| December 1, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Reliance Steel remains reluctant to provide Q4 guidance
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. said its profit margins declined in the first half of November and that it remains reluctant to provide earnings guidance for its current quarter due to the uncertain economy. "We still are not comfortable providing earnings guidance, but our October results were solidly profitable and stronger than we had anticipated given the state of the economy," said David H. Hannah, the company's chief executive. The Los Angeles-based company processes and distributes metal for the aerospace, energy and construction industries. Los Angeles Business Journal (free registration)
(11/21), Forbes/The Associated Press
(11/21), RTT News
(11/21)      
- Ingram Micro builds out Solutions Group
An area of focus for Ingram Micro over the past couple of years has been on building out its Solutions Group, this article says. Ingram Micro's managing director, Guy Freeland, said the past year has been a period of reinvesting and promoting technical support for resellers through its configuration center and labs. "We have realized over the last 12 months that configuration support is a real value-add and the competencies and scale of our [configuration center] facility is something which we didn't initially appreciate enough as a reseller service," he said. ARN (Australia)
(11/22)
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| | Supply Chain Innovations: Executive Kit
Distribution industry expert, Dr. Adam Fein shares the four main topics of his acclaimed book Facing the Forces of Change®: Lead the Way in the Supply Chain in this compilation of articles. Click here to download IBM's executive kit for strategic insight and innovations for your supply chain. | |
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- Costco CEO describes company's successful strategy
In an interview with Fast Company, Costco CEO Jim Sinegal counters analysts' arguments that the chain's generosity to its employees hurts its shareholders. Sinegal says Costco's allegiance to its suppliers, employees and the communities where it does business, as well as its commitment to offering customers reasonable prices, contribute to the building of a company that will have longevity. Fast Company magazine
(11/2008)
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| | 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. | |
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| Sales |  | |
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- Successful salespeople offer solutions to customers
It frequently is the case that salespeople are the biggest contributors to prospects' foot-dragging in terms of closing a deal. Sales reps who are so eager to seal the deal that they neglect to outline how their offering solves a prospective customer's dilemma or satisfies a need, or fail even to help the prospect articulate those needs and wants, are missing out on a golden -- and probably deal-cinching -- opportunity to present their offering as the solution to a longstanding problem. Manage Smarter
(11/20)
 | 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. |
| Executive Life | | |
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- Business travelers gamble on standby to avoid change fees
As business travelers look to cut costs, they are increasingly playing a game of airfare roulette, betting on the availability of standby seats rather than pay re-booking fees when their travel plans change. "We try to book far out in advance to get the best fares and end up being penalized when we have to make changes," says one frequent flier, who adds that the new realities of airline travel are "a little bit like going to a casino." NYTimes.com
(11/24)
- Vitamin D linked to heart health
Diminished vitamin D levels in the winter could cause heart problems, and diet alone can't make up the deficiency because the body needs sunshine to produce vitamin D. Studies found that rates of severe heart disease or death may be 30% to 50% higher in sun-deprived heart disease patients. HealthDay News
(11/20)
| NAW Insider | | |
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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.
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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.
| Weekly Poll | | |
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When do you think the financial crisis will subside?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | First half of 2009. |
| Second half of 2009. |
| First half of 2010. |
| Second half of 2010. |
| 2011 or beyond. |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | We are rich only through what we give, and poor only through what we refuse."
--Anne-Sophie Swetchine,
Russian-French writer
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