Industry News

EPA head criticized for ignoring scientific data
Stephen L. Johnson, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, is facing scrutiny from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee about why he purportedly failed to heed scientific data when he denied California and more than 12 other states the right to create their own laws to reduce greenhouse gases from cars. The Senate committee is concerned that Johnson may have caved in to political pressure from the White House. Los Angeles Times (1/25)

Paulson urges Senate to pass economic stimulus package
President George W. Bush and House leaders have come together on a proposal to give tax rebates to 117 million families and $50 billion in incentives to businesses to head off a recession. "I don't think the Senate is going to want to derail that deal," Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said. "And I don't think the American people are going to have much patience for anything that would slow down the process." CNBC/Associated Press (1/27) Bloomberg (1/27) Financial Times (free content) (1/28)

• Greenspan puts U.S. recession odds at 50% or more: Alan Greenspan said on Thursday that the U.S. is heading closer to a recession, although he acknowledged that it is difficult to discern whether an economy was actually in a recession or predict when it might enter one. The former chairman of the Federal Reserve also said one lesson gleaned from past economic downturns is to avoid protectionist trade policies. Reuters (1/24)

HD Supply closes more branches amid housing slump
Citing declines in the home-building market, HD Supply has closed eight branches that were part of Apex Supply Co., an HVAC/plumbing business. Five of the branches were in Tennessee, and three were in Georgia. HD Supply earlier this month closed its HVAC and plumbing supply division in Mobile, Ala., and earlier this week announced it would close a plumbing and HVAC branch in Tucson, Ariz. Industrial Distribution (1/23)

Business Strategy

Lower costs by doing the job right the first time
When it comes to turning out a product, companies can lower costs by doing it right the first time, says business consultant Joan Adams. Supply House Times magazine (1/2008)

Sales & Marketing Tips

Ask sales team for worst ideas to boost brainstorming
Using reverse psychology on a sales team and asking for their worst ideas rather than their best can help boost productivity, experts say. In addition to setting up a problem-solving dynamic, the suggestion can also help participants shed their fear of saying something stupid. SalesForceXP (1/2008)

Audio conferences need planning, preparation
Audio conferences may sound and feel like phone conversations, but they're more formal and require much more preparation, an expert says. Some guidelines in preparing for the meetings include testing phones beforehand and making sure to have a backup plan in case of a malfunction; introducing people at the meeting; asking people to use their mute buttons during the conversation; and making sure to set an agenda. Selling Power (free registration) (1/23)

Management Style

Why many CEOs are missing the boat on social networking
Despite the huge popularity of online social networking, the trend appears to be passing many CEOs by. The author of this commentary suggests that becoming a leader in one's industry requires getting involved in the social Web. CustomerThink (1/21)

Boost training productivity
Web-based collaboration offers a new way to increase training quality while lowering costs. Online training and meetings also offer benefits including predictable budgeting, flexibility, interactivity and an improved learning experience. Manage Smarter (1/24)

Small Business Operations

In tough economic times, businesses need to buckle down
With indicators that a recession is close at hand if not already here, businesses need to ratchet up their efforts to increase sales. That means expending more effort on networking, both to woo new customers and increase orders from existing clients. SeattlePI.com/Associated Press (1/20)

Association News

Total Truck Parts named 2007 Distributor of the Year
Total Truck Parts with headquarters in West Palm Beach, Fla., was named the 2007 Distributor of the Year at the recent Industry Awards Luncheon at the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week in Las Vegas. Total Truck Parts was one of five finalists for the prestigious award presented annually by Truck Parts and Service Magazine. Four of the five finalists are members of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network, which is the largest independent distributor organization in the industry. To learn more about CVSN or to become a member, visit www.cvsn.org.

SmartQuote

Email: cvsn@smartbrief.com
Legal and Privacy information at http://www.smartbrief.com/legal.jsp
Unsubscribe