Technology highlights NAED meeting

Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 6/1/2007

The National Assn. of Electrical Distributors continues to lead the way in streamlining the distribution channel with its focus on technology and e-commerce. At the group's 99th annual meeting in Washington, D.C., last month, technology solutions were a key topic during workshops and presentations by consultants and industry professionals alike.

In welcoming members to the meeting, NAED chairman John Duda spoke about the “focus on the future” theme that dominated his year at NAED's helm.

Duda is president of Butler Supply of St. Louis, Mo. He said the two main elements shaping the future are technology and people, adding that, “Technology is not a fad; it's a trend which will continue.”

Duda pointed to the Industry Data Warehouse, or IDW, which is a central data repository of standardized supplier product and pricing information run by the trade group Industry Data Exchange Assn. IDEA's goal is to streamline the distribution channel through the use of standards and electronic commerce.

NAED president Tom Naber continued in that vein with his update on the association's activities and initiatives. He emphasized standards and best practices, pointing to the association's new Supply Chain Scorecard, a communication tool that promotes a standard measurement scale for assessing distributor and manufacturer performance.

The scorecard promotes a standard language for use by trading partners, and measures a range of factors, including IDEA and IDW participation. Naber said the program's goal is to drive supply chain efficiencies.

Naber also pointed to other projects, such as the association's Learning Center and its upcoming recruitment Web site, which aims to address the labor shortage faced by many in the industry.

Similarly, the “people” factor was the second part of Duda's message.

“Distribution is a local business …,” he said. “Technology is the ticket to the party, but without people there is no party.”

Other executives echoed that sentiment during a panel discussion moderated by Duda. Discussing everything from private-labeling to the economy, the panel noted the labor shortage as a key issue facing the electrical distribution industry. The panel, which included Wesco president Roy Haley, asked the key question, “Where will the future leaders come from?”

Tapping into more diverse markets—meaning women and minorities—was one answer, and reaching outside the industry for new talent was another.

The meeting also included the introduction of new officers for the upcoming year and several awards. Duda passed the gavel to Tammy Miller, president of Fargo, North Dakota-based Border States Electric. Miller will serve as NAED chairman for 2007-2008. Dick Waterman, president of IES Corp., the U.S. holding company for global electrical distributor Rexel, was named chairman elect, and Duda will serve as NAED past chairman.

At its 2007 Awards Banquet, NAED bestowed its highest honor, the Arthur W. Hooper Award, on Lee Hite, president/CEO of The Hite Co. in Altoona, Pa. The award recognizes Hite's nearly 40 years of service to the electrical industry.

Distinguished Service Awards went to Marjorie and Clyde Rutland, president/CEO and chairman, respectively, of Wholesale Electric Supply Co. of Houston; Square D/Schneider Electric received the Award of Merit; and the Associate Award went to Robert Bukowsky, vice president of Ideal Industries.

Honory Life Awards were given to: John Alton, former CEO of Minerallac Co./Cully Enterprises; Don Lee, former owner/general manager of San Leandro Electric Supply; Donald G. March, retired president/owner of Seaman's Supply Co.; and Ted Treadway, retired president/CEO of Treadway Electric Co.

NAED also announced its centennial celebration during the meeting. The year-long project includes a commemorative book, TED (The Electrical Distributor) magazine commemorative issue, a centennial Web site, and a gala celebration at next year's 100th Annual Meeting in San Francisco.