After you get done reading the flurry of activity occurring at ASA as we head into the late summer/early fall part of the calendar, I want to direct your attention to two other ASA-related expertly written pieces in this issue that all companies in this supply chain should read.

In his monthly column, current ASA President Chris Fasano (TORRCO) writes about what attributes private equity firms are looking for when acquiring companies. No, Fasano isn’t encouraging the sale of companies to private equity! He’s spotlighting those key traits of well-run/well-oiled-machine companies as kind of a checklist/comparison tool. I highly encourage you to read his effort.

After that, flip to the last page of the ASA News section in this edition. There, Bradford White’s Carl Pinto Jr. writes about the changing dynamics in the supply chain, particularly the continued encroachment of the big-box stores on wholesale distribution. I am in the process of putting together one of my ASA Town Hall interviews on this very subject. As Carl mentions, I will be interviewing distributors and contractors on this subject, getting their take on the current big-box supply chain landscape and strategies for combating this. Look for that video interview in the near future.

Contractor and distributor perceptions of each other

Speaking of big-box stores, ASA members are encouraged to check out the two research studies the ASA D.NEXT innovation lab team has conducted. The first is the perceptions contractors and distributors have of each other (Spoiler: There is a huge disconnect), while the second takes a deep dive into contractor buying habits. Why do contractors purchase product at big-box stores? Why are they skipping the counter completely and buying online? Both those research studies and their results can be found in the ASA members only MyASA portal at www.asa.net.

NETWORK2021 hotel sold out

ASA is expecting a big crowd for NETWORK2021 in Las Vegas Nov. 9-11, at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa. As of this writing, ASA’s room block at the JW Marriott is sold out. If you are planning on attending the convention and need a hotel room, contact ASA Meetings and Events Manager Allison Ballantyne at aballantyne@asa.net. She can help you with securing lodging at a nearby hotel.

NETWORK2021 will be jam-packed with networking and educational opportunities. In addition to headline speakers such as “Shark Tank” star Daymond John, Benghazi attack hero Kris “Tanto” Paronto and Fox Business host Charles Payne, ASA Chief Economist Dr. Chris Kuehl will give his 2022 PHCP-PVF industry forecast live in Las Vegas, plus ASA has innovative Great Ideas best practices roundtable discussions scheduled (stay tuned for more details on that).

If you still need to register for NETWORK2021, click here.

ASA fall regional networking opportunities

Prior to NETWORK2021 in Vegas, ASA is hosting pair of looked-forward-to annual regional dinners. ASA’s Central region will have its annual dinner Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Ditka’s Restaurant in Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois. In addition to an opening reception and dinner, attendees will hear from OpenTheBooks.com’s Adam Andrzejewski, who will talk about governmental corruption. I have heard Adam speak before and attendees of the ASA Central dinner will be in for a treat.

Also, SWPD will host its annual awards and recognition dinner on Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Long Beach Marriott in Long Beach, California. The dinner has been an annual tradition for nearly 60 years and is held to recognize and honor several individuals of the region who have distinguished themselves for their leadership and outstanding work toward advancing the industry.

To register for the Central dinner, click here.

To register for the SWPD dinner, click here.

Economic updates at your fingertips

ASA Chief Economist Dr. Chris Kuehl conducts a monthly live economic update webinar for ASA members. Those presentations are available in the MyASA portal at www.asa.net under the webinars and podcasts section.

When Dr. Kuehl isn’t conducting live webinars, he drops a 5-10-minute weekly ASA economic update podcast “Keeping it Real With Dr. Kuehl.” That podcast now is available on popular podcasting platforms such as iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.

Dr. Kuehl enjoys hearing from ASA members. If you have a topic you would like covered on an upcoming webinar and/or podcast, drop a note to ASA Business Intelligence Analyst Ayesha Salman at asalman@asa.net.