During a webinar in late May, Dr. Kuehl gave his mid-year economic review, focusing on five key issues distributors should be monitoring: Inflation, consumer behavior, “normal” business, the global economy and market reaction.

Without the wealth of information gained from visiting with customers and assessing their business on-site, it’s your responsibility to provide salespeople a sufficient alternative that will support growth generation.

PMI’s efforts to have plumbing manufacturers designated as essential businesses by the federal government were successful, allowing PMI member companies to keep production lines moving, sustain employment, and contribute to the national effort against a deadly virus.

The industry increased full-year sales growth expectations to 13.4% in 2021, up from their rating of 10.7% in Q4 2020.

ASA joined other national organizations in a letter supporting the Save Local Business Act. The letter is in support of the Save Local Business Act, which is being reintroduced to serve as a contrast to some provisions of the PRO Act, as well as an Obama Administration rule on what constitutes as a joint employer for purposes of labor organization.

The American Supply Association’s monthly Pulse sales report shows respondents enjoyed a sales increase of 26.6% for March 2021 vs. March 2020.

The American Supply Association recently joined its more than 90 coalition partners in supporting an extension of the Paycheck Protection Plan loan availability that was due to expire March 31. The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill 92-7, and earlier this week President Biden signed the bill into law.

A total of 43% of respondents reported decreasing gross margin percentages for January 2021 vs. January 2020.

The House and Senate are in session this week.