December 10 2009 Archives - Modern Distribution Management

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December 10 2009

Volume 39, Issue 23 - 12/10/2009

Volume:

39

Issue:

23

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Features
3923-Issue-Cover
Research & Analytics
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Building a ‘Green’ Strategy

Whatever your feelings on "green," many distributors have increased their focus in this area, finding profitable growth at a time when growth is hard to find. MDM spoke with expert Bill Bean, who said companies interested in pursuing this growth opportunity need to go beyond just labeling products "green"; the change should be part of a strategic plan.

Even as more distributors and manufacturers are entering into "green" markets, several questions remain as to whether green is the right way to expand, and if now, given current conditions, is the right time to explore the new markets.

"Business is tough right now," says Bill Bean, president of Green Planning & Coaching. "I find myself telling people that there is no new business in traditional markets today, only someone else's business. …

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Commentary: The Pathway to Profitability in 2010

Where previous recoveries were marked by a "bounce," this one is forecast to be flat. Topline growth alone won't hide weaknesses this time. But there are many well-run distribution companies that positioned for profitability even before the downturn. Today they have healthy balance sheets. They have more flexibility (and cash) to respond to market opportunities and pick up share this year. An MDM survey in November examines what distributors and their suppliers are doing to improve profitability as we enter this slow-growth recovery over the next 12 months.
Economic Trends
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2010 Economic Forecast

Here's an exclusive summary of Adam Fein's 2010 Economic Forecast for Wholesale Distribution, presented at an MDM Webcast in November and now available on CD.

Employment will be a key factor in recovery, according to wholesale distribution industry expert Adam Fein, who recently presented the 2010 Economic Forecast for Wholesale Distribution in an MDM Webcast.

He forecasts 6.6 percent growth in wholesale distribution for 2010; excluding oil and gas, and agricultural products, he expects growth of 5.6 percent. That compares with a decline of 11 percent in 2009.

Growth expectations vary within the distribution sector, with a forecast of …

Economic Trends
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STAFDA Speakers: It’s a New World

This article provides a summary of key points made by two speakers on the State of the Industry at the November Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association annual trade show and convention. Les Ireland, vice president at Black & Decker, and Hal Look, the vice president of ProBuild's specialty building products division, spoke about the challenges their industry has faced in the past year and how STAFDA members should look forward to recovery.

A clear message was presented at the annual State of the Industry addresses at the November meeting of the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributor Association this year: The recession has changed …

PDF Download
3923-Issue-Cover
Research & Analytics
  • Premium

Building a ‘Green’ Strategy

Whatever your feelings on "green," many distributors have increased their focus in this area, finding profitable growth at a time when growth is hard to find. MDM spoke with expert Bill Bean, who said companies interested in pursuing this growth opportunity need to go beyond just labeling products "green"; the change should be part of a strategic plan.

Even as more distributors and manufacturers are entering into "green" markets, several questions remain as to whether green is the right way to expand, and if now, given current conditions, is the right time to explore the new markets.

"Business is tough right now," says Bill Bean, president of Green Planning & Coaching. "I find myself telling people that there is no new business in traditional markets today, only someone else's business. …

Free
  • Premium

Commentary: The Pathway to Profitability in 2010

Where previous recoveries were marked by a "bounce," this one is forecast to be flat. Topline growth alone won't hide weaknesses this time. But there are many well-run distribution companies that positioned for profitability even before the downturn. Today they have healthy balance sheets. They have more flexibility (and cash) to respond to market opportunities and pick up share this year. An MDM survey in November examines what distributors and their suppliers are doing to improve profitability as we enter this slow-growth recovery over the next 12 months.
Economic Trends
  • Premium

2010 Economic Forecast

Here's an exclusive summary of Adam Fein's 2010 Economic Forecast for Wholesale Distribution, presented at an MDM Webcast in November and now available on CD.

Employment will be a key factor in recovery, according to wholesale distribution industry expert Adam Fein, who recently presented the 2010 Economic Forecast for Wholesale Distribution in an MDM Webcast.

He forecasts 6.6 percent growth in wholesale distribution for 2010; excluding oil and gas, and agricultural products, he expects growth of 5.6 percent. That compares with a decline of 11 percent in 2009.

Growth expectations vary within the distribution sector, with a forecast of …

Economic Trends
  • Premium

STAFDA Speakers: It’s a New World

This article provides a summary of key points made by two speakers on the State of the Industry at the November Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association annual trade show and convention. Les Ireland, vice president at Black & Decker, and Hal Look, the vice president of ProBuild's specialty building products division, spoke about the challenges their industry has faced in the past year and how STAFDA members should look forward to recovery.

A clear message was presented at the annual State of the Industry addresses at the November meeting of the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributor Association this year: The recession has changed …

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