The reorganization of the American Supply Association is the first step, not the destination.
Two years ago, the American Supply Association announced in its White Paper its intention to restructure itself. In July, ASA took its first substantial steps in that direction by reducing the number of its regional associations from 13 to six.
After ASA released its reorganization plan in July 1998, we said here that the White Paper makes three key points with which we can agree. The first is that structural flaws exist in the two-tiered system of national and regional associations. The second identifies the lack of national leadership on industry issues that affect wholesalers. The third - and most crucial - is that survival of the wholesale channel is at risk.