From NAW
In my last post for the NAW Blog Distributing Ideas, I talked about the importance of having an effective board structure as a foundational element of a sustainable competitive advantage, whether your business is public or private. It’s a rare thing, however, and a great one in a distribution company is an exception.
From NAW
Leading technology companies are offering customers new ways of ordering — by voice or product image. In addition, leading distributors and retailers are using AI-enabled business intelligence to understand their customer needs better, and they are applying autonomous vehicles, including drones, for deliveries. How important is all of this technology capability to your customers?
NAW Press Release:
Washington, DC (September 1, 2020) … Today the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) announces its support of the INFORM Consumers Act, legislation introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) which will require common-sense disclosures from third-party marketplace sellers who use online platforms like Amazon to sell products to American consumers. A companion bill has also been introduced in the House by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).
Here is a preview.
I’ve learned from many distributor leaders that a company’s culture is determined not only by its values, but by the particular employee behaviors that are most aligned with achieving its ideals. A positive, well-managed culture will drive productivity, reinforce customer experiences and enable innovations. A negative culture, however, can kill strategic initiatives and demolish returns on investment. How your employees behave determines whether your business culture is a creative or destructive force for innovation.
From NAW:
In these uncertain times when you are looking to strengthen your business in the second half of 2020 and beyond, we hope you’ll use these timely educational resources as your roadmap to create B2B innovation. NAW and PROS are partnering to provide these essential tools to help you on your digital transformation journey so you can get ahead of the increasingly disruptive and transformational forces around your business. Our goal with these resources is for you to not only see into the future of distribution, but to step into it with world-class, scalable solutions.
Here is a preview.
As distributors look for new ways to connect with customers and boost profitability, they must consider all sorts of three-letter tools: ERPs (enterprise resource planning), CRMs (customer relationship management), MDMs (master data management), MRMs (marketing resource management), and so on. Unfortunately, many of these “solutions” end up causing more problems than they solve.
Würth Industry North America and Elgin Fastener Group have partnered with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and are hosting a charity auction to raise funds for a fantastic cause. Purchase a $98 raffle ticket, and you will be entered to win a 98-year-old custom, classic car! 100% of our proceeds will go directly to St. Jude, and there is no limit on the number of tickets you can purchase! The winner will be announced LIVE on September 16th on Würth Industry North America's LinkedIn Page and Elgin Fastener Group's Facebook pages!
Click here for details.
From NAW Blog:
Here is a preview.
NFDA Profit Improvement Report
Volume 29, No. 3
By Dr. Albert D. Bates
From NAW blog:
Here is a preview.
From NAW:
As part of NAW’s exciting new digital series of seven research reports and seven webinars titled, “How Technology Will Transform Wholesale Distribution,” we urge you to register for our second webinar, “Distributors’ Views on Technology Disruption and How to Respond,” on Tuesday, August 18, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, with speaker and author Ian Heller of Distribution Strategy Group.
From NAW blog:
Here is a preview.
What’s Retail to Do About Customer Service During COVID 19?
Wait, wait, wait … we mean all businesses!
Here are 5 steps to help every retailer ‘up’ their game on customer service and help their harried, hassled customers as well as their worn-down, tired help during tough and all the times.
From the NAW blog:
Here is a preview.
IFE Press Release:
Since 1981, the International Fastener Expo (IFE) has brought the entire fastener industry together at one time and one place. Each year, the community gathers at the show to see customers and vendors, network with colleagues, and source new products or suppliers. We heard our community and deeply appreciate the consistent feedback which has enabled us to continually improve IFE year after year and remain the #1 Fastener Expo in North America.
Driven by our responsibility to serve your best interests, we regret to announce that we are cancelling this year’s International Fastener Expo, which was scheduled to take place September 28-30, 2020, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre Las Vegas, NV.
Recent developments have made it impossible to bring our community together safely and successfully. This is due to the ongoing progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the latest government data, measures, and guidelines on phased reopening plans in the U.S.; the number of confirmed cases worldwide and domestically; current quarantines, containment areas, stay at home orders, and restrictions on congregating and large gatherings imposed by states and other government and public health authorities; the inability of IFE's international community to travel to the show due to travel restrictions and bans; and the various company-imposed travel restrictions on employees affecting attendees and participating companies. The health and safety of our customers, partners, and employees remains of paramount concern to us.
Though we won’t get to see you in person this year, our team is committed to finding new ways to keep the industry connected and we are in the process of launching IFE Online Experience. Our goal is to provide a platform where you can virtually meet customers you have been missing all year, have access to a proven match-making program, and learn from industry leaders and about current trends. Please expect more updates on this in coming weeks.
We are also confirmed to return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas next year on September 21-23, 2021. We are excited to welcome you to the International Fastener Expo 2021!
As a valued attendee, please know that our team is currently working out all the details on logistics and policies affected by this cancellation and around your participation and registration fees. We appreciate your patience as we work through these details. You will receive communication with complete information as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued support and for being a valued member of the International Fastener Expo community.
Press Release:
Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2021:
From NAW:
There is no time like the present to explore the future. And that is what the NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence, along with Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein of Distribution Strategy Group, are doing to help wholesaler-distributors plan for their future. Through a series of seven research reports and seven accompanying webinars, you’ll receive the intelligence you need to formulate new strategies and ensure that your company thrives through this era of technology transformation. As a member of (put your association name or acronym here), you are welcome and encouraged to download these reports as they are released and participate in each accompanying webinar. There is no charge for download or participation.
