Arguably, we are in what might be viewed down the road as Phase 1 of the largest structural shift in wholesale distribution. That’s a tall statement, but as we close a year most distributors want to distance themselves from, it’s worth considering. Our economy is struggling with the greatest shock since the 1930s. We are beginning to see what happens to distributors who have not adapted – they are being acquired by stronger competitors, or struggling to stay in business, be responsive to customers and be competitive in their market.
The MDM Webcast tomorrow, Ready for the Rebound? Position Now to Take Market Share, a free event, is focused on Phase 2. As Dr. William McCleave and I designed this program, we realized the key issue for distributors and their suppliers as they position for this rebound – what most economists expect to be a slow-growth recovery period – really centers on profitability improvement. What is the logical pathway for your company to rebound to profitability in 2010?
Dr. McCleave will present some interesting findings from the latest MDM survey. He’ll be leading a conversation with our three industry panelists:
- Mitch Williams, CEO of electrical distributor Gexpro.
- Lee Eagan, CEO of industrial distributor Oliver H. Van Horn Company, and
- Kevin Roach, executive vice president and general manager of Activant Solutions’ Wholesale Distribution Group.
Please join us for this high-level discussion. I think you’ll take away some very strong discussion points for your management team.
To register for this event, go to www.mdm.com/rebound. Join us this Wednesday at 2 PM Eastern. If you can’t attend the live event, register now and we’ll send you a link to the recording and handouts you can view on your schedule.