AD’s 5th annual eCommerce Summit, held Aug. 23-25 at the Gaylord National Resort in Fort Washington, Maryland, set a new benchmark for digital sophistication in AD’s independent distributor community. This year’s summit spoke to a new trend among its members: more companies ready to harness next-level tools and accelerate their digital growth.

This industry lends itself to a fair share of folks having the title of road warrior — it’s part of the deal, whether making sales calls, visiting existing customers or going to events.

Five key financial metrics to help your company thrive and survive any crisis.

Eastern Industrial Supplies announced the eighth annual Eastern Cares Charity Classic has been scheduled for October 11 at the Furman University Golf Course. All proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit Daily Bread Life Children’s Home and Bread of Life Secondary School in Tanzania, Africa.

Yes, I want to give back to the industry. Yes, I want to have my voice heard on the “big” issues. But probably the biggest reason is that through ASA, I have the opportunity to interact with other distributors, and I get to learn what sets highly successful business owners apart from everyone else.

AD reported its member sales in the first six months of 2021 were $28.1 billion, an increase of 30% across its 13 divisions and three countries. Same-store sales were up 17%. Purchases by member companies from AD supplier partners were up 34%. Net distributions to its members were up 37%.

Since Memorial Day this year, Dirk Beveridge, distribution expert and founder of UnleashWD — a design, innovation and strategy firm that helps distributors become market leaders — has been touring the U.S. in his 38-foot RV visiting independent distributors across various industries.

On July 7, the California Senate Environmental Quality Committee passed AB 100 (with author’s amendments) unanimously, a bill that regulates the manufacture and sale of endpoint fixtures that conform to the NSF 61 2020 standard. ASA, along with its coalition partners, has obtained a compromise on the bill.

During a webinar in late May, Dr. Kuehl gave his mid-year economic review, focusing on five key issues distributors should be monitoring: Inflation, consumer behavior, “normal” business, the global economy and market reaction.

ASC Engineered Solutions has acquired Federalsburg, Maryland-based Trenton Pipe Nipple Co.