Sign In   |   Join NAFCD
Monday Morning Memo Archive
Blog Home All Blogs

Monday Morning Memo 1.27.14

Posted By Maddie Moss, Tuesday, January 28, 2014

2014 Employee Compensation Survey

Hiring and keeping good employees is essential to the profitability of your business, especially in today's economy. To achieve that goal, you must consider your overall employee compensation plan - not just your pay scales, but your benefits program as well - in comparison to other firms in distribution.

To help you evaluate your situation, NAFCD and NBMDA are co-sponsoring the 2014 Employee Compensation conducted by Profit Planning Group. Approximately 1,000 firms in 30 distribution lines of trade will be participating.

Compensation-The compensation data will be broken out into three components by position-base salary, bonus and total compensation. In addition, the range of common experience for total compensation will also be provided.

The positions to be covered include:

  • Executives-those with titles such as chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief marketing officer and the like
  • Operating Employees-includes such positions as office manager, purchasing agent, warehouse employee and warehouse supervisor
  • Sales Employees-including both inside and outside sales reps
  • Branch Managers

Participants will receive a complimentary copy of the results in May 2014. Non-member participants will be subject to a fee for the report. Results will include information on executive compensation, employee compensation, sales commission plans, inside/counter sales policies, and benefit programs. For more information on this report, visit our website.

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.

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.

Visit the Annual Convention Website for more information.

Trinity Logistics: The Drop Trailer Solution

We know the new FMCSA Hours of Service rules are making it tougher than ever for you to coordinate your schedule with carriers in order to load and unload freight in a timely, efficient manner. The result is late or missed appointments, crowded docks and floor space, long waits for drivers, detention fees and a generous dose of frustration for everyone involved. By implementing a drop trailer program, you can alleviate (or eliminate!) the issues caused by clogged docks and limited warehouse space. It's actually pretty simple! Read our latest blog for all the details. Interested in learning more about a drop trailer program? Email Kellie at kellie.morgan@trinitylogistics.com for more information!

Tags:  2014 annual convention  compensation survey  drop trailer program  FMCSA Hours of Service rules  profit planning group  save the date  Trinity  Trinity Logistics 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Monday Morning Memo 12.9.13

Posted By Maddie Moss, Thursday, January 2, 2014

Less-Than Truckload Shipping: Weight and Classification Tips

Many NAFCD members rely heavily on less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping to get their product where it needs to go. Unfortunately, shipping LTL can be a little bit complicated - but luckily, we're here to help you navigate through all the confusing terminology and hopefully avoid the extra fines that "guessing" can land you with!

In one of our most popular blogs of all time, we provided some pitfalls to avoid when listing the weight & classification of your shipments. Check out the blog here.

P.S. It was great meeting so many of you at the annual NAFCD conference this month! Many thanks to those of you who attended our presentation. Feel free to reconnect with Kathie Kingery or Pat Wallace if you have any further questions.

Introducing NAFCD Member Survey

Early next year, NAFCD is continuing outreach to members to learn more about your greatest needs. We are dedicated to understanding where you need help the most to grow your business. Using an independent market research firm with experience in the floor covering industry, 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?

The member survey will launch in February 2014. 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. All responses you provide will be anonymous. Watch for your email invitation this February.

NAFCD Membership Renewals Have Begun

As a reminder, all NAFCD memberships expire on December 31, 2013. Your renewal notice are being mailed to your company's primary contact this week. Renew your membership to continue to take advantage of all the benefits of being an NAFCD member.

Membership with NAFCD allows you to have access to:

Speaker presentations from the 2013 Annual Convention
The highly rated educational presentations offered at this year's Convention featured an impressive roster of though leaders. Topics covered included leadership improvement, economic trends, and developing a culture of accountability.

Economic Outlook Reports
Produced by ITR Senior Economists, the NBMDA & NAFCD Economic Outlook Report correlates macroeconomic data to specific product categories directly related to the building material industry. 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.

Quarterly Executive Trends and Industry Research
NAFCD has partnered with Cleveland Research to provide you with the NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index. The report is based on member data submission and provides valuable benchmarking and forecasting data. You can compare the results of your company with key trends identified by your fellow NAFCD members.

NAFCD Membership Directory
The online NAFCD Member Directory is the most up-to-date listing of more than 1,000 industry professionals from hundreds of floor covering manufacturers, distributors, and allied members. Updated daily, this directory has a quick, easy-to-use search engine that allows you to locate other members' areas of expertise, companies, and contact information (and makes it easy for other members to find you!).

Tags:  member survey  members  membership renewal  trinity  Trinity Logistics 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Monday Morning Memo 10.14.13

Posted By Maddie Moss, Thursday, December 12, 2013

Meet NAFCD's Newest Alliance Partner

Members of NAFCD are eligible to receive a free freight consultation from Trinity Logistics's experienced and seasoned logistics team. During the complimentary consultation, Trinity will analyze your business, supply chain, freight goals, and address any challenges you might be facing. They will then create a customized approach to help analyze your shipping processes, identify areas of improvement and provide workable solutions. To reserve your consultation, please visit Trinitylogistics or call (866) 604-5679. 

Trinity will also be hosting an in-person session at the 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention in which you will learn about best practices and tactics from logistics experts Kathie Kingery and Pat Wallace. This session takes place Tuesday, November 12th from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., RSVP today! If you can't make this session, they will also be at Booth #718 throughout the convention.

New NAW Publications Just Released!

As a Member of NAFCD, you and your employees are eligible for a reduced (middle tier rate) on publications, wholesale distribution manager's courses, and business services offerings.

New to the NAW library are:

  • Facing the Forces of Change: Reimagining Distribution in a Connected World
  • Pricing Optimization: Striking the Right Balance for Margin Advantage
  • Getting the Most Out of CRM: Best Practices for Wholesaler-Distributors

When you place an order with NAW, make sure that you acknowledge your membership with NAFCD to receive the discounted price. To view NAW full publication catalog of educational materials, please visit NAW Publications or check out the current Top 10 Best Sellers here.

Participate in NWFA's Focus Group & Luncheon

Join the National Wood Flooring Association at the NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention for a focus group with distributors and manufacturers in the wood flooring industry interested in sharing their ideas on how trade associations can help create supply chain efficiencies and improve wood flooring issues.

Topics of discussion will include:

  • What do distributors of wood flooring need to stay competitive?
  • What are the biggest challenges in the wood flooring sector?
  • What do distributor sales people need to know to increase the sales of wood flooring products?
  • What can your trade associations do to help grow your wood flooring business?

This session will be held on Tuesday, November 12, from 12:00-1:30pm at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel. There is no additional cost to attend and lunch is included.

Space is limited to 15 qualified wood flooring industry professionals, so RSVP today! Contact Anita Howard or Heather Wegge at (800) 422-4556 for more information or to RSVP.

Tags:  alliance partner  NAW  NWFA  Trinity Logistics 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Monday Morning Memo 9.16.13

Posted By Maddie Moss, Friday, December 6, 2013

Participate in NWFA's Focus Group & Luncheon


Join the National Wood Flooring Association at the NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention for a focus group with distributors and manufacturers in the wood flooring industry interested in sharing their ideas on how trade associations can help create supply chain efficiencies and improve wood flooring issues. 

Topics of discussion will include:

  • What do distributors of wood flooring need to stay competitive?
  • What are the biggest challenges in the wood flooring sector?
  • What do distributor sales people need to know to increase the sales of wood flooring products?
  • What can your trade associations do to help grow your wood flooring business?

This session will be held on Tuesday, November 12, from 12:00-1:30pm at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel. There is no additional cost to attend and lunch is included.

Space is limited to 15 qualified wood flooring industry professionals, so RSVP today! Contact Anita Howard or Heather Wegge at (800) 422-4556 for more information or to RSVP.

Gear Up! Supply Chain Best Practices & Tactics for 2014 & Beyond

Presenters Kathie Kingery & Pat Wallace from Trinity Logistics will be hosting a optional information session in conjunction with the NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention on Tuesday, Novemeber 12 from 2:00-3:00pm.

This session will help you identify possible areas for improvement within your supply chain and learn key tactics for immediate implementation. In the fast-paced world of logistics, there's too much at stake for you to simply guess how to proceed. Let us provide the guidance you need from over 34 years of experience to take your business to the next level.

You'll learn about...

  • Best practices across your industry that will equip your supply chain for growth, enhanced efficiencies, and freight savings
  • Trucking regulations involving Hours of Service, Operating Authority, and Electronic on Board Recorders (EOBR's) and how they can impact your supply chain
  • The realities surrounding diminishing capacity as the available pool of carriers shrinks
  • How to avoid the pitfalls of selecting non-compliant or unsafe carriers by creating a procedure for compliance with vendors

To attend this event, please register here. There is no additional cost to attend.

Tags:  annual convention  NWFA  session  Trinity Logistics 

PermalinkComments (0)
 
Community Search
Sign In
Login with LinkedIn
OR


Calendar

11/4/2025 » 11/6/2025
2025 NAFCD Annual Convention

11/3/2026 » 11/5/2026
2026 NAFCD Annual Convention