Your feedback is important to us. Click here to email us your feedback.
NAW SmartBrief
November 19, 2008
 

News and Trends

sponsored by 

Ashland acquires Hercules for $2.4 billion
Ashland Inc. acquired Hercules Inc., which manufactures paint thickeners and paper chemicals, for $2.4 billion. Ashland also announced its revised management team, which includes two former Hercules executives. Forbes/The Associated Press (11/14) American City Business Journals/Cincinnati (11/14)

Some O'Neal execs to take on new roles next year
Bill Jones, CEO of O'Neal Industries subsidiary O'Neal Steel, will assume the role of vice chairman for O'Neal Industries. The chief operating officer of O'Neal Steel, Holman Head, will take over CEO duties. Craft O'Neal will remain chairman and CEO of O'Neal Industries. The Birmingham News (Ala.) (11/14)

Other News

Gain Success in Distribution – Improve Industry Performance
In this FREE white paper, Jon Schreibfeder, a leading authority on the distribution industry, offers insight into the complexities of improving inventory performance. Learn how distributors can maximize profitability by improving the way they analyze and manage inventory using Microsoft Dynamics®. Download now.

Advertisement


Best Practices

Survey: Corporate mission, values important to leaders
A survey of 150 senior business leaders in the U.S. indicates that the qualities they value most in employees aren't always the same as those valued by the company. In the survey, 52% of leaders also said the economic downturn has resulted in a greater emphasis on the company's organizational mission. Manage Smarter (11/12)

Embrace fear during tough times to weather the storm
Instead of feeling powerless and hopeless during tough times, people have the option of embracing their fears. That involves staying grounded, leading with compassion and keeping a realistic optimism. American City Business Journals (11/3)

Sales

Use research, strategies to recruit salespeople
Use research as a strategic tool when looking for a good sales professional. Doing so includes visiting social and business online marketing groups, blogs and publications, and figuring out how to get their attention if they are not actively looking to leave their positions. Selling Power (free registration) (11/12)


It's time to get strategic about hiring.
Reach thousands of engaged professionals with SmartBrief Jobs.
Need to find the best and the brightest? SmartBrief Jobs will deliver your openings directly to the people who matter the most. Start your focused recruiting campaign now.

Advertisement


Small Business Manager

Cutback in consumer spending distresses small business
Weak consumer spending is threatening the livelihood of America's small-business owners, who historically have driven job creation in the U.S. but whose businesses tend to fail at a high rate. These entrepreneurs indicate they are more worried people are spending less than they are than about whether the federal bailout will help them directly or how much in taxes they will pay under the new administration. The New York Times (11/13)

Executive Life

Economic downturn boosts appeal of all-inclusive concept
The perception of all-inclusive resorts is changing among Americans as economic woes worsen and the resorts enhance their offerings while keeping prices low. "There's an increasing demand," says Becky Veith, affiliated with Travel Experts of Raleigh, N.C. "It's not just Joe Six-pack pounding beers all day by the pool." USA TODAY (11/14)

Beaujolais Nouveau is coming soon
The third Thursday of November is always when the earliest fruits of the French harvest, Beaujolais Nouveau, is available. Special events are planned around the country and even the world. The Wall Street Journal (11/14)

NAW Insider

Distributor Success Stories: Profiting Despite the Difficult Economy

The 2009 NAW Executive Summit focuses on the most important issue facing you in the coming year: the economy. We know your time is valuable, so we won't tell you what you already know -- that "the economy is challenging." Instead, we'll tell you what other distributors are doing to succeed despite difficult economic conditions. Register at the early-bird discount.

2008 Employee Compensation Report: Available for immediate download

As the U.S. economy continues to present challenges, distributors are reconsidering their staffing needs and how to attract and keep top performers. See how your compensation program compares to others. This report focuses on data from 1,704 distributors from across all lines of trade. It gives you the benchmarks and backup needed to budget employee pay and benefits with confidence.

NAW and The Hartford

NAW has partnered with The Hartford to offer insurance expertise and comprehensive coverage tailored to the specific needs of wholesaler-distributors. The Hartford also offers expedited claims-handling services and a countrywide network of loss control and risk management experts to help wholesaler-distributors protect their businesses and minimize loss costs. More information available here.

Weekly Poll

Does your business have any mergers or acquisitions planned in 2009?
 Yes -- we already have at least one planned.
 We don't have any plans yet, but there is still time.
 No -- we don't foresee any 2009 mergers or acquisitions.

Who's Hiring Industry Job Listings


SmartQuote

Patience is the companion of wisdom."

--St. Augustine,
philosopher and theologian


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