Washington, D.C. The National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors showed its political strength in January when it arranged for a group of NAW representatives to meet with President George W. Bush.

The meeting took place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building following NAW's annual convention, January 29-31. NAW is one of the first business groups the new president has met with since his inauguration.

During the 30-minute meeting, President Bush focused on two of his administration's priorities: education reform and tax relief. He also added: "I do believe we need to get rid of the death [estate] tax," a comment that drew applause from NAW members. Dirk Van Dongen, president of NAW, said his business group would be working with the Bush Administration to advance Bush's proposals through Congress.

During the three-day meeting, NAW members also had the opportunity to attend several seminars covering a number of political and business issues.

Dr. Larry Sabato, director of government affairs for the University of Virginia, said the Bush Administration was "off to the best start since the administration of Lyndon Johnson." He predicted approval of a tax cut and said despite problems in the last election "the Electoral College will not disappear." He also said he would not be surprised if the Democrats take over the Senate following the 2002 election, but added that the House will retain its Republican majority.

Attendees also caught an early glance at the new industry study "Facing the Forces of Change," to be published this fall. Adam Fein, principal author of the report and president of Pembroke Consulting, said the study this year not only identifies trends occurring in the distribution industry, but also identifies areas of uncertainty. Fein pointed out that the report will allow managers to act on trends as well as develop strategic plans to deal with the uncertainties that may develop.

Fein mentioned four trends from the findings thus far: Customer power is increasing; e-communication will continue to grow; there will be no disappearance of the wholesaler-distributor; and margin pressure will continue.

The new chairman of the board for NAW is Alan Vidinsky, founder, chairman and CEO of Valin Corp. in Sunnyvale, Calif. He succeeds Byron Potter, president and CEO of Dallas Wholesale Builders Supply in Dallas, Tex.