The economy and the decline of the dollar top the concerns of many (though not all) distributors and manufacturers, according to the latest MDM survey. Here are the key issues that surfaced in the November poll.

As in the past few years, distributors are paying close attention to consolidation trends among suppliers, competitors, end-users and ERP providers, materials costs, sales force development, supplier relationships, recruiting and retaining talent and controlling benefits costs. Private label, foreign competition and global sourcing have also moved front and center.

We also asked consultants in wholesale distribution to share what they see developing. Here are starting points to help plan for 2008.

1. Plan for …