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| NAW SmartBrief |
| May 29, 2008 |
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Sysco drives earnings with efficiency, innovation
Sysco Corp. has endeavored to fight rising costs by making its distribution system more efficient, putting more product on trucks, improving routes and purchasing more centrally. Despite a downturn in the restaurant industry amid U.S. economic woes, the Houston-based company bested the average earnings estimate for its fiscal third quarter, which in turn sparked an 8.5% jump in its shares on April 28, the largest rise the company had seen in nearly seven years. Chicago Tribune/Dow Jones Newswires (5/25)
Weyerhaeuser says tax break may not be enough help
A $182 million tax break tucked into the farm bill approved by Congress last week may not be enough to save Weyerhaeuser. Officials at the timber company said even with the break, it still may be forced to restructure and sell off portions of its operations. Weyerhaeuser's status as the nation's last major integrated timber company may be in jeopardy as a result. The Bellingham Herald (Wash.) (5/26)
Multiple defendants in Lawson kickback case plead guilty
All but one of the 13 defendants charged in a federal kickback case that included seven former Lawson Products employees have entered guilty pleas, according to reports. Prosecutors maintain Lawson employees obtained contracts by handing out $140,000 in "Winners Choice" gift certificates to customers -- including suburban municipalities, school districts, a nonprofit organization and private businesses. The MRO distributor said that is has fired several employees and implemented a new ethics program as a result of the probe. Industrial Distribution (5/26)
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Winners never quit -- and losers shouldn't either
While society celebrates winners and often scorns losers, we should rethink that approach and learn to embrace our losses rather than shun them. Some tips for losing with dignity include allowing yourself to be angry -- but not for too long, accepting the reality of the situation, finding the lesson and giving yourself a break. BusinessWeek (5/20)
Uncertain economy makes now a good time to try and raise funds
Amid uncertain economic times, companies should take the opportunity to try and raise the funds that they'll need to ride out the downturn. Both venture capitalists and angel investors may grow more cautious in the coming months, so any fund-raising you do is best embarked on sooner, rather than later, one expert says. Entrepreneur (5/2008)
For sales candidates, experience isn't everything
In looking to hire successful salespeople, experience can fall well down the list, below the more important attributes of empathy, tenacity, humor and common sense. When a candidate's strongest qualification is experience, one has to wonder why their prior employer let them go, and whether that experience will truly translate to the new position. Forbes (5/23)
Books let entrepreneurs learn from experience of others
Three books on the entrepreneurial experience are worth the read, says New York Times columnist Paul B. Brown. "A Whack on the Side of the Head" (Business Plus, $16.99) by Roger von Oech helps people think differently by learning how to break certain "mental blocks" that promote the status quo. "The One Minute Entrepreneur" (Doubleday Business, $19.95) by Ken Blanchard, Don Hutson and Ethan Willis has an upbeat message that if you work right, on the right things, you will succeed. "How to Get Rich: One of the World's Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets" (Portfolio Hardcover, $25.95) by Felix Dennis offers several warnings to entrepreneurs based on the author's failings. The New York Times (free registration)/Amazon.com (5/27)
Tips for preventing unwanted housekeeping visits
As housekeeping staff work on tighter schedules than ever, some even begin cleaning before guests leave the room. Some tips for guests to avoid such situations include simply hanging the "do not disturb" sign, mentioning housekeeping preferences in the guest profile and not giving staff a reason to visit your room. MSNBC (5/27)
Uruguayan wine: A sweet pick
Alcyone, a fortified red dessert wine from Uruguay, is sending taste buds soaring. The wine is blended with brandy and infused with a variety of native roots and herbs. The Washington Post (5/28)
Brand new: Make Your Operations Lean in Challenging Times
Becoming lean in distribution is more important than ever in today's challenging economic market. Applying lean concepts makes sense because becoming lean means becoming a more effective distributor. And becoming lean will lead to higher profitability. Lean Operations in Wholesale Distribution focuses on the lucrative operations area and discusses steps distributors must take to design and manage a lean culture.
Enrollment in NAW Health Insurance Program is simple
Through a convenient and paperless telephone application process, member companies and their employees can easily apply for group coverage in the NAW Health Insurance Program. What are the advantages of enrolling in the Trust? Learn more about this unique group health insurance enrollment process.
In which foreign market do you see the most growth potential in the near future?
China, India and other Asian countries
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