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NAW SmartBrief
May 4, 2007
 

News and Trends

Report: Electrical W-Ds' sales growth declines
More than 75% of respondents to a survey by the National Association of Electrical Distributors said they are confident that sales would increase in the coming quarter, despite three consecutive quarters of declining sales growth in the electrical distribution market. Industrial Distribution (5/1)

Cardinal Health relocates but saves hundreds of jobs
Cardinal Health Inc. has announced the relocation of about 700 jobs from its Waukegan, Ill., campus and distribution center to its headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, following a sharp decline in profit. But the medical device wholesaler-distributor will keep another 1,800 jobs in Waukegan, through an incentive package from the state of Illinois, including about $10.9 million in tax credits and $875,000 in job-training funds. Chicago Tribune (5/1) Daily Herald (Chicago) (5/1)

ScanSource to move, expand distribution center
ScanSource Inc. is set to relocate its North American distribution center in order to increase its warehousing space and improve its storage and logistics resources. The new facility in Southaven, Miss., should be ready for full-scale operations by the first quarter of 2008. eChannelLine Canada (4/30)

Internet cafes, hotel rooms get FBI attention
The FBI is looking more closely into thefts totaling tens of millions of dollars that have gone missing from online brokerage accounts. In an attempt to stop the fraud that targets hotel guests and users of Internet cafes, the U.S. Department of Justice will beef up defense strategies. Bloomberg (5/3)

Other News

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Best Practices

Increase efficiency by automating workflow
Bringing automation to the supply chain will improve information gathering abilities and build efficiency into communications between suppliers and customers. Take advantage of these benefits by testing new technologies, standardizing procedures and keeping records of transactions in multiple formats in case of an emergency. Inbound Logistics (4/2007)

Mandatory happy hours?
Refusing to promote someone or move them into a new position because you don't see him or her participate in after-hours get-togethers, such as happy hour, is a bit harsh. However, never going to such events might not be the best idea for employees, especially for new hires or recent college graduates. Happy hours and other after-work gatherings are a great place to network and get to know peers. The Washington Post (4/22)

Sales

Attract, keep leading saleswomen
Women make up a growing percentage of sales positions, and ensuring that they feel accepted and comfortable to succeed and provide input in their work environment is the key to recruiting and keeping them. Women don't need -- and prefer not to receive -- special treatment, but they want managers to understand that what motivates them to excel tends to differ from what motivates their male counterparts. SalesForceXP (5/2007)

Small Business Manager

Marketing expert: You are your No. 1 asset
For owners of small startups, marketing the new business is an important, although sometimes tricky, area. Public relations expert Laurel Tielis offers tips on pitching the story of your business to publications. For example, Tielis says to be tenacious but not a pest. Orlando Sentinel (Fla.) (4/30)

Executive Life

Americans begin to embrace ultraportable computers
Ultraportable computers, which initially gained popularity in Asia and Europe, are catching on with U.S. consumers who have a renewed focus on highly portable electronics. The computers, which average about 3 pounds, are larger than ultramobile personal computers, yet smaller than traditional laptops, making them perfect for businessmen and other highly mobile users. The New York Times (5/3)

New York area becomes prime departure point for cruises
New York and New Jersey are becoming hot spots for cruise departures due to increased hassles associated with flying. Cruise lines are taking advantage of the opportunity and offering more cruises, even year-round departures, from the area. NJ.com/Associated Press (5/2)

NAW Insider

Fatigue: Its impact on motor vehicle crashes

Driver fatigue has long been recognized as a significant factor in the cause of motor vehicle crashes. The degree of impairment is directly related to the amount of sleep lost -- as little as two hours of sleep loss can produce noticeable performance problems. Learn more about fatigue and its impact on motor vehicle crashes, including countermeasures to consider.

Are you interested in driving higher margins?

Price for Success: A Practical Guide for Improving Margins in Wholesale Distribution by the NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence provides strategies, tactics and case studies to help executives, sales managers and pricing managers build a pricing foundation for improved margin management and long-term profitability.

Weekly Poll

How many new employees have you hired so far this year?
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Who's Hiring Industry Job Listings

  • Controller
    No. 1 International, Inc.
    Salt Lake City

SmartQuote

We're all masters of adaptation. Distractions bother you, but you still have to go to work. You adapt and move on."

--Lindy Infante,
former professional football coach


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