November 2003                   SEDA News l Business Tools

 Regulatory Scene l NAW News l Member News

Looking Forward: What Does SEDA Have in Store for 2004?

Many business people are hard at work planning for 2004. Forecasting, budgeting and strategic planning are all part of the process. SEDA offers two studies and several programs that should be an essential part of every safety equipment distributor’s planning process. DETAILS

Top Gun Seminars a Hit with SEDA Members

There's still time to register for the Top Gun Survival School for Distribution Salespeople. The program has been a huge hit with SEDA members who have attended the first two sessions in Atlanta and Chicago.  Led by industry guru Dave Kahle, this full-day seminar teaches your salespeople the must have skills they need to prosper in our fast paced economy. DETAILS

TOOLS FOR BETTER BUSINESS

Where will You be in Five Years?

From a profitability perspective, 2002 was the worst year in memory for most distribution organizations. SEDA members were not exempt from the profitability challenges. In 2003 the typical return on assets (ROA) in the industry was 1.8%. ROA is pre-tax profit expressed as a percent of total assets. The 1.8% rate scarcely justifies re-investing in the business for future growth. DETAILS

New Study Tells Distributors How to Survive the Manufacturing Exodus

A new study by Progressive Distributor magazine and Benfield Consulting shows that distributors recorded an average of between $250,000 and $400,000 in lost sales when their manufacturing customers moved out of the U.S. The study also indicates the average margin on lost sales was more than 21 percent. DETAILS

THE REGULATORY SCENE

FCC Postpones Effective Date of Do Not Fax Regulations

On October 3, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an order postponing the effective date of their proposed, restrictive definition of Established Business Relationship (EBR) as it applies to the sending of unsolicited commercial faxes. DETAILS

NAW NEWS

NAW's Newest Audio CD Features Michael W. Wright, Supervalu, Inc.

The newest “Profiles in Wholesale Distribution Leadership”™ CD set from NAW’S Distribution Research and Education Foundation features a wide-ranging conversation with Michael W. Wright, recently retired CEO and chairman of the board, SUPERVALU Inc. SUPERVALU is one of the largest companies in the U.S. grocery channel. DETAILS

Distribution to Grow Faster than U.S. Economy Says New Report

U.S. wholesale distribution companies have a bright economic outlook according to a new report by Pembroke Consulting and Economy.com for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) titled NAW 2004 Economic Forecast. DETAILS

MEMBER NEWS

SEDA Welcomes Three New Members

Click here to learn more about SEDA's newest members. DETAILS