MDM recently conducted its annual Reader Survey. On that survey, MDM asked questions about top business concerns for 2011 and what distributors, manufacturers and others have done to adapt to changing business conditions over the past two years. This article is a synopsis of those responses and provides insight into the mindset of the distribution industry as we move into the new year.

In the 2010 MDM Reader Survey, not surprisingly, the economic recovery and uncertainty that has accompanied it was one of the top three business concerns for many respondents.

Some readers are concerned the economy will decline again, while others are just not sure what’s coming next for their markets – despite mostly positive …