The Wholesaler Blog

American Standard Brands, a leading manufacturer of bath and kitchen plumbing products in North America, has committed $1 million over a two-year period to The Nature Conservancy to increase awareness of how consumers can conserve water every day and to provide support of the Conservancy’s mission of protecting the Earth’s most vital natural resource – our drinking water.

“As the world’s largest conservation organization, The Nature Conservancy is committed to changing the way water is used and managed to ensure a sustainable supply for people while ensuring ecological health. We couldn’t be more pleased by the support of such a venerable brand as American Standard, a company which shares our passion and dedication to protecting the environment,” said Brian Richter, director of The Nature Conservancy’s Global Freshwater Program.

“At American Standard, our goal is to educate consumers that conservation can and does begin at home. By developing water efficient, low-consumption toilets, faucets and showerheads that actually work, we are providing consumers with real choice in creating responsible bathrooms without sacrifice in style or performance,” said Don Devine, American Standard president and chief executive officer. “Our objective is to reduce overall water consumption by more than 18 billion gallons not just this year, but every year thereafter, through the installation of water efficient American Standard toilets, showers and faucets. This will save consumers money on water, reduce water treatment volumes and costs, and reduce the strain on our environment.”

American Standard’s two-year agreement/partnership and support of the Conservancy’s mission in the area of global freshwater conservation is intended to bring attention to an issue of mounting global concern while providing solutions through award-winning product innovations and increased selection that puts the opportunity to make a difference squarely in the hands of consumers.

Bruce Carnevale, VP-sales & marketing at Bradford White, is joined by one of their independent reps, Stew Chafee of Rich-Tompkins. They discuss the benefits of the new Bradford White ICON System and Accessory Packages, along with some of their tips on good marketing strategies firms can employ. Sponsored by Activant Solutions, Inc.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Prier Products’ C-634 commercial hydrant, made in Grandview, Mo., has been awarded a U.S. Patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  The hydrant installs in half the time and has double the flow of the competition.  Its innovative design took into consideration the needs of the engineers, wholesalers and contractors who specify, distribute and install these valves. Offerings flow rates of 19 gpm at 25 psi, the hydrant  is easy to install and was 3rd party lab tested to 250,000 cycles, equivalent to hundreds of years of service.  This self-draining hydrant provides a year around source of water to areas of structures that are subject to freezing temperatures.

The patented design characteristics of this product include, but are not limited to, the following innovations:

• Flat back design installs through a single hole, eliminating the need to cut a 3” x 2” opening in the block; an installation template comes in the product packaging for a simple, time saving installation

• Prier C-634 is 3rd Party Lab tested to flow 19 gpm at 25 psi; operates equally effectively at full flow or a trickle

• Triple Seal Stopper design ensures years of reliable life, 3rd Party Lab cycle tested to 250,000 cycles — the equivalent of turning the valve on and off once a day for 684 years

• Casted Brass Box that can be installed independently of the hydrant; allows the mason to install the box and lets the plumber install the valve at a later date

• Heavy duty brass pipe on the insertion tube is extremely durable and virtually eliminates jobsite damage

• ASSE 1052 Approved Double Check Backflow Preventor & Vacuum Breaker ensures foolproof protection of the potable water system.

For details, call  800-362-9055 or visit www.prier.com.

For years, PHCP and HVACR distributors have faced the challenge of maintaining multiple databases and entering duplicate data virtually doubling their time and resource allocations. That antiquated workflow is now a thing of the past. With this latest e-commerce solution, wholesalers can enter customer and product data into one master database that runs their daily operations and drives sales on their e-commerce websites.

DDI System has released FastWeb 2.0, a fully integrated, real-time e-commerce solution. FastWeb 2.0 provides distributors with an outstanding e-commerce interface, online catalog, order entry and customer service desk directly fed from the existing product and customer files in their distribution management software. DDI’s inform software possesses an easy-to-use control panel providing site management from a single screen. FastWeb’s easy access complete virtual service desk enables distributors to significantly increase customer communication.  Customers can uniquely view account reports on current and past orders regardless of order method, e-mail themselves invoices and view payment status.

DDI System believes that now more than ever, its inform distribution management software is an ideal end-to-end solution for PHCP an HVACR distributors.  Inform software combines everyday operational benefits in accounting, inventory, sales and purchasing with advanced calendaring, contact and sales management, direct marketing, and new advanced e-commerce. It is designed to maximize sales and optimize customer service.

To learn more, visit www.ddisys.com or call 877-599-4334 for a demonstration.

Talbot Gee, vice president of HARDI, gives an overview on the state of the HVACR industry and what wholesalers might expect in 2010. Sponsored by Bradford White.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In an effort to provide members with greater access to cutting edge decision-making tools for their practice, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced an agreement with TOTO USA, Inc., as part of the Strategic Partnership Program. This initiative will be limited to eight companies that closely align with the Institute’s strategic initiatives and mission. These select companies will be able to demonstrate how their products and services can better support the more than 86,000 AIA members.

The Strategic Partner Program is designed to provide unique collaborative opportunities and promotional rights with the AIA to a select group of industry leaders. The AIA and TOTO USA have agreed to partner in the areas of thought leadership that are demonstrated strengths of TOTO globally: innovation, technology, sustainable practices, and socially sustainable design (the confluence of Green and Universal designs). In addition to the turnkey benefits of the program, AIA staff will work with TOTO USA to develop new knowledge resources, education, and cutting-edge industry programs that will benefit AIA members.

“In terms of Strategic Partners, we are looking for industry leaders who exhibit the principles of triple bottom line thinking as a core business value. TOTO USA’s dedication to innovation, quality, value, ecology, and design is the reason we were interested in creating this relationship,” said AIA executive v ice president/CEO Christine McEntee.

“TOTO looks forward to this unique opportunity to collaborate closely with the leaders in the architectural community,” added Lenora Campos, Ph.D., company spokesperson. “Passionately committed to innovation as a company, our goal always is to advance thought to generate improvement and progress. For example, our partnership with AIA will enable TOTO to offer insights and education gained from the concentrated research and testing conducted at our Universal Design Research Center in Japan, the only one of its kind.”

United by common principles, the AIA and TOTO USA have a unique opportunity to position social-sustainability and high design as an industry standard for 21st-century architectural design.

A report issued this week by the Commerce Department indicates that the U.S. economy experienced a 5.7% growth in the fourth quarter — the fastest pace since 2003. The growth was fueled by companies replenishing their stockpiles, and businesses investing in equipment and software. Without the inventory spending, the economy would have grown approximately 2.2%, a 1.5% gain from the third quarter.

This is the second straight quarter that business spending increased, after six consecutive quarters of decline.

While the Commerce Department report seemingly provided strong evidence that the worst recession since the 1930s is over, some economists warn that it is too soon to declare an end to the recession. They fear that business spending may slow once companies have restocked their inventories, along with the fact that consumers haven’t yet regained confidence to spend money. General projections seem to indicate that the nation’s GDP will grow about 2.5% to 3% the first quarter, with annual growth approximately 2.5%.

Unfortunately, with continued 10% unemployment, consumer confidence has not improved, and they are being stingy with spending. During the October-December period consumer spending was up 2%. A lack of consumer spending will keep the economy from growing at a stronger rate.

Brian Bethune, chief U.S. financial economic for IHS Global Insight, told the AP, “That’s why there’s so much hand-wringing right now. Can the economy really sustain this? That’s the big question mark sitting out there.” However, he went onto note that this latest news from the Commerce Department is a “surprisingly good report.”

Johnstone Supply Inc., a national leader in HVACR distribution, announced that DeWight Wallace is the cooperative’s new CEO. Wallace assumed responsibilities at corporate headquarters in early January. He brings over 25 years of professional experience, including an impressive track record of executive management directing all key aspects of business operations across a range of industries. Wallace also boasts proven experience and success in distribution-focused companies, with a professional skill set centered on unparalleled customer service, sales and marketing, and strategic planning to facilitate aggressive business growth.

“We are extremely excited and pleased to welcome DeWight to the Johnstone Supply family,” said Board Chairman Frank Alexander. “We conducted a very deliberate and exacting search for an experienced distribution industry leader. We believe DeWight is not only a tremendous business manager, but more importantly he embodies our Johnstone values and our commitment and focus on customer service.”

His experience includes positions with notable national companies including Texas Instruments, General Motors, and General Electric, where he received the GE Chairman’s Award. Wallace has also worked at Premier Farnell, a $1.3-billion, 4,100-employee electronics distribution company. As president of Premier’s MCM Electronics company he reversed a 3-year revenue decline and delivered 9% year over year growth. His most recent position was as president of Newark Electronics, where he was responsible for a $550-million, 1,600-employee specialty electronics distribution business serving the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Brazil.

Visit  www.JohnstoneSupply.com.

Infor announced general availability of two innovations for customers of Infor ERP SX.enterprise, a robust enterprise resource planning solution for the wholesale distribution industry. Infor Advanced Mobile is a comprehensive mobile business platform for distributors, and ERP SX.enterprise 6.0 provides enhancements to help distributors lower operating costs and improve inventory control. Infor Advanced Mobile is available as a pre-integrated module for ERP SX.enterprise 5.1 and higher.

Infor Advanced Mobile enables distributors’ entire organizations to be more effective and flexible, regardless of location. Distributors can create sales orders and manage customer-owned and consignment inventory directly at the customer’s location from any Microsoft(Windows*-based mobile device. Warehouse, shipping and delivery associates can record all data related to product deliveries in the field, obtain signature capture for proof of delivery and gain integrated mobile camera functionality for complementary proof of transfer or product condition. Office managers or IT staff can seamlessly manage mobile devices, gaining visibility into battery life, required software updates, and all software applications on the mobile device.

“In today’s economy, distributors need technology solutions that help them wring excess costs out of their business, respond faster to customer needs and focus on having the right products in the right place at the right time,” said Gary Rippen, director of solutions marketing-wholesale distribution at Infor. “Infor Advanced Mobile and our latest release of ERP SX.enterprise are just two examples of our commitment to delivering greater value for our large base of wholesale distribution customers.?

In addition to the new enterprise mobility application, distributors can now benefit from the new capabilities in ERP SX.enterprise 6.0, which include non-stock processing, enhanced credit card processing capabilities and new pricing controls.

The non-stock capabilities of ERP SX.enterprise have been enhanced to provide distributors greater control of items that are stored in inventory in the warehouse but are not part of their inventory record. Streamlining non-stock processing enables distributors to increase inventory visibility, round out capacity and improve customer service.

Additionally, the advanced credit card processing features now in ERP SX.enterprise allow distributors to reduce credit card payment rates by performing more credit card processing upfront. Enhancements include non-refundable credit card transactions, billing history for returns and an increased number of payment options. ERP Sx.enterprise is PCI compliant, keeping sensitive credit card information secure and private. The pricing enhancements included enable distributors to adjust pricing levels based on sales volume or geography.

For additional information, visit www.infor.com.

Recognizing the need for rapid industry deployment to effectively compete with appliance retailers, Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International will release exclusively to HARDI member companies access to a new Webpage providing the only HVAC-specific resource and listing of each U.S. state’s Energy Star appliance rebate program.

Funded by a $300-million U.S. Department of Energy appropriation from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP) provides population-weighted dollars to each U.S. state and territory to establish state-wide rebate programs on Energy Star or greater retail white goods and professionally-installed appliances. Almost half of all U.S. states have included HVAC products in their SEEARPs, with 15 states still awaiting DOE approval of their plans, and most states intend to run their programs on a first-come, first-served basis.

This special HARDI-member SEEARP page will enable HARDI distributors to quickly understand their states’ SEEARPs and educate their contractor customers by providing the latest news and updates on any state SEEARP, lists of states with approved SEEARPs including HVAC products, states with approved SEEARPs without HVAC products, and those states that have not released any information about their plans. The site also provides a spreadsheet updated weekly with start and stop dates for each state’s program, summaries of the HVAC products included and their rebate amounts, and contacts for more information. It is essential for the HVAC industry to be prepared to mobilize quickly before appliance retailers can exhaust the rebate dollars on clothes washers, refrigerators, and in several cases, window air-conditioners.

HARDI) represents more than 400 wholesale companies, more than 300 manufacturing associates and nearly 140 manufacturer representatives. HARDI members represent an estimated 85% of the dollar value of the HVACR products sold through distribution. Visit www.hardinet.org.