The NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence, the research arm of the National Association of WholesalerDistributors (NAW), is pleased to announce the release of Creating Innovations and Shaping the Future of Business: A Look at Commerce, Technology, and Human Forces in Distribution, the first-ever Facing the Forces of Change® challenge paper, based on research to date, including 25 innovation ideas to kick-start internal management discussions.. Please visit www.naw.org/creating-innovations or call 202.872.0885 to learn more and order copies. Quantity discounts of 15–50% apply when ordering two or more copies.

About this Challenge Paper

From Leadership Freak

If the most powerful thing leaders do is connect, the most dangerous is isolation. READ MORE

From Rotor Clip

The next time you see the jaws of an alligator figure open and snap shut or a haunted house monster reach for you as you pass by, chances are you are seeing a pneumatic actuator in action. READ MORE

From Inc.

Planning, Preparation, Process and Personnel. Are you managing all four? READ MORE

From Harvard Business Review

A few weeks ago, we were asked to analyze a competency model for leadership development that a client had created. It was based on the idea that at different points in their development, potential leaders need to focus on excelling at different skills. For example, in their model they proposed that a lower-level manager should focus on driving for results while top executives should focus on developing a strategic perspective. READ MORE

Custom Rivet Nuts

Do you have a fastening challenge that you need help with? Our Sherex engineering team has a deep understanding of base materials, fastening technology, and manufacturing processes, and can create custom designed solutions for your specific application. After design approval, we manufacture your custom parts in one of our ISO certified production facilities. Here are a few examples of custom engineered rivet nuts our team has designed:

From Entrepreneur

Back in 2008, a team of researchers at Google started a fascinating project called Project Oxygen, in order to determine the qualities of their highest-performing managers. Recently, that team updated its research and modified and added some qualities. READ MORE

ROCKY RIVER, OH–-Earnest Machine is now offering DIN spec metric hex head cap screws in response to increased demand in the marketplace.

“ISO metric hex head cap screws have been part of our product line for years,” said Kirk Zehnder, CEO of Earnest Machine. “However, we’re seeing a rise in the demand for metric product, due to globalization and the increase of imported heavy equipment. Many repairs now call for metric pieces.”

September 12, 2018 (Santa Fe Springs, CA) - Judging for the 2018 Pro Tool Innovation Awards completed this week and Brighton-Best International received two PTIA awards for products from the new Proferred line. 

The winning products include Proferred Drywallerz™ (P64040) and the Proferred 8” Ratcheting Adjustable Wrench (T09002).

St. Louis, Missouri – September 11, 2018. Guenter Retkowski, Vice President of International Sales, is pleased to announce the team expansion for global growth. New team members will support EFC’s expansion in targeted regions and markets, including Autonomous Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, and Industrial markets.

Shanghai EFC Fasteners Col. Ltd. added seven team members: Director of Sales, Zhanchun Gu; Tina Li, Buyer; Dan Gong, Sales Engineer; Inside Sales Account Managers, Sunny Li, Gloria Shen, and Seven Shen; Logistics Coordinator, Carina Liang. Their collaboration with the existing EFC team, customers and suppliers within China has been significant to growth.

Compression Limiters

California Proposition 65

FROM: Jade West, NAW Senior Vice President-Government Relations

New NAW “Legislative Issue Briefs” are now available, including updates on:

What Are You Building?

From Globalfastenernews.com

While there are no recorded incidents of fastener workers regarding the California Prop 65 chemicals and no suits in fastener workplaces, Carmen Vertullo suggested “looking at your company as a target for a lawsuit.” READ MORE

Disc-Lock Safety Wheel Nuts

• Available in sizes from 3/4 to 7/8 (M18-M22)
• Easy to install with standard tools
• No retightening needed after installation
• Can be used with Class 10.9, Grade 8 bolts
• Coated in GEOMET 321, providing up to 720 hours protection in salt spray testing (other coatings available upon request)
• Vibration proof according to MIL-STD-1312-7

Sherex Fastening Solutions, a global leader in engineered fasteners, tooling, and automation, is pleased to announce that their Sherex Taiwan production facility has received IATF 16949:2016 certification.

IATF 16949:2016, which establishes specific quality management system requirements for the automotive market, replaces ISO/TS 16949:2009. To gain accreditation, businesses must possess quality systems that focus on continuous improvement to prevent defects, and eleminate high variation and waste throughout the supply chain.