network with reporters to boost business buzz
Businesses can drum up positive press for themselves by getting to know local reporters and editors and then approaching them with a topic about which they have some expertise. Become an expert on your company and industry to whom a reporter can turn, and perhaps even propose writing a column. BusinessWeek
(4/28)
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- Be sure you want to be a sales manager before jumping in
Before attempting to move from being a salesperson to a sales manager, consider whether you really want to be a manager, an expert advises. Gain the skills for management through sources such as online courses or seminars, and subscribe to magazines offering good advice. DaveKahle.com
(4/22)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Offering new parents time off can build loyalty in staff
Generous maternity and paternity leave is one way small businesses can retain and attract employees as many small businesses explore ways to provide benefits, experts say. The Family and Medical Leave Act requires leave only at companies with 50 or more employees. In Louisiana, disability and discrimination laws have made benefits more generous than the federal law. New Orleans CityBusiness
(4/28)
| Executive Life | | |
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- Survey: Eight in 10 believe economy is in recession
About 80% of Americans say they believe the U.S. economy is now in a recession, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey. The poll results are a boost for Democrats heading into November's general election, as many place blame for the recession squarely on the Bush administration. The survey of 1,107 registered voters was conducted April 25 to 28. CNBC
(4/30)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Material handling do's and don'ts
Many employees in the wholesale distribution industry spend significant amounts of time loading and unloading items and lifting heavy materials. This manual handling, and the twisting and turning that occur when they perform these tasks, can lead to injuries to the back, shoulder and neck. Learn more about effective material handling practices.
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Register for NAW's Large Company Financial Networking Conference
NAW's Large Company Financial Networking Conference is in Chicago, May 13 to 14. It joins top-level financial executives from wholesale distribution companies with sales of $100 million and above to network and learn. Agenda topics are based on responses from the financial community and address specific needs of the group, including risk management, strategic pricing and generational demographics. Get the details and register.
| Weekly Poll | | |
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How much do you prepare before a sales meeting?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | I like to do all the research I can -- sales figures, clients' names, business history, etc. |
| I like to do a brief run-through of recent data, but that is about it. |
| I do not do much preparation; I like the conversation to flow naturally. |
| I do not participate in sales meetings. |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, May 01, 2008
- Wednesday, April 30, 2008
- Monday, April 28, 2008
- Friday, April 25, 2008
- Thursday, April 24, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville | Robert Jones
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