While people fall year-round, the freezing season is the perfect time to think about fall prevention. Fall hazards such as slippery leaves, wet pavement and frozen water are common in the colder season. They can't be ignored, even when businesses are extremely busy. The injuries sustained from a fall can range from the bruised ego to death. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,333 fatal occupational injuries in the United States in 2019. Out of the 5,333 fatalities, approximately 900 or 17% of the total were the result of slips, trips and falls.

Digital presence can be somewhat of a buzzword in the PHCP-PVF industry as it continues to adapt and evolve in an accelerating digital age. Each company may have a different definition of what digital transformation means to them. For Fargo, North Dakota-based PHCP distributor Dakota Supply Group, it’s simply about delivering the best online solutions to its customers.

You do your best to keep surfaces clear of clutter, debris and moisture to help ensure that employees and customers have a pleasant and safe experience at your business. Still, someone can lose their footing, slip and fall, leading to serious injuries.

As another year comes to a close, I cannot help but to look back and reflect on how resilient and successful our association was during another year of disruption. For a second straight year, our world struggled with a worldwide pandemic and unprecedented supply chain disruption. But one thing remains constant. Our association and our dedicated volunteer leaders continue to be the voice of hope for a stronger future for our industry.

The days of manufacturers’ reps hitting the pavement making sales call after sales call are long gone. Today, reps are often taking on reporting, marketing, training, data analytics and through times of disruption, damage control.

The American Supply Association recently published the first of two special industry compensation studies. The first study, which focuses on driver and warehouse worker compensation levels, plus also dives into inside and outside sales positions and showroom sales personnel, covers the time period of June 1 through Aug. 31, 2021.

As a business owner, you are constantly comparing business performance not only to competition but to previous year earnings and performance. In merger and acquisition transactions, EBITDA is often used by companies to compare similar businesses in the same market. Understanding how to use EBITDA can help your overall performance and make sure you are prepared in the event of a business sale or purchase. 

As the industry’s only national trade association, the American Supply Association is uniquely positioned to be the voice of the industry. With that comes the responsibility to want the ball when it comes to advocating positions that will benefit our members and the industry as a whole. 

Dell Technologies will be recognized as the exclusive ASA Association Partner for small business IT and computer equipment solutions.