NAED Co-Sponsors 2007 University Of Industrial Distribution Professional Development Event

Four-Day Workshop Offers 30 Industry-Specific Courses for Distributors, Manufacturers

St. Louis — The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) is joining with 27 other distribution trade associations to sponsor the 2007 University of Industrial Distribution (UID), March 4-7, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis.

UID's comprehensive training program focuses on the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry—its people, problems, issues, opportunities and future. Distribution professionals play a fundamental role in the design of the coursework, so the courses all have a practical, "real-world" edge. In all, UID features four days of education with 30 industry-specific courses taught by 18 of the industry's top experts.

"UID features top-notch instructors from diverse backgrounds. I enjoyed the experience and expertise that the instructors brought with them; their experience was relevant to solving real-world problems," said Kris Kincaid, operations manager for The Lighting Center of Springfield Electric Supply. "The classes focused on topics that encourage distributors to think beyond issues currently at hand to issues they will be facing in the future. The courses provide relevance crucial to the future success of the distribution channel." Since 1993, UID/UED has trained more than 5,000 distributor and manufacturing professionals. The program is ideal for a wide range of employees, ranging from branch managers to sales/marketing personnel to supplier representatives. Participants can choose from several training sessions.

Highlighted Speakers of the UID/UED program include:

• Dr. Al Bates, president of the Profit Planning Group and administrator of NAED's Performance Analysis Report (PAR). He gives dozens of presentations annually and has completed a research project for NAED on improving customer profitability. Bates' UID sessions include: Improving Order Economics and Improving the Distributor's Bottom Line.

• J. Michael Marks, principal with the Indian River Consulting Group. He is a leading strategist and is known for his expertise in marketing, compensation design, and research. Marks' UID sessions include: Creating Channel Alignment, Fundamentals of Purchasing, and Marketing & Price Strategies.

• Dr. Kathryne Newton, associate professor of industrial distribution at Purdue University. Newton helped author NAED's "Maximize Your Profit Power" and is frequently published in academic and trade journals. Newton's UID session is: Personnel Productivity Improvement.

• Dr. Michael Workman, principal of Workman Associates, conducts presentations and consulting work on business leadership. He works on an international scale for distributors and manufacturers on operations, sales and marketing, and negotiations. Workman's UID session is: Branch & Operations Management for Distributors.

In addition, all NAED attendees who complete the four-day program will receive three continuing education credits (CEUs) to be applied toward their Professional Certificate in Industrial Distribution from Purdue University.

Registration is currently underway at www.univid.org. UID has been sold out each of the last three years. NAED members are encouraged to register as soon as possible to assure a reservation.

Members should mention their affiliation with NAED to receive a discounted registration fee. The deadline for the early bird discounted registration fee is Feb. 2. The final deadline for all UID/UED registrations is Feb. 23. Contact John Kiso, NAED educational program manager, for additional information at (888) 791-2512 or jkiso@naed.org.

SOURCE: NAED