| March 6, 2008 | News for the wholesale distribution industry |
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- Distribution centers get larger, more geographically diverse
With a rising flood of imports clogging already busy ports, companies are building ever-larger distribution facilities in more out-of-the-way places. Inland cities including Columbus, Ohio, and Memphis, Tenn., are winning new distribution centers because of their lower costs and convenient rail links. On the coasts, secondary ports such as Hampton Roads, Va., and Tacoma, Wash., have seen traffic grow by more than 40% in the past four years. DC Velocity
(3/2008)
- Businesses may hold key to economic stimulus
U.S. companies are hoarding huge amounts of cash on their balance sheets, prompting Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to cite corporate health as one bright spot in an increasingly gloomy economy. After holding off for years on hiring and capital investment, these companies could unleash a flood of cash to stimulate the economy when they decide to start spending again, according to analysts. The New York Times
(3/4)
- Manufacturing index falls to five-year low
Manufacturing activity in the U.S. hit a five-year low last month as factories cut back in the face of falling demand and increasing prices. The manufacturing index published by the Institute for Supply Management fell to 48.3 in February, down from a reading of 50.7 the month before. One economist noted the relative strength of that number, however, as previous recessions have seen the index fall below 45 for months at a time. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
(3/4)
 | New Order to Cash Benchmarking Study: Participate in this survey and learn how your order to cash operations compare to other organizations. Submit your survey by April 16 and receive a customized, confidential Free Industry Benchmarking Report. Visit the ASUG Order to Cash Benchmarking Webpage to register and get started now! |
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- No shame in asking for help
Being effective sometimes means biting the bullet and asking for help, even if you think you can do it all yourself. Be willing to tap another's expertise is a sign of strength, and you'll also be contributing to someone else's personal and professional growth. Inc.com
(3/3)
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- Airport restaurants let travelers take meals home
Take-home airport food is a new trend among business travelers too weary to face cooking or eating out. Airport restaurants, which increased their offerings when in-flight meals were discontinued, now are catering gourmet and nutritious meals for travelers to take with them. USA TODAY
(3/4)
| NAW Insider | | |
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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.
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Employee Performance Improvement Tool Kit: Your key HR resource
Every distributor needs a more structured approach to improving employee performance, and the Employee Performance Improvement Tool Kit (book and CD) fits that bill. Use it to find, hire, develop, evaluate and retain efficient and effective employees. It includes dozens of customizable templates and 21 different samples of distribution jobs. Make it a key component in your human resources program.
| Weekly Poll | | |
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Has your company noticed a difference in freight volume?
After voting once, check out the real-time poll results on NAW's All Access page as often as you'd like.
 | Yes -- it has decreased. |
| No -- it has stayed about the same. |
| Yes -- it has increased. |
| We do not measure freight volume. |
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- Monday, March 03, 2008
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- Wednesday, February 27, 2008
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