| February 22, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Industrial Distribution Group to go private in buyout deal
Industrial Distribution Group Inc. has agreed to a $113 million buyout by Platinum Equity that will take the Atlanta-based MROP distributor private. IDG announced in August 2007 that it was exploring "strategic alternatives" for the company. Platinum Equity recently acquired Strategic Distribution, which, like IDG, has an integrated supply operation. Modern Distribution Management
(2/20)
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- Keep the proposal process simple
The prospect of having to write a sales proposal for a decision-maker may be daunting, but some tips can help ease the process. They include thinking of closing a sale as an ongoing process rather than a singular event; summarizing your proposal; and clarifying how the customer will benefit from your offering. Manage Smarter
(2/19)
- Recession predicted to hit home in '09
The Institute for Trend Research forecasts that the U.S. economy will be in recession in 2009, perhaps extending through the third quarter of the year. "We have been anticipating a downturn in this time frame for a long time, based on increasing imbalances we have seen as troublesome trends within the economy," writes Brian Beaulieu, the Institute's executive director. The group expects the economy will be back on track for growth starting in 2011, which it predicts will be the first year of an extended recovery. PEI Journal,The
(2/1)
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| Small Business Manager | | |
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- Make job expectations crystal clear
Employers should provide a thorough job description of each position from the start, business consultant Alan J. Zell writes. In addition to making sure job candidates know exactly what they're in for, such descriptions can help drive interest in your business, as new and prospective employees share them with others. CustomerThink
(2/18)
| Executive Life | | |
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- Carriers move forward with plans to offer wireless service
Domestic airlines are testing a variety of ways to offer in-flight wireless access to travelers. In the past few years, technology has advanced and costs have declined, allowing airlines to move forward with plans for wireless services. Carriers in the U.S. expect authorities to lift restrictions on mobile e-mail soon. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
(2/21)
- Hotels enforce stiff fines for smoking-policy violators
Hotels increasingly are cracking down on guests who violate nonsmoking policies by enforcing fines and charging guests' credit cards $250 or more. Hoteliers say nonsmoking guests are getting more sensitive about smelling any hint of smoke, and the fine is necessary to cover the cost of cleaning the room. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
(2/21)
| NAW Insider | | |
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Global economy brings new insurance challenges -- are you covered?
Two forces, economic globalization and the shifting of manufacturing facilities overseas, have changed the way many wholesaler-distributors operate. Instead of shipping goods only within the boundaries of the lower 48 states, many today ship globally. Wholesaler-distributors need the ability to protect commodities as they are shipped across international borders. Get more information here.
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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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Does your company have a CEO succession plan?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes, we have developed a plan of action. |
| We have given it some thought but have made no decisions. |
| No, we have not addressed the issue. |
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 | I'll let the racket do the talking."
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