| February 14, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- United Stationers chief discusses expansion into industrial market
United Stationers' recent acquisition of ORS Nasco gives it a presence in the wholesale industrial supplies segment, which United Stationers CEO Dick Gochnauer describes as having "a strong need for a pure wholesaler." Gochnauer discusses the company's growth strategy, its criteria for acquisitions and bolstering its e-commerce capabilities, in an interview with Modern Distribution Management. Modern Distribution Management
(2/10)
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| | Benefit from analyzing customer & product profitability
A recent AMR study reveals that cost-to-serve analysis provides a fact-based focus for decision making on service mix and operational changes. Companies surveyed benefited from a better understanding of end-to-end supply chain costs, improved strategic relationships and better customer negotiating positions. The ROI averaged 9 months. Learn more. | |
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- CEO makes self available through open phone lines
The CEO of Wesabe, a Web site that allows users to upload their financial information to keep track of spending and get advice, has taken customer service to the extreme by making himself available by phone to all of the site's users for four hours each day of the week. The business needed to establish credibility when it started, and CEO Jason Knight now says he can't envision not taking the time to answer such calls. BusinessWeek
(2/11)
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| | Save time and money with NAW SmartBrief Job Listings.
Advertise your company's open positions in this newsletter and target more than 49,000 wholesale distribution industry professionals, passive as well as active job-seekers. Let your company's hiring manager or recruiter know that they can take 15% off current prices with coupon code FEB15 for the entire month of February! | |
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- Key to cold calls is to keep it simple
Don't leave behind any literature when making a cold sales visit, one expert suggests, because you don't know what the decision-maker might need, and the chances are good that the receptionist will throw it away regardless. Instead, keep it simple -- make an appointment for a visit, and bring in questions, relevant material and a simple proposal. American City Business Journals
(2/11)
| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Costs for small-business retirement plans have come down
Retirement plans can help small businesses attract and retain good employees and give them tax benefits. Because of increased competition, fees for retirement plans are lower than they used to be, and all of a company's expenses related to the plan, including its own contributions, are tax deductible. Daily News (New York)
(2/11)
| Executive Life | | |
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- Glenwood Springs is Colorado's spa town for working man
Although many Coloradans and visitors pass by Glenwood Springs on their way to Aspen, those who take the time to visit find that this workingman's town is worth more than a glance. Unlike its neighbor, Glenwood Springs is less about glamour and more about history, although they both feature plenty of outdoor recreation. And, as the name implies, the town features a large mineral bath for travelers to soak their tired bones. The New York Times
(2/8)
- Filet mignon made with a touch of love
Filet mignon has historically been a symbol of luxury and romance, making it a perfect cut of meat to serve on Valentine's Day. The filet can be broiled, grilled or pan-seared and still come out tender and tasty. Better yet, it's relatively low in fat compared with other red meat cuts. The Sun (Baltimore) (free registration)
(2/13)
| NAW Insider | | |
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NAW's 2008 Wholesale Distribution Manager's Course
Join dozens of distribution managers June 9 to 13, on the beautiful campus of The Ohio State University, for five intensive days focused on elevating your distribution skills to the next level. You'll learn specific ways to improve your company's profitability, and you'll improve your personal performance, too! Get details and register at the early bird discount rate.
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Order best-selling Facing the Forces of Change report
Facing the Forces of Change®: Lead the Way in the Supply Chain by the NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence is a best seller! This all-new study provides practical insights into key trends impacting the wholesale distribution supply chain and is packed with specific action ideas and planning tools that executives can use today to lead the way in their supply chains.
| Weekly Poll | | |
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How long do you expect a first interview to usually last?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | A few seconds...the first impression is the real first interview. |
| 20 to 30 minutes maximum |
| Not more than an hour |
| At least an hour and hopefully lunch |
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Long shots do come in, and hard work, dedication and perseverance will overcome almost any prejudice and open almost any door."
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| | Recent NAW SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, February 13, 2008
- Monday, February 11, 2008
- Friday, February 08, 2008
- Thursday, February 07, 2008
- Wednesday, February 06, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Ashley McMaster
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