April 16-19 at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville, TN
While at NWFA's Wood Flooring Expo stop by the NAFCD Booth #544 to connect and learn more about exclusive membership specials!
Not only is the NAFCD Booth a great spot for NAFCD members to connect, but this is also a great opportunity for industry colleagues to learn more about NAFCD and how membership can increase opportunity and add value to your business. We look forward to seeing you!
2014 NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index
The Q1 distributor and manufacturer 2014 Quarterly Executive Trends Index is now available! The report, compiled by a leading research firm and in partnership with the North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA) is based on member data submission and provides valuable benchmarking and forecasting data.
Previously, the Quarterly Executive Trends Index Reports only focused on the issues and challenges facing distributors in the industry. For the first time this report covers insights from distributors and manufacturers in the industry.
The Distributor Executive Trends Index key points:
Slower sales growth in January due to unfavorable weather
Strong 2014 sales growth outlooks
Continued profit progress
The Manufacturer Executive Trends Index key points:
Last Chance to Participate in the 2014 Employee Compensation Survey
Today is your last chance to participate in the 2014 Employee Compensation Survey. Your participation will ensure a comprehensive report. Approximately 1,000 firms in more than 30 distribution lines of trade are expected to participate.
The results of the 2014 Employee Compensation Survey can help you determine where your compensation plan stands, not only within the industry, but also compared to other companies in distribution.
To participate in this survey, please click here (Excel) or here (PDF) for a copy of the survey. Once you download the survey, please submit the completed survey to The Profit Planning Group by TODAY.
Visit NAFCD During NWFA Wood Flooring Expo
April 16-19 at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville, TN
While at NWFA's Wood Flooring Expo next month, don't miss the NAFCD Booth #544 to connect and learn more about exclusive membership specials!
Not only is the NAFCD Booth a great spot for NAFCD members to connect, but this is also a great opportunity for industry colleagues to learn more about NAFCD and how membership can increase opportunity and add value to your business. We look forward to seeing you!
2014 NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index
The Q1 distributor and manufacturer 2014 Quarterly Executive Trends Index is now available! The report, compiled by a leading research firm and in partnership with the North American Building Materials Distribution Association (NBMDA) is based on member data submission and provides valuable benchmarking and forecasting data.
Previously, the Quarterly Executive Trends Index Reports only focused on the issues and challenges facing distributors in the industry. For the first time this report covers insights on distributors and manufacturers in the industry.
The Distributor Executive Trends Index key points:
Slower sales growth in January due to unfavorable weather
Strong 2014 sales growth outlooks
Continued profit progress
The Manufacturer Executive Trends Index key points:
2014 NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index Available
The Quarterly Executive Trends Index for 2014 is now available! The report, compiled by a leading research firm and in partnership with the North American Building Materials Distribution Association (NBMDA) is based on member data submission and provides valuable benchmarking and forecasting data.
Previously, the Quarterly Executive Trends Index Reports only focused on the issues and challenges facing distributors in the industry. For the first time this report covers insights on distributors and manufacturers in the industry.
The Distributor Executive Trends Index key points:
Slower sales growth in January due to unfavorable weather
Strong 2014 sales growth outlooks
Continued profit progress
The Manufacturer Executive Trends Index key points:
Strong 2014 sales and profit growth
Increase in headcount over the next 90 days
80% plan to add distributors during 2014
This data and analysis is available exclusively to NAFCD members. View the Q1 distributor and manufacturer reports here.
New NAFCD Membership Video
Creating a Forum for Connecting with Partners. Alex Shaoulpour, President & CEO of Horizon Floors Inc. discusses the value he receives as a NAFCD member.
The Top 5 Transportation Management System (TMS) Myths Busted
It's good to be cautious, but commonly held myths seem to be holding many shippers back from incredible improvements to their supply chain! It's myth-busting time, and we're here to give you the real scoop on transportation management system facts. Trinity, a NAFCD alliance partner debunks the top 5 TMS tips here!
New NAFCD Membership Videos
Providing Industry Reporting and Benchmarking Data. Heidi Cronin, President, The Cronin Company discusses the value she receives at the NAFCD Annual Convention.
Providing Industry Reporting and Benchmarking Data. Rosana Chaidez, Vice President Sales & Marketing and Procurement for JJ Haines discusses the value she receives as an NAFCD member.
Visit NAFCD During NWFA Wood Flooring Expo
April 16-19 at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville, TN
While at NWFA's Wood Flooring Expo next month, don't miss the NAFCD Booth #544 to connect and learn more about exclusive membership specials!
Not only is the NAFCD Booth a great spot for NAFCD members to connect, but this is also a great opportunity for industry colleagues to learn more about NAFCD and how membership can increase opportunity and add value to your business. We look forward to seeing you!
2014 Employee Compensation Survey Extension
The deadline for the 2014 Employee Compensation Survey has been extended to March 15. Compensation benchmarks are critical, however developing such benchmarks has always been a very difficult undertaking in distribution. The results of the 2014 Employee Compensation Survey can help you determine where your compensation plan stands, not only within the industry, but also compared to other companies in distribution.
In partnership with NBMDA, NAFCD invites distributors to participate in the survey conducted by Profit Planning Group by March 15. Approximately 1,000 firms in more than 30 distribution lines of trade are expected to participate. Your participation will ensure a comprehensive report.
To guarantee complete confidentiality of your company's data, all responses will be sent directly to and compiled by Profit Planning Group, an independent organization that specializes in survey research. Your responses will remain strictly confidential - only the aggregate results of the survey will be released.
To participate, please click here (Excel) or here (PDF) for a copy of the survey. Once you download the survey, please mail the completed survey to The Profit Planning Group by March 15.
Don't Forget to Renew Your NAFCD Membership
Your renewal notice has been mailed to your company's primary contact. Renew your membership to continue to take advantage of all the benefits of being an NAFCD member.
As a reminder, Distributor Members fall under a new structure that simplifies the previous offerings from five to three distributor sales volume categories and cultivates inclusiveness and independence for members. Companies that have acquired others will be able to share one membership, but will still be recognized separately as individual members. The new structure takes into consideration branches, geography and diverse product lines, and as a result, provides a greater number of individuals access to NAFCD. To learn more about Distributor Membership please visit our website.
Manufacturer Members are able to choose from several flexible packages depending on the timing of your needs. These flexible membership options have been outlined on our website. Please review each one carefully before making your selection as there are deadlines associated with each of the packages.
If you have not received your membership renewal package or have questions, please contact NAFCD Headquarters at info@nafcd.org or call us at (312) 321-6836.
Offering Valuable Ways to Better Yourself and the Industry. Dave Darche, National Sales and Market Manager, Adhesives for Bona US discusses the value he receives as an NAFCD member.
Participate in NAFCD's 2014 Member Needs Survey
Over the next few months, you will be asked to participate in a comprehensive member survey. This is not your typical survey that you will be expected to complete online but a personal outreach effort. To execute this initial step, Kandence - an independent market research firm, will conduct the member survey and analyze the data.
Members can expect a one-on-one telephone call from a Kadence representative over the next couple of weeks. NAFCD encourages each of you and other from your company to consider taking part in this survey.
What we learn from you will give NAFCD a chance to bridge the gaps and provide services and insight into areas where you need assistance. Should you have questions about the member survey please contact Michelle Miller at (312) 673-5701.
NAFCD's New Quarterly Executive Trends Index Survey
The next survey for the NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index has been distributed. Requests for survey participation have been sent to all distributors and manufacturers. All survey responses are anonymous and confidential with responses aggregated only to identify key trends in the industry. We hope your company can commit to filling out the survey.
Through the data in the survey, NAFCD is able to provide its members a valuable benchmarking and forecasting tool, the NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index. You can compare the results of your company with key trends identified by your fellow NAFCD members. Click here to view 2013 reports. This is exclusive data and analysis that cannot be received elsewhere.
NAFCD appreciates your participation. If you have any questions, or need the survey resent, please contact NAFCD Headquarters.
Save the Date for 2014 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention
Exhibits: November 18-20, 2014 Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Join us for the 2014 NAFCD + NBMDA Convention November 18-20, 2014 in Dallas, TX. The NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention unites the top distributors, manufacturers and service providers from the floor covering, specialty building material, cabinetry and woodworking industries to network, engage, learn and grow their businesses. This is the most anticipated and highly valued distribution-focused event of the year for suppliers to gain valuable access and deepen relationships with their distributor customers.
Posted By Maddie Moss,
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Participate in the 2014 Employee Compensation Survey
Compensation benchmarks are critical, however developing such benchmarks has always been a very difficult undertaking in distribution. The results of the 2014 Employee Compensation Survey can help you determine where your compensation plan stands, not only within the industry, but also compared to other companies in distribution.
In partnership with NBMDA, NAFCD invites distributors to participate in the survey conducted by Profit Planning Group by February 28. Approximately 1,000 firms in more than 30 distribution lines of trade are expected to participate. Your participation will ensure a comprehensive report.
To guarantee complete confidentiality of your company's data, all responses will be sent directly to and compiled by Profit Planning Group, an independent organization that specializes in survey research. Your responses will remain strictly confidential - only the aggregate results of the survey will be released.
To participate, please click here (Excel) or here (PDF) for a copy of the survey. Once you download the survey, please mail the completed survey to The Profit Planning Group by February 28, 2014.
NAFCD Membership Renewals
Your renewal notice has been mailed to your company's primary contact. Renew your membership to continue to take advantage of all the benefits of being an NAFCD member.
As a reminder, Distributor Members fall under a new structure that simplifies the previous offerings from five to three distributor sales volume categories and cultivates inclusiveness and independence for members. Companies that have acquired others will be able to share one membership, but will still be recognized separately as individual members. The new structure takes into consideration branches, geography and diverse product lines, and as a result, provides a greater number of individuals access to NAFCD. To learn more about Distributor Membership please visit our website.
Manufacturer Members are able to choose from several flexible packages depending on the timing of your needs. These flexible membership options have been outlined on our website. Please review each one carefully before making your selection as there are deadlines associated with each of the packages.
If you have not received your membership renewal package or have questions, please contact NAFCD Headquarters at info@nafcd.org or call us at (312) 321-6836.
NAFCD's New Quarterly Executive Trends Index Survey
The next survey for the NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index has been distributed. Requests for survey participation have been sent to all distributors and manufacturers. All survey responses are anonymous and confidential with responses aggregated only to identify key trends in the industry. We hope your company can commit to filling out the survey.
Through the data in the survey, NAFCD is able to provide its members a valuable benchmarking and forecasting tool, the NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index. You can compare the results of your company with key trends identified by your fellow NAFCD members. Click here to view 2013 reports. This is exclusive data and analysis that cannot be received elsewhere.
NAFCD appreciates your participation. If you have any questions, or need the survey resent, please contact NAFCD Headquarters.
Participate in NAFCD's 2014 Member Needs Survey
Over the next few months, you will be asked to participate in a comprehensive member survey. This is not your typical survey that you will be expected to complete online but a personal outreach effort. To execute this initial step, Kandence - an independent market research firm, will conduct the member survey and analyze the data.
Members can expect a one-on-one telephone call from a Kadence representative over the next couple of weeks. NAFCD encourages each of you and other from your company to consider taking part in this survey. What we learn from you will give NAFCD a chance to bridge the gaps and provide services and insight into areas where you need assistance. Should you have questions about the member survey please contact Michelle Miller at (312) 673-5701.
Posted By Maddie Moss,
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Winter ITR Report Now Available
The Winter 2014 Economic Outlook Report, compiled by the Institute for Trend Research (ITR), is now available. This quarterly report grants you access to the latest updates on the U.S. macroeconomic climate, with numerous economic data points critical to your business. The report allows you to forecast what effect the economy has on your business and what you can reasonably expect for up to six quarters in the future.
View the Winter report, by logging on to the NAFCD website here.
Reminder: Quarterly Executive Trends Index Report Survey Released
The first Quarterly Executive Trends Index online survey for 2014 was sent last week directly from Cleveland Research. Based on your feedback, in 2014, this report is also being made available to manufacturer members. The survey was sent to the main contact of each NAFCD member - both distributors and manufacturers. Make sure you check your Inbox for the survey link to respond.
All survey responses are anonymous and confidential with responses aggregated only to identify key trends in the industry (sales growth for the industry, inventory levels, changes in operating costs, etc.). If you did not receive your survey link, please contact Michelle Miller at mmiller@nafcd.org.
Help Us, Help You... NAFCD is pleased to announce that the organization will once again be reaching out to their members to further provide value. Kadence International, the firm that conducted the last member needs survey in 2011 will once again be supporting this worthwhile comprehensive member survey. Kadence is a valued partner and has the experience and knowledge of the flooring industry. Many of the dynamic changes that have taken place over the last 3 years were a direct result of 2011 survey results.
Check your inbox this week for NAFCD's Member Needs Survey invitation! We are dedicated to understanding where you need help the most to grow your business and in order to gather this information we will be reaching out to members and asking you to participate in a comprehensive member survey.What we learn from you will give NAFCD a chance to bridge the gaps and provide services and insight into areas where you need assistance. Your feedback will play a vital role in establishing all components of the organization's new strategic plan. As a result of your feedback and the updated strategic plan, you can expect to see new ideas and new offerings from NAFCD later in 2014.
What can you expect? Starting today, NAFCD Executive Vice President Michelle Miller will reach out via email with an invitation to participate. Participants will then have the opportunity to set an appointment with the market research firm - working around your schedule and providing flexibility for when you are available. The research firm will then set up a one-on-one telephone call to gather your input. We encourage you to be as candid as possible and to speak from the perspective of your business.
Should you have questions about the member survey or would like to participate, please contact Michelle Miller at (312) 673-5701 or mmiller@nafcd.org.
NAFCD Website Update: Board of Directors
In our continuous efforts to provide additional offerings and enhance member experience we have updated the Board of Directors page on the NAFCD website.
Learn more about your Board members with their newly updated bios and stay up to date with the latest industry events with our calendar news feed. We will continue to update our Board page, so check back often!
Save the Date for 2014 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention
Exhibits: November 18-20, 2014 Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Join us for the 2014 NAFCD + NBMDA Convention November 18-20, 2014 in Dallas, TX. The NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention unites the top distributors, manufacturers and service providers from the floor covering, specialty building material, cabinetry and woodworking industries to network, engage, learn and grow their businesses. This is the most anticipated and highly valued distribution-focused event of the year for suppliers to gain valuable access and deepen relationships with their distributor customers.
This legislative update is a benefit for NAFCD members, made possible through NAFCD's membership with NAW.
In this update:
2013 Congress Year in Review
Labor and the National Labor Relations Board
Marketplace Fairness
OSHA Reform
Regulatory Agenda
Taxes
2013 Congress Year in Review
Congress began and ended the year passing bipartisan fiscal measures. In January they passed the "fiscal cliff" legislation dealing with taxes and spending; they closed the year in December passing a Congressional budget and spending bill - the first budget passed by both houses of Congress since 2009.
In February 2013, the Administration issued guidance delaying for one year implementation of the ACA's limitation on out-of-pocket expenses for non-grandfathered group health plans that use more than one provider to administer major medical and pharmacy benefits. Thus, group health plans with more than one benefits administrator don't have to combine their tallies of members' out-of-pocket spending into one total until 2015.
Labor and the National Labor Relations Board
Although labor has had few legislative victories, the pro-labor assault on the American workplace continues to manifest itself aggressively in the regulatory arena. Both the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are expected to increase their activity and begin moving on regulations that have been in the queue in both agencies.
Marketplace Fairness
In April 2013, the U.S. Senate passed S. 763, the NAW-supported Marketplace Fairness Act ("MFA"). The bill proposes to empower the states to require sellers not qualifying for a small seller exemption to collect and remit sales and use taxes on remote sales. Similar legislation has been introduced in the House, but neither the Senate-passed measure nor its companion House bill will be the vehicle for action in the House. Instead, proponents of marketplace fairness legislation are working with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Robert Goodlatte (R-VA-6) to develop a bill based on seven principles Chairman Goodlatte unveiled in September.
OSHA Reform
Legislation to reform the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), favoring confrontation over cooperation as the preferred approach to workplace health and safety regulation ("Protecting America's Workers Act" or "PAWA"), stalled in both the 111th and 112th Congresses and has gone and will go nowhere in the 113th.
OSHA is continuing to develop "a rule requiring employers to implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program," and publication of a long-delayed proposed "I2P2" rule is on the Agency's regulatory agenda for the fall of 2014. The proposal will involve "planning, implementing, evaluating, and improving processes and activities that protect employee safety and health," and will "build on OSHA's voluntary Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines."
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has implemented a new system allowing workers to file whistleblower retaliation claims with the agency online. Previously an employee had to file a written complaint with OSHA or call the agency hotline or a regional office. Complaints filed using the online system will be automatically routed to the proper regional office for investigation. OSHA enforces the whistleblower protection provisions in 22 federal laws.
Regulatory Agenda
NLRB continues to pursue its rule-making, including the NLRB Rule requiring employers to post a Notice of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act. Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW) and others successfully challenged in court and both the DC and 4th circuit appellate courts struck down the rule, one ruling that the rule violated the constitutional free speech clause by compelling speech by business, and the other ruling that the NLRB lacked the statutory authority to require the notice postings. NLRB did not appeal which means that the lower court decisions stands, the notice posting rule is invalid, and the business community collaborative effort was a success.
Taxes
A few tax provisions important to business, particularly bonus depreciation and Section 179 small business expensing, were extended for a year in the fiscal cliff bill, but not made permanent. These two provisions are among the 55-or-so expiring tax provisions that Congress allowed to lapse when it adjourned last December. It is unclear whether Congress can or will retroactively extend some or all of those tax provisions.
For complete details on these and other topics that NAW is working on, please see the Winter 2014 NAW Update.
NACFD is a member of NAW, whose primary purpose is to represent the wholesale distribution industry before Congress, the White House, and the judiciary on issues that cross the industry's many lines of trade. NAW encompasses over 100 national line-of-trade associations, including NAFCD.
IMPORTANT: THIS NAW LEGISLATIVE UPDATE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE LEGAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OF ANY KIND. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR COMPANY'S LEGAL/EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COUNSEL FOR ADVICE REGARDING THE APPLICABILITY OF THIS INFORMATION OR ANY PROVISION THEROF TO YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION.
Action Alerts generated by NAW are sent to you as a member service of NAFCD. For additional information on the issues outlined on this update or any other issue being monitored by NAW, please contact NAW at: 1325 G Street, NW Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 / 202.872.0885 / naw@naw.org
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April 16-19 at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville, TN
