The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is an important part of the wholesale distribution industry, and as I reflect on my experiences, I can’t help but appreciate the impact it has had on businesses like mine as it provides invaluable resources and a strong network.
Founded in 1946, the NAW represents a variety of businesses in this sector, advocating for their needs and offering resources to help them succeed. In this blog, we’ll look at how the NAW supports wholesalers and distributors, its impact on the industry, and how it shapes the future of wholesale distribution.
Understanding The NAW’s Role
1. Advocacy and Representation
The NAW is the voice for over 40,000 member companies in the wholesale distribution sector, which employs more than 6 million people and contributes around $8 trillion to the U.S. economy. The association works with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to push for policies that benefit its members. This includes lobbying for better tax policies, regulatory reforms, and trade agreements—issues that can have a big impact on wholesalers’ operations.
Eric Hoplin, the CEO of The National Association for Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), emphasized this when he said, “These people are the salt of the earth. They’re entrepreneurs that are putting their head down…keeping our supply chain moving”. This resonates deeply with me as I navigate the challenges in our sector.
Through its advocacy, the NAW helps create an environment where businesses in the distribution sector can grow and innovate. One of the ways the NAW recognizes outstanding leaders in the industry is by honoring them with prestigious awards.
For example, Stanley Bergman, Chairman and CEO of Henry Schein, recently received the Dirk Van Dongen Lifetime Achievement Award. This award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the wholesale distribution sector.
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2. Educational Resources and Training
The NAW provides its members with a wide range of educational programs to help them succeed. These programs include leadership development courses, webinars, workshops, and conferences designed to equip members with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in a competitive market.
One key program is Facing the Forces of Change, which encourages distributors to focus on customer needs and use technology and data to improve their operations. This program helps companies stay flexible and competitive in an industry that’s constantly evolving. The National Association for Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) believes in the power of continuous learning, and through its educational resources, it helps members stay ahead of industry trends and grow their businesses.
It’s about staying competitive in an ever-evolving market. I remember Eric stating, “You’ve got to go talk to people…you’ve got to be there”. This highlights the importance of personal connections and learning from others in our field.
3. Networking Opportunities
Networking is a key part of success in wholesale distribution, and the NAW helps facilitate connections among its members through various events. These events give wholesalers the chance to meet, share best practices, and collaborate on ideas without the pressure of competing directly. The relationships formed at these events often lead to new business partnerships and increased market share.
By fostering a collaborative environment, the NAW helps distributors learn from one another and find new ways to innovate. Many members find that networking through the NAW opens up doors to new opportunities that help them grow their businesses and enhance their industry presence.
Benefits For The Distribution Industry
Economic Impact
Wholesale distribution is a significant contributor to the U.S. economy, accounting for one-third of the nation’s GDP. The sector supports millions of jobs in various industries, from manufacturing to retail, and helps keep the flow of goods moving smoothly across the country. Through its advocacy and resources, the NAW plays a vital role in ensuring that the distribution sector remains strong and continues to drive economic growth.
In addition to its economic contributions, the wholesale distribution sector serves as the backbone of many industries by helping to deliver products to businesses and consumers. Without a thriving distribution sector, the economy would struggle to function efficiently.
Innovation and Efficiency
One of the NAW’s main focuses is promoting innovation within the wholesale distribution industry. The association partners with technology providers and other organizations to help members improve their operations with the latest technology. These innovations are essential for staying competitive, especially in the business environment.
For example, the NAW has helped distributors adopt new logistics systems that make it easier to manage inventory, reduce delivery times, and improve customer service. These types of innovations help wholesalers run their operations more efficiently and stay ahead of their competitors.
By encouraging the use of automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, the NAW also helps its members stay at the forefront of the industry. These technologies enable wholesalers to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and meet customer demands faster and more accurately.
Talent Development
Attracting and retaining talented employees is crucial for any industry’s success, and the NAW understands that the distribution sector needs a strong, skilled workforce. That’s why the NAW emphasizes workforce development and encourages its members to invest in creating positive work environments that appeal to top talent.
The NAW also offers resources to help companies transform their workforce to meet new challenges, such as shifting employee expectations and the increasing demand for digital skills. Through its leadership training programs and mentorship opportunities, the NAW helps distributors develop their next generation of leaders and ensure that their teams are well-equipped to handle the changing business landscape.
By focusing on talent development, the NAW supports its members in building strong teams capable of driving their businesses forward and ensuring the long-term success of the distribution industry.
Future Initiatives
Looking ahead, the NAW is committed to addressing emerging challenges and exploring new opportunities for growth within the wholesale distribution industry.
Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory compliance, which is becoming more complex for distributors in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and chemicals. The NAW is helping its members stay ahead of regulatory changes by offering resources to assist in navigating these challenges.
Demand for eCommerce
Another challenge for wholesalers is the rise of ecommerce and the increased demand related to online sales and shopping experience. The NAW is working to help distributors adapt to this new reality by offering resources that help them integrate ecommerce platforms, improve their digital customer engagement, and develop efficient delivery systems.
To help members stay on top of these and other changes, the NAW is planning to introduce new initiatives aimed at increasing member engagement and collaboration across different sectors of wholesale distribution. By staying ahead of the curve, the NAW helps its members meet the evolving demands of the marketplace.
Final Words
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors plays an essential role in supporting the wholesale distribution industry. Through its advocacy, educational resources, networking opportunities, and focus on innovation, the NAW helps its members succeed in an ever-changing business environment. By strengthening individual companies and fostering collaboration across the industry, the NAW contributes to the overall success and sustainability of wholesale distribution—an essential part of the U.S. economy.
As the distribution sector continues to evolve, membership in the NAW offers valuable benefits to wholesalers who want to stay competitive and build resilient organizations. Embracing the resources and opportunities provided by the NAW will be key for wholesalers aiming to thrive in the years ahead. In an uncertain and rapidly changing marketplace, associations like the NAW will continue to be essential partners for businesses looking to grow and succeed.
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