U.S. wholesale distribution companies have a bright economic outlook, according to a new report by Pembroke Consulting and Economy.com for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) titled NAW 2004 Economic Forecast. (To order this report, visit www.nawpubs.org or call 202-872-0885.)

In 2004, overall revenues for wholesaler-distributors across 18 industries are forecast to rise 5.6%, outpacing next year’s projected U.S. GDP growth of 3.8%. Employment in wholesale distribution is slated to rise 1.4%, slightly ahead of the projected national average employment growth of 1.2%.

“Over the last 10 years, the wholesale distribution industry has accounted for one-quarter of the total productivity improvements in the U.S. economy,” said Pembroke Consulting President Adam J. Fein, Ph.D. “Our new report shows further productivity gains ahead for the industry and the U.S. economy as a whole.”

According to the report, the fastest-growing segments nationwide by revenues next year include electrical, equipment, apparel, and pharmaceutical wholesalers. Wholesaler-distributors in the Southeast, Midwest and Mountain states will see the strongest revenue growth.

Pembroke Consulting (www.PembrokeConsulting.com) develops business and marketing strategies for leading wholesale distribution, manufacturing and B2B technology companies.

Economy.com, Inc. (www.Economy.com) is a leading independent provider of economic, financial, country, and industry research designed to meet the diverse planning and information needs of businesses, governments, and professional investors worldwide.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (www.NAW.org) is a trade association in Washington, D.C. that represents the wholesale distribution industry.