| April 30, 2009 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Inventory reductions could trigger economic recovery
As U.S. companies clear out inventories, it could be a catalyst for economic recovery. Once the shelves are bare, manufacturers will have to replenish goods by ramping up production. The U.S. gross domestic product contracted by around 5% last year, and industrial production dropped 8.3% in the past six months. The Washington Post
(4/23)     
- Berlin Packaging bottles success during economic downturn
Berlin Packaging LLC is one of the few companies hiring instead of firing employees during the economic downturn. The privately held packaging company based in Chicago has boosted its sales force by 25% this year and plans to hire additional staff before 2010. The company supplies more than 24,000 types of bottles and other containers to major manufacturers such as J.M. Smucker Co. and Neutrogena Corp. Crain's Chicago Business (free registration)
(4/20)
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| | Distributors: Go from Delivering Goods to Greatness.
Put an end to backlogs, excess inventory, inaccurate reporting and unsatisfied customers. This Free Distribution Management Guide features Microsoft® solutions that can help you get orders out faster, lower costs and boost repeat business — and discover how automation and real-time data can help you achieve greater financial control and enhance the management of your supply chain. | |
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| Best Practices |  |  |
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- To survive the recession, learn from the masters
Recessions were the cradle of some of the world's most iconic brands, says business historian Nancy F. Koehn, and there's no reason to think history can't repeat itself. Business mainstays Heinz, IBM and Procter & Gamble all made their names during financial crises, Koehn notes, by aggressively expanding their product lines, marketing departments, or research and development groups. The current crisis isn't so different from the ones before it, Koehn says, and it still presents companies with a chance to get ahead by innovating when others are down. The Wall Street Journal
(4/26)
- Let spring set the tone for renewal in business approach
Spring is all about renewal, and it can be the perfect inspiration for renewing everything from business relationships to leadership approaches. Some tips include working to understand how the patterns of your youth might influence your behavior now, taking responsibility for your behavior and improving it and getting rid of inspirational words that make you sound like every other boss on the block. DO NOT USE Sales & Marketing Management
(4/22)
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- Become the sales pack leader in the role of "lead wolf"
In the role of the "lead wolf," your main goal should not simply be to increase sales but to become a total solution provider so you can increase the number of customers who call you their supplier of choice. Lead wolves educate their customers on the difference between price and cost and they separate selling goals from being genuinely helpful and understanding the client's business. CEO Strategist
(4/24)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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- 9 tips for reducing work force humanely
Small businesses faced with layoffs need to make sure when constructing the "list" that it is consistent and nondiscriminatory, says Tim Weyland, director of Human Capital Consulting for TriNet in San Leandro, Calif. Weyland offers six tips for planning a reduction in force and three for executing it. BusinessWeek.com/Today's Tip blog
(4/21)
| Executive Life | | |
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- Airlines attract travelers with comfort, amenities
With passengers increasingly interested in the comfort and amenities of the aircraft they're traveling in, airlines are designing more living space into new planes and retrofitting old ones. Delta and American, for example, are rewiring their planes to provide Wi-Fi access and enhanced in-flight entertainment options, including live TV. MSNBC/Forbes
(4/24)
- Hotels' discounts encourage guests to book ahead
With the uncertain economy prompting many travelers to wait until the last minute to make their vacation plans, some hotels are offering discounts to those who book and pay in advance. Miami's Aventura resort is slashing rates by 30% for advance summer bookings, and the Pelican Miami Beach recently offered a 25% discount to guests who paid for their rooms at least a week in advance. The Miami Herald (free registration)
(4/27)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Register before discount expires for Wholesale Distribution Manager's Course
Learn how to cultivate profits in a tough economy when you attend NAW's Wholesale Distribution Manager's Course from June 8 to 12 at Ohio State University. Last year, 91% of our participants rated the course "excellent." Join dozens of distribution managers for a comprehensive look across the distribution business and cover all major functional areas. Find out about the early bird discount.
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