Gibraltar Industries Sales Dip 1% in 2010
Annual loss for the manufacturer and distributor of products for building markets increased to $91.1 million.
Gibraltar Industries Sales Dip 1% in 2010 Read More »
February 2011
Tip: Approach Your Compensation Plan as a Strategic Tool
Proactive approach to compensation can help strike a balance between spend control and talent management.
Tip: Approach Your Compensation Plan as a Strategic Tool Read More »
Acuity Brands Acquires Sunoptics
Acquisition expands Acuity's sustainable and energy-efficient offerings.
Acuity Brands Acquires Sunoptics Read More »
Kaman Sales Up 15% in 2010
Industrial Distribution segment sales grew 46 percent in the fourth quarter.
Kaman Sales Up 15% in 2010 Read More »
Purvis Industries Acquires Bearing Solutions
Bearing Solutions will become part of Purvis Industries' National Petroleum Oilfield Products division.
Purvis Industries Acquires Bearing Solutions Read More »
Second Estimate: GDP Increases at 2.6% in 4Q
In 2010, BEA estimates GDP rose 2.8%.
Second Estimate: GDP Increases at 2.6% in 4Q Read More »
Facing the Forces of Change Author: Fight the ‘Legacy of IT’
Distributors must build the skills and capabilities necessary to use IT as a tool to push strategy forward, according to the book, "Facing the Foces of Change: Decisive Actions for an Uncertain Economy." MDM spoke with Guy Blissett, the author, about his research on the topic and how distributors can position themselves to wield IT as a competitive weapon. This is the second part of a two-part series based on an interview with Blissett.
About one-third of distributors say they would like to view IT as a competitive weapon, but just 8 percent say they actually do compete on the "cutting edge of innovation," according to survey results from the new book from the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, "Facing the Forces of Change: Decisive Actions for an Uncertain Economy."
So what does it take to bridge the gap between those who wish they did and those that actually do view IT as a competitive opportunity? …
Facing the Forces of Change Author: Fight the ‘Legacy of IT’ Read More »
Commentary: When It Comes to Optimizing IT, Convert Talk to Action
At the recent National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors meeting, Guy Blissett, author of the latest Facing the Forces of Change book, addressed an underlying aspect of technology required to fully optimize systems to meet customer needs and provide analysis to make better decisions: master data.
Blissett says that data-driven distributors are creating competitive …
Commentary: When It Comes to Optimizing IT, Convert Talk to Action Read More »
Download this Issue in pdf: Feb. 25, 2011
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Download this Issue in pdf: Feb. 25, 2011 Read More »
Interview: Lewis-Goetz’s Focused Growth Strategy
MDM spoke with industrial rubber products distributor Lewis-Goetz and Company CEO Jeffrey Crane at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors annual meeting in January. Lewis-Goetz, Pittsburgh, PA, remained active on the acquisition front throughout the recession, and plans to continue consolidation in its fragmented distribution sector in the next year.
In Part 1 of this interview, Crane discusses current market conditions and why the distributor does not want to expand beyond its product niche as it continues growing nationwide. Part 2 of this interview will appear in the March 10, 2011, issue of MDM.
MDM: How was 2010 for Lewis-Goetz and Company?
Jeff Crane: Much better. 2010 was a …
Interview: Lewis-Goetz’s Focused Growth Strategy Read More »
Health Care Reform: Myth vs. the Reality
The complexity of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 – the two statutes which made up the health care reform of 2010 – has led to confusion and misunderstanding about the impact of passage on small businesses.
Lars Parkin, an employee benefits broker with Bliley Insurance Group in Boulder, CO, and former president of the Front Range Association of Health Underwriters, recently spoke with MDM about common misconceptions and the impact of health care reform. He also addressed how small businesses can offset the impact of rising health insurance costs.
With so many moving parts, the Affordable Care Act – more commonly referred to as the health care reform act or Obamacare – can be difficult to understand.
“The legislation itself has something like 2,700 pages,” says Lars Parkin, an employee benefits broker and former president of Colorado’s Front Range Association of Health Underwriters. And experts estimate that the final regulations will be nearly 30,000 …
Health Care Reform: Myth vs. the Reality Read More »
Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: December 2010
Sales and inventories data for wholesaler-distributors in Dec. 2010.
Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: December 2010 Read More »
Interline Brands Sales Increase 16% in Fourth Quarter
Fourth-quarter growth partially driven by jan-san acquisitions, which account for one-third of Interline's sales.
Interline Brands Sales Increase 16% in Fourth Quarter Read More »
New Orders for Durable Goods Up 2.7% in January
Advance report shows uptick in durable goods orders, shipments and inventories.
New Orders for Durable Goods Up 2.7% in January Read More »
Don’t Downplay Risk When Making Investment Decisions
An extra dose of risk management should be welcome in uncertain times.
Don’t Downplay Risk When Making Investment Decisions Read More »
How to Triple Your Online Sales Leads
To turn your website into a lead generation machine, put the following proven tips into action.
How to Triple Your Online Sales Leads Read More »
Huttig Sales Improve Slightly in 2010
Loss of $19.4 million recorded for 2010 is the fifth consecutive annual loss for the distributor of building materials.
Huttig Sales Improve Slightly in 2010 Read More »
Fluor Sales Down 5% in 2010 on Lower Oil & Gas Activity
New bookings strong, however, for Fluor.
Fluor Sales Down 5% in 2010 on Lower Oil & Gas Activity Read More »
Encore Wire Sales Increase 45% in Fourth Quarter
Copper prices - the primary driver of increased sales prices - rose 30.8 percent in the fourth quarter.
Encore Wire Sales Increase 45% in Fourth Quarter Read More »
