2013 Annual Convention Wrap Up

We would like to thank you for helping to make the 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention one of the best yet! With over 160 distributors and 200 manufacturer companies represented, the convention was a huge success, and your attendance and participation made it all possible.

If you haven't already, be sure to share your thoughts and help us make future conventions even better by taking the 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention Survey. Tell us what you enjoyed best and how we can make the event even more valuable for you and your company in the years to come.

Speaker Presentations Available for Download

All speaker presentations from this year's convention are now posted for you to share with your colleagues (login required). The presentations available for download include:

• Developing Personal Relationships to Drive Sales
  Sam Richter, Know More!
  Also, download business and financial health reports here.
• Trends in the Building Product Supply Chain
  Mark Herbek, Cleveland Research
• Performance & Leadership Improvement
  Bill Benjamin, Institute for Health and Human Potential (IHHP, Inc.)
• Customer Relationships Management
  Scott Thomas
• Taking Control of Your Insurance Destiny
  Jeff Schultz
• Economic Trends & Forecast
  Brian Beaulieu, Institute for Trend Research (ITR)
• Developing a Culture of Accountability
  Walter Bond
• Gear Up! Supply Chain Best Practices & Tactics for 2014 & Beyond
  Trinity Logistics
• National Wood Flooring Association Focus Group

Looking for more?

Brian Beualieu of ITR and Mark Herbek of Cleveland Research offer NAFCD members bonus content throughout the year.

• Brian Beualieu, ITR: Download the complete Q3 Economic report his presentation outlined, along with quarterly data for the rest of 2013 and beyond.
• Mark Herbek, Cleveland Research: Follow up Mark's session with the Fall 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Executive Quarterly Index or search through our database for industry specific trend research on home centers, residential construction, non-residential construction, industrial distribution and other related topics.

And of course, mark your calendars for the 2014 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention to be held in Dallas, Texas from November 18-20.

 

Economic Trends Forecast - Summer & Fall 2013

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

CEO of Institute for Trend Research, Brian Beaulieu will be presenting on the Fall 2013 Economic Outlook Report at the 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention. During this session, Beaulieu will overview short- and long-term global economic forecasts, regional economic updates, and an outlook on inflation. In addition, he will provide insight into the relationship of political events and economic growth and provide economic indicators that executives should follow and receive proven strategies for leveraging economic forecast.

Before this session, don't forget to review the Summer 2013 NAFCD Economic Outlook Report, which is now available to all NAFCD members (login required).

Fall 2013 NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index

The next Quarterly Executive Trends Index online survey was sent last week directly from Cleveland Research. At this time, the survey was only sent to the main contact (or Cleveland Research Survey designee) at our distributor member companies. The survey will be open to Manufacturers in 2014. Please note that the deadline to respond is November 1st. Additional questions have been added based upon member feedback. 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.). Mark Herbeck from Cleveland Research will be providing the survey results with full analysis at the Annual Convention on Wednesday, November 13th. 

NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index Available

NAFCD has partnered with a leading research firm 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.

This data and analysis is available exclusively to NAFCD members. View the first report here.

Your input will be requested for the second report which will be available in October and presented at the 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention during Mark Herbek's session, Trends in the Building Product Supply Chain. With your participation in the Quarterly Executive Trends Index survey, a larger amount of data can be aggregated for better comparison and analysis.

In addition to the Quarterly Executive Trends Index, NAFCD's new partnership provides you with access to research on home centers, residential construction, non-residential construction, industrial distribution and other related topics. These industry updates and insights will be provided monthly and are available in the Members Only section of the website, username and password required.

 

2013 Performance Index Survey Deadline Extended to August 26!

The best source of financial benchmarks for the industry is the NAFCD Performance Index. This report presents a wealth of financial and operating guidelines. In addition, it provides direct comparisons between your firm and other participating firms. This valuable information is, however, only available to firms that participate in the study.

To participate in this survey, 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 with a copy of your income statement and balance sheet by August 26, 2013.

 

NAFCD Announces New Alliance Partner

Trinity Logistics is a leading privately-owned 3PL offering truckload, LTL, intermodal, international, and specialty freight arrangement, as well as logistics consulting, technology, and freight management services.

Their devotion to service, commitment to continuous improvement, and dedication to honesty and ethics set them apart in the industry. With so many 3PLs to choose from, count on their 35 years of experience and our solutions-driven team. They have over 200 team members in over 90 locations across the country. Trinity is consistently ranked in the top 25 providers of our kind in the nation by Transport Topics magazine, providing freight solutions on a global scale. With their corporate headquarters in Seaford, Delaware, multiple regional service centers, and over 90 agent offices throughout North America, they are positioned to provide a solution for any of your logistics needs, no matter how extensive, with the best customer service you'll see in the industry.

For more information, visit www.trinitylogistics.com.