There are more than 70,000 individuals building great careers in the PHCP and PVF industry. In his acceptance speech after becoming 2013 ASA president, Jeff Pope (F.W. Webb) challenged the American Supply Association to implement a program that would attract the next generation of our industry’s employees.

In last month’s issue, a panel of leading PHCP executives made its feelings known on a variety of issues related to government regulation and how the current political climate is affecting the industry. In the second of this two-part series, the group delves into issues related to the everyday workings of its companies, including staff growth, e-commerce and attracting young talent into the industry.

ASA will host “Breaking the cycle of showrooming” with a breakfast event at KBIS.

The American Supply Associationwill be presented with the award at this year’s KBIS.

The Industrial Careers Pathway Steering Committee recently held its annual retreat in Rosemont, Ill., where it reviewed its current strategic plan, refined its action goals and progress metrics and developed a new three-year plan to advance the company’s mission to meet the need for a skilled industrial distribution workforce that will be challenged by an expected demographic shift.

How many times have you gathered around the counter and complained about our leadership in Washington? I know I have – too often it seems.  

Congratulations to ASA’s newest members.

The growth rate is returning to the levels seen in late 2010 through the early parts of 2012.

Industrial Careers Pathway is a multifaceted North American workforce initiative supported by an alliance of industry associations.

Tom O’Connor is the author of NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence bestseller “Strategic Planning for Distributors: Execution Isn’t Everything – It’s the Only Thing!”