New ASA Review Publication Highlights Critical Industry Topics Thursday, November 21, 2024 The final ASA Review publication of 2024 is jam-packed with relevant, hard-hitting articles that association member wholesalers, suppliers and reps want to read about. Read more
Federated Insurance: Enhancing Risk Management Through Leadership Thursday, November 21, 2024 In the plumbing, heating, cooling, piping and pipe-valve-fitting industries, there is plenty to consider when it comes to setting the stage for solid risk management leadership. Consider the following to lead by example and empower your team... Read more
Dr. Chris Kuehl Presents 2025 Economic Outlook at NETWORK2024 Thursday, November 21, 2024 Among the many highlights, Dr. Kuehl provided some insights on the current economic themes… immigration, tariffs, manufacturing support, regulatory reform, and technology. Read more
ASA IPD Materials Market Digest: Carbon Steel Pricing Continues 2024 Trend Thursday, November 14, 2024 From the new ASA Industrial Piping Division Materials Market Digest, an exclusive benefit for all ASA companies that belong to the association’s Industrial Piping Division, carbon steel pricing continued its 2024 trend and declined an additional 8% in October, 37% year-to-date. Read more
Embracing the Future Podcast, Episode 1: The Power of Data Standardization in Wholesale Distribution Thursday, November 14, 2024 In this debut episode of Embracing the Future, ASA’s VP of Innovation, Beth Ladd, sits down with Jeremy Fuller, VP of Texas Plumbing Supply Co., to discuss the critical role of data standardization in the wholesale distribution industry. Tune in as they explore the challenges and opportunities around achieving consistent, streamlined data, and how it can drive efficiency, improve... Read more
ASA’s October Economic Report: The Calm After the Storm Wednesday, November 6, 2024 October headlines and data was impacted and influenced by everything from hurricanes to labor strikes, and election uncertainty to conflict concerns. Economic data was impacted and the path ahead may still be a bit murky, but the country will enter a new recovery phase on many fronts. Read more
ASA Advocacy Election Update Wednesday, November 6, 2024 America saw a historic political result on Tuesday night, with Donald Trump returning to the White House and Republicans taking control of the Senate. Read more
Preventing Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Thursday, October 31, 2024 Lithium-ion batteries power everything from laptops and smartphones to power tools and vehicles with efficiency and portability. However, their widespread use comes with significant risks, as these batteries are leading to a growing number of workplace fires. Read more
Celebrating the First Graduates of ASA’s Revamped Master of Distribution Management (MDM) Program Thursday, October 31, 2024 This October, ASA University celebrated an exciting milestone with the graduation of the first cohort of the newly revamped Master of Distribution Management (MDM) program. Congratulations to our October 2024 graduates! Read more
ASA Launches New Podcast: Embracing the Future Thursday, October 31, 2024 We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new American Supply Association podcast, Embracing the Future. Hosted by ASA’s VP of Innovation, Beth Ladd, the podcast will feature industry thought leaders, seasoned practitioners, and tech visionaries who will share their insights and experiences on technological shifts and discuss their impact on wholesale distribution. Read more
How New Sales Tactics Can Provide Critical New Funding To Ensure Labor Challenges Melt Away Thursday, October 24, 2024 Highly profitable companies can become practically immune to the labor shortage as they fund high wages and great working environments. Read more
Transforming Distribution: The Power of Advanced Data Analysis Thursday, October 24, 2024 As distributors increasingly automate their systems and collect vast amounts of data—from customer demographics to shipping times—they require advanced analysis tools to interpret this information effectively. Traditional pivot tables in Excel no longer suffice; modern businesses need solutions capable of processing larger datasets and integrating multiple data sources for deeper... Read more
September Sales Trends: A Mixed Bag Amid Economic Uncertainty Thursday, October 24, 2024 Year-over-year monthly sales dropped -5% and their Year-to-Date (YTD) and Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) were down -7% and -9%, respectively. PHCP firms and PHCP & PVF firms reported sales increases for September. PHCP firms reported sales increased 5% and PHCP & PVF firms reported an increase of more than 8%. Read more
Cyber Security Tips to Safeguard You And Your Business Thursday, October 17, 2024 Cyber security is a hot-button topic currently in the PHCP-PVF space. At last month’s ASA Innovation Summit in suburban Chicago, a panel of ASA members told their personal company cyber-security horror stories and provided tips/suggestions to attendees to help prevent such attacks. Read more
Navigating Uncertainty: Market Insights and Future Opportunities for Distributors Wednesday, October 16, 2024 While the market presents significant challenges, emerging opportunities in certain regions and sectors suggest that resilience and adaptability will be crucial for distributors moving forward. Read more
ASA’s New Recruiter Toolbox Helps Members Enhance Their Recruitment Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Recently, ASA held a webinar for members to learn about the new and improved Recruiter Toolbox. The Recruiter Toolbox is an online repository containing a wide variety of assets that have been curated and are available to ASA members to augment their local talent recruitment. Read more
3 Steps Distributors Can Take to Optimize Workflow Efficiency Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Every distributor wants to reach a state where they’ve eliminated nonvalue efforts and can create experiences that keep customers coming back. To get there, they need to start by understanding their workflows. Read more
ASA’s September Economic Report: Port Strikes and Middle East Tensions Affecting Market Conditions Wednesday, October 9, 2024 From the September 2024 ASA Monthly Economic Report: Q3 GDP is still moving along better than expected with current growth estimated at nearly 3%. This is higher than analysts’ expectations for 1.8% but is still sluggish against last year’s 5.2% rate. Read more
Cybersecurity Key Point of Discussion During Inaugural ASA Innovation Summit Thursday, September 26, 2024 The topic of cybersecurity was front and center during an informative panel discussion at ASA’s inaugural Innovation Summit this week in Rosemont, Illinois. Read more
Economic Update: Dr. Chris Kuehl Analyzes Unexpected 0.50% Rate Cut—What It Means for Consumers and Markets Wednesday, September 25, 2024 ASA Chief Economist Dr. Chris Kuehl is back with his weekly economic update podcast. In Season 4, Episode 29 (6:30 in length), Dr. Kuehl talks to members about the latest interest rate changes – what it means, and what it doesn’t mean. Read more
Understanding Total Compensation: What Employees Really Want Wednesday, September 25, 2024 When it comes to attracting and retaining top talent, a well-rounded total compensation package is essential. This encompasses various components that collectively create a competitive offering. To effectively design a benefits package, employers must consider what their ideal employees value. Read more
ASA Distributors report August Sales Declines Wednesday, September 25, 2024 ASA distributor members reported a year-over-year sales drop of -7% when comparing August 2023 vs. August 24 numbers. Additionally, respondents to ASA's Monthly Sales Report had a -9.8% drop in year-to-date sales and -9.3% drop in trailing 12-month sales. By segment, PHCP firms reported a sales decline of -2%, while PHCP/PVF blended firms reported a sales decrease of -6%.” Read more
ASA Members Meet With Elected Officials On Capitol Hill Thursday, September 19, 2024 The ASA Legislative Fly-in was a resounding success last week, bringing together leaders from the PVF-PHCP industry to engage directly with their elected officials on Capitol Hill. Read more
Market Conditions: August 2024 Insights from ASA Distributor Members Wednesday, September 18, 2024 August’s market conditions have presented a mixed bag of observations and challenges for distributor members of the American Supply Association (ASA). From a general holding pattern to specific sector slowdowns, here’s a comprehensive look at the current state of the market and what might lie ahead. Read more
No Excuses Innovation Wednesday, September 18, 2024 For many years, innovation has been listed as a top priority of CEOs. In a recent McKinsey survey where executives said that innovation was a key factor in their growth strategy, a staggering 94% of executives reported dissatisfaction with their company’s innovation performance. It appears to be the case that a gap exists between innovation aspiration and innovation outcomes. And yet, it... Read more
ASA Embracing the Future Webinar/Safety Webinar - Cybersecurity Wednesday, September 18, 2024 FREE TO MEMBERS! Join us for an engaging and essential webinar on one of the most pressing threats facing businesses today: cybercrime. Read more
Podcast: The Good, The Bad, and The Neutral – The Latest Job Report Scenarios Thursday, September 12, 2024 On the most recent episode of the “Keeping it Real with Dr. Kuehl” economic update podcast for ASA members, this week Dr. Kuehl talks to members about all the possible outcomes for the job report that is going to be released this afternoon. Read more
ASA University Partners with IMARK to Provide Best-in-Class Training to IMARK Members Thursday, September 12, 2024 ASA University is excited to announce a new partnership with the IMARK Buying Group (IMARK), with ASA University collaborating as an educational provider for IMARK members. This collaboration aims to provide industry-leading training and education to IMARK members through ASA University's extensive course catalog, at preferential and discounted pricing for IMARK members. Read more
ASA’s August Economic Report: Sluggish Fall Economic Conditions Looking for a Catalyst Thursday, September 12, 2024 Global economic conditions headed into the fall season are sluggish, but a US Federal Reserve Interest rate cut in September could provide a growth catalyst that lifts many sectors important to ASA members. Read more
Industry Calendar: Your First Stop for Scheduling Events Thursday, September 5, 2024 Did you know that the ASA Industry Calendar is the most visited webpage on asa.net? It has been deemed the “go-to resource” for our members to stay informed about all of ASA’s key yearly events, and the most important happenings across the PHCP and PVF industry. Read more
New ASA Review Q3 Issue Tackles Hot-Button Industry Topics Thursday, September 5, 2024 The newest Q3 issue of ASA Review, a quarterly publication sent to all ASA member companies and circulated digitally to more than 7,000 individuals, continues the association’s mission of providing worthwhile content aimed at helping members win in their businesses. Read more
ASA Distributor Members Report Reported a Median Sales Growth Of Nearly 8% For July 2024 Vs. 2023 Thursday, August 29, 2024 By primary business emphasis, the Industrial PVF firms continue to endure declining sales. Year-over-year monthly sales dropped -5% and their Year-to-Date (YTD) and Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) were down -7% and -6%, respectively. In contrast, PHCP and PHCP & PVF firms reported solid sales growth for July, with PHCP reporting sales that were up 11% and PHCP & PVF firms reporting a... Read more
Top Attributes Students Consider When Evaluating Potential Employers Thursday, August 29, 2024 Recently, ASA hosted a Project Talent webinar with students from Texas A&M University’s Industrial Distribution program. During the webinar, students discussed their job search processes and preferences including how they continue to mix traditional recruitment resources such as job fairs with digital tools such as company websites and social media accounts. Read more
July Sales Trends Show Mixed Results for Distributors and Manufacturers: A Snapshot from ASA's Poll Thursday, August 22, 2024 In a recent LinkedIn poll conducted by ASA, industry sales trends for July revealed mixed results between distributors and manufacturers. Read more
Navigating Codes and Standards: ASA's Mid-2024 Update on Industry Developments and Future Directions Wednesday, August 21, 2024 The first half of 2024 has been a busy time for ASA’s Codes and Standards area. This article is intended to provide an overview of those activities along with anticipated activities for the remainder of 2024. Read more
ASA’s Executive Committee Met in Chicago to Map out 2025 Budget and Strategy Wednesday, August 21, 2024 The ASA Executive Committee convened during their summer budget meeting to assess the organization's progress since the 2024 LEAD Strategic meeting in Puerto Rico and to review the 2025 budget requests from the strategic councils, task groups, special interest divisions, and regional councils. This review aims to support the ASA's strategic vision. Read more
ASA Manufacturers Survey Covers Wide Swath of Topics/Trends Thursday, August 15, 2024 ASA member manufacturers reported a mixed bag of sales results thus far in 2024, that coming from the latest ASA Quarterly Market Survey. Read more
AI Revolutionizes Manufacturing: 93% of U.S. Manufacturers Embrace New Technology for Strategic Gains Thursday, August 15, 2024 Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the manufacturing industry, with a significant increase in adoption among American companies. Read more
ASA Training Manager’s CONNECT Group Tackles On-the-Job Training Challenges Thursday, August 15, 2024 ASA's CONNECT groups continue to serve as a vital platform for peer-to-peer sharing sessions, fostering an environment where industry professionals can openly discuss challenges, share best practices, and collaboratively explore innovative solutions. Read more
4 Key Strategies to Optimize Inventory Management and Boost Your Bottom Line Thursday, August 15, 2024 In today’s competitive market, optimizing inventory management is crucial for mid-sized and larger companies. Inventory often represents a major working capital commitment, so improvements can significantly impact financial targets, customer service, and sales performance. Read more
ASA’s July Economic Report: Slowing into the Second Half - Temporary Lull? Thursday, August 8, 2024 From the July 2024 ASA Monthly Economic Report: It has become distressingly routine, but it seems the economists collectively missed the latest quarterly forecast again. Read more
Collins Company’s Brian Tuohey and Kohler’s Jim Lewis to Receive Prestigious Fred V. Keenan Lifetime Achievement Award Thursday, August 8, 2024 The Fred V. Keenan Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Brian Tuohey, President of the Collins Company, and Jim Lewis, Vice President and General Manager of Business Services at Kohler, during the 2024 Annual Member Luncheon at the ASA Annual Conference in Chicago. Read more
Podcast: The Global Stock Sell-Off: Are ASA Members Impacted? Thursday, August 8, 2024 On the most recent episode of the “Keeping it Real with Dr. Kuehl” economic update podcast for ASA members, this week Dr. Kuehl talks to members about the latest news on the global stock-sell off and if there is a direct impact on ASA members. Read more
“Keeping It Real with Dr. Kuehl”: Economic Update Reveals Strong Q2 Numbers and AI Uncertainty Thursday, August 1, 2024 On the most recent episode of the “Keeping it Real with Dr. Kuehl” economic update podcast for ASA members, this week Dr. Kuehl talks to members about the latest news on quarter numbers and the big tech collapse. Read more
ASA Northeast Summit 2024 Shatters Records with Unprecedented Attendance and Sponsorships Thursday, August 1, 2024 The ASA Northeast Summit made a triumphant return to Philadelphia's Live! Hotel and Casino on July 30-31, 2024, setting new benchmarks for the event. With record-setting attendance and sponsorship support, the ASA Northeast Summit surpassed all expectations. This year's event, marked by its ample networking opportunities and educational sessions, once again solidified its status as a... Read more
Adaptation Key to Sales Success in Evolving Markets, Say Experts Wednesday, July 24, 2024 In response to shifting market dynamics and evolving consumer trends, distributors are urged to revamp their sales strategies to maintain a competitive edge. However, such adaptations often necessitate additional training for sales representatives when introducing new product lines, expanding into new markets, or adopting advanced technologies. Read more
ASA Data Governance – Non-Invasive Data Governance on The Road to Product Data Standardization Wednesday, July 24, 2024 In a pivotal development within the distribution sector, the American Supply Association's (ASA) Executive Committee convened last year to confront the persistent hurdles associated with integrating manufacturer data into ERP and PIM software used by wholesalers and distributors. Read more
Distributor Members Report an Overall Decline in Sales from the Month of June Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Following a flat sales month for May, June was even softer for most respondents. By primary business emphasis, the Industrial PVF firms reported that year-over-year monthly sales dropped -14%. Read more
ASA Quarterly Market Survey: Manufacturers Speak Their Mind Wednesday, July 17, 2024 The American Supply Association (ASA) has unveiled its latest Quarterly Market Survey, offering a comprehensive look into the perspectives of independent manufacturers within the PHCP and PVF sectors. This quarter’s survey continues the ASA’s tradition of leveraging peer insights by gathering opinions from ASA members about key industry topics. Read more
Students Mixing Digital and Traditional Means to Evaluate Distribution Career Opportunities Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Recently, ASA held a webinar that included a panel discussion of Texas A&M University Industrial Distribution students and graduates. The purpose of the webinar was to allow ASA members to hear directly from students and graduates about their processes and preferences when considering career opportunities. Read more
ASA Offers Safety Webinar for Electrical Equipment Maintenance: What Distributors Need to Know Thursday, July 11, 2024 According to FEMA, there were over 8,000 non-residential electrical fires in 2022, resulting in over $374 million dollars in losses. In addition, it’s estimated approximately 40% of businesses that experience a major disaster such as a fire will not reopen. Read more
ASA Innovation Summit in Chicago to Explore Technology's Impact on Business Landscapes Thursday, July 11, 2024 In what is being heralded as a period of unprecedented change and opportunity, the impact of technology on our lives and business landscapes is reaching historic proportions. Jeremy Gutsche, CEO of Trend Hunter, a leading research platform and innovation accelerator, emphasizes that "trends create empires, disrupt slow-movers, and reshape our world." As we navigate through these... Read more
ASA on Capitol Hill During High Performance Building Week Thursday, July 11, 2024 Prior to the July 4th break, ASA VP of Advocacy Steve Rossi was on Capitol Hill with several colleagues during High Performance Building Week, educating lawmakers and their staffs on priority policies of importance to our industry including Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act reauthorization; the retention of the Healthy H2O Act within the Farm Bill; providing consistent funding for... Read more
Strategic Imperatives: Attracting and Retaining Talent in Supply Chain Management Amidst Global Complexity in 2024 Thursday, June 27, 2024 In 2024, attracting and retaining talent in supply chain management is a strategic priority for companies navigating increasingly complex global networks. A survey of young professionals under 30 highlights the allure of benefits, rewards, and the tangible impact of supply chain roles. However, the challenge lies not only in recruitment but also in reducing turnover amidst fierce competition... Read more
ASA Distributor Members Report a Flat Month in Sales for May Thursday, June 27, 2024 May was a relatively flat month for many of the respondents, Sales increased 1% on a month-to-month basis (May vs. April 2024). Year-to-date sales through May 31, 2024 vs. 2023 dipped -0.2% but trailing twelve months sales remained in positive territory with growth of 0.4%. Inventory contracted -0.4% for May 2024 vs. May 2023. The median Three-Months Average Days Sales Outstanding improved to... Read more
ASA PVF Report: Nickel Prices Dip, Stainless Steel Stability, and Election Anxiety Ahead Thursday, June 27, 2024 From the new ASA Industrial Piping Division Commodities Report (written by members of the ASA IPD advisory council), raw material prices have softened a bit as nickel prices continue to slide. Weld fitting prices have remained fairly stable, though closer to a low point over the past year. Read more
ASA-U Launches Mini-Tracks: Targeted Training for Today's Fast-Paced World Thursday, June 27, 2024 ASA University is proud to announce our newest addition to our ever-growing training library: ASA-U Mini-Tracks! Perfect for any professional in any job role, each mini-track is comprised of bite-size snippets of micro-learning – each no more than a few minutes in length – to get you up to speed on the topics of today! Read more
The Rise of the “Toolbelt Generation” Creates Opportunities for ASA Members Thursday, June 20, 2024 Recently, the Wall Street Journal published an article titled “How Gen Z is Becoming the Toolbelt Generation.” The basis of the article is how Gen Z is positively responding to America’s need for tradespeople including plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Read more
ASA’s 2024 Operating Performance Report: The PHCP-PVF Benchmarking Gold Standard for 40+ Years Thursday, June 20, 2024 The American Supply Association's 2024 Operating Performance Report (OPR) stands as an indispensable resource, delivering extensive insights into the industry's performance metrics and operational benchmarks. Read more
Leadership Mistakes to Avoid, Sharpening Negotiating Skills Headline Successful ASA Central Summit Thursday, June 20, 2024 Earlier this week, more than 160 attendees, including 25 distributor companies, packed the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza for the first-ever ASA Central Summit regional conference. Read more
Industry Leaders Embrace AI for Manufacturing Efficiency Thursday, June 13, 2024 A recent report by Fluke Reliability highlights the growing trend of AI adoption in manufacturing, driven by the need for business growth and efficiency. The report, based on a survey conducted by Censuswide with over 600 senior decision-makers and maintenance professionals in the U.S., the UK, and Germany, reveals a significant shift towards AI integration in manufacturing operations. Read more
World Plumbing Day Poster Contest Winners Announced Thursday, June 13, 2024 World Plumbing Day is celebrated every year on March 11th. This is a day we ask our members to take the time and recognize the critical role their company, employees and the entire plumbing supply chain serves in protecting public health, safety, and the environment. Read more
ASA’s April Economic Report: Is an Economic Turn Starting? What the Data Says. Thursday, June 13, 2024 From the May 2024 ASA Monthly Economic Report: US GDP fell in Q1 and missed expectations. The question now is whether that decline to 1.3% is the start of a recessionary trend or an anomaly. The latest estimate from the GDPNow data is for Q2 growth at 1.8% which is generally just slightly ahead of expectations for the quarter. Read more
Mastering the Art of Negotiation: Techniques for Effective Communication Thursday, June 13, 2024 Negotiation is an art form, requiring finesse, strategy, and quick thinking. Whether you're in a formal business setting or navigating personal interactions, the ability to negotiate effectively can make all the difference. From handling unexpected questions to crafting compelling messages, mastering the art of negotiation is essential for success in any endeavor. Read more
ASA Releases Highly Anticipated 2024 Compensation Report Thursday, June 6, 2024 ASA has just unveiled its latest Compensation Report for 2024, providing invaluable insights into the current state of compensation trends across various industry positions. Read more
Podcast: Copper Predictions for the Year… Is there Demand? Thursday, June 6, 2024 On the most recent episode of the “Keeping it Real with Dr. Kuehl” economic update podcast for ASA members, last week Dr. Kuehl talked to members on the overall delays within each sector and if data really supports this trepidation or if it’s a reaction. Read more
ASA Advocates for Members At Recent Model Code Hearings Thursday, June 6, 2024 One focus of the Advocacy initiatives at ASA is the representation of its members and the entire PHCC and PVF Supply Chains in the development of model codes impacted those supply chains. Read more
Maximizing Talent Management: The Power of People Metrics Thursday, June 6, 2024 Tracking people metrics is essential for driving your talent management objectives forward. As the saying goes, "information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the combustion engine." Read more
Podcast: Copper Predictions for the Year… Is there Demand? Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Last week Dr. Kuehl gave his thoughts about the direction of copper in relation to our industry. An ASA member mentioned that commodity numbers were noted relatively flat, but they have had increases north of 20% in recent weeks. Read more
ASA University Enhances Member Learning with Cutting-Edge LMS Integration Wednesday, May 29, 2024 In a bid to foster continuous growth and streamline learning opportunities, ASA University has successfully integrated its training resources into members' own Learning Management Systems (LMS). Read more
ASA Distributor Members Report April Bouncing Back Strong, with Double Digit Sales Growth! Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Following March, which was a challenging month for most respondents, it was encouraging to see over half of the respondents report double digit sales growth for April. Additionally Read more
Best Practices for Successfully Filling Open Positions Thursday, May 23, 2024 The Compensation Report gives detailed average compensation and benefits levels for positions such as president/CEO, chief operating officer, chief marketing officer, HR, IT, purchasing, director of sales, counter, warehouse, drivers, branch managers, outside sales, inside sales, showroom, and more. Read more
Announcement: Companies Encouraged to Join ASA's Women in Industry Group Thursday, May 23, 2024 The Women in Industry group, aimed at fostering empowerment and professional growth opportunities for women within the industry, provides a dedicated platform for women to connect, learn, and engage with peers, offering a range of activities tailored to support their career advancement. Read more
EMERGE2024 in Boston Sets New Attendance Record! Thursday, May 23, 2024 Today is the final day of the record-breaking ASA Emerging Leaders’ EMERGE2024 conference at the Westin Copley Place Boston. With a staggering total of 240 registrants, this year's attendance has shattered the previous record set last year in Savannah, Georgia. Read more
"We can’t find talent.” Is your website compounding the problem? Thursday, May 23, 2024 It should come as no surprise that the first place most jobseekers will look when learning about potential opportunities is a company’s website. Therefore, it can’t be underestimated that the experience a candidate may have on a website could make or break the chance to attract the best talent possible. Read more
ASA Quarterly Market Survey: Manufacturers Speak Their Mind Thursday, May 16, 2024 ASA's Quarterly Market Survey, focusing on manufacturers, adheres to the principle of ASA members soliciting opinions from their peers on various issues. Read more
Top Five Ways ASA’s Recruiter Toolbox Can Take Your Recruitment to New Levels Thursday, May 16, 2024 The battle for talent continues across most business sectors and geographies. While not a new issue for the PHCP/PVF industry, the current U.S. unemployment rate continues to be at low levels not seen since 2020 and 1970 before that, compounding the challenge. Read more
Podcast: An Updated Report on the Economy Today Thursday, May 16, 2024 Last week, Dr. Kuehl focused on an up-front update with the economy and what to look out for. Read more
ASA’s April Economic Report: 2024 Economic Predictions Aren’t so Reliable Now Thursday, May 9, 2024 From the April 2024 ASA Monthly Economic Report: Q1 2024 was partially stunning to analysts. At one point in the quarter, analysts thought it might have been growing by as much as 3%, but the first reading on Q1 had it come in at 1.6%. Read more
Washington Update – Steve Rossi, Vice President of Advocacy Thursday, May 9, 2024 With most attention turned to the 2024 Election Cycle or the political theater permeating Capitol Hill, ASA has been actively engaged in several legislative and regulatory issues of direct interest to our industry, with some recent developments: Read more
ASA University Enhances Profitability with FREE Vendor Training Thursday, May 9, 2024 A large part of successful wholesale-distribution salesmanship is knowing the ins and outs of the products that customers request day in and day out. Read more
ASA Announces Partnership with New York-based Apparel Firm Thursday, May 2, 2024 ASA has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with Ace Apparel and Promotions, a renowned company nestled in the heart of the Bronx, New York. Read more
PVF: Carbon Steel Pipe Update Thursday, May 2, 2024 The latest ASA Commodities Report, provided free to all ASA members, indicates a notable shift in hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices following a brief spike at the beginning of April, initiated by producers. Presently, HRC prices have largely returned to a lower level, registering a 12% decrease from April's outset. Read more
Dynamic Onboarding: Evolving Strategies for Distribution Leaders Thursday, May 2, 2024 In the fast-paced world of distribution leadership, adaptation is key to staying ahead. A recent study underscores the critical need for distribution leaders to continuously evolve their onboarding programs and talent strategies to remain competitive in securing top resources. Read more
Revolutionizing Residential Plumbing: Smart Home Innovations & Water Efficiency Take Center Stage Thursday, May 2, 2024 Currently, there's a spotlight on cutting-edge innovations geared towards enhancing smart home technologies and water efficiency. The trend of integrating smart devices into residential plumbing systems is gaining momentum. Read more
A Gap Exists Between Innovation Aspiration and Innovation Outcomes Thursday, May 2, 2024 For many years, innovation has been listed as a top priority of CEOs. In a recent McKinsey survey where executives said that innovation was a key factor in their growth strategy, a staggering 94% of executives reported dissatisfaction with their company’s innovation performance. Read more
The AI Revolution in Marketing: Transforming Strategies in the PHCP and PVF Industry Thursday, April 25, 2024 In recent discussions among ASA Member marketing professionals, innovation stands as the ultimate game-changer, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as the undeniable MVP. Read more
Organizational Health – A Requirement for Organizational Success Thursday, April 25, 2024 A recent article from McKinsey reinforces the power of Organizational Health (an organization nearly free from internal politics, silos, and strategic confusion) noting that over the long term, "healthy organizations deliver three times the stakeholder returns of unhealthy organizations, regardless of industry." Read more
ASA’s Project Talent Enhances Resources for Members with New Recruiter Toolbox Coming Soon Thursday, April 25, 2024 It’s no secret that finding talented workers is difficult and the large number of expected retirements compound this issue for PHCP/PVF distributors, manufacturers, and independent manufacturer representatives. Read more
ASA Distributors Report March Sales Decrease Thursday, April 25, 2024 Respondents reported that after a 5% growth in February, it's disappointing that all respondents overall reported median sales decline of -5% for March 2024 vs. 2023. Read more
Operating Performance Data Submission Deadline Is TOMORROW Thursday, April 18, 2024 If you have not done so but would still like to submit your company’s data for the 2024 ASA Operating Performance Report, the deadline to do so is tomorrow, Friday, April 19. Read more
ASA Economic Report: What Is Happening in the Oil Sector? Thursday, April 18, 2024 The reader of the month question in the latest edition asks “what is happening in the oil sector?” There is a great deal of controversy when it comes to energy,” Armada writes. “The driver for much of this now centers on the future of fossil fuel and transportation.” Read more
ASA CONNECT Showroom Managers Group Holds First Meeting Thursday, April 18, 2024 ASA’s CONNECT Showroom Managers group held its first meeting earlier this week where showroom managers from ASA-member companies across the country gathered to share best practices and find potential solutions to problems/challenges they may be facing in their marketplaces. Read more
Innovation Summit 2024: The Future with AI by Jeremy Gutsche Thursday, April 11, 2024 Artificial intelligence has been at the forefront of many an innovation + digital conversation since OpenAI’s ChatGPT made AI the hot topic of 2023. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – April 9, 2024 Thursday, April 11, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
ASA’s March Economic Report: Trigger Points and Controversy, Are Members Seeing Improvements in the 2024 Economy? Thursday, April 11, 2024 From the March 2024 ASA Monthly Economic Report: The initial expectation for Q1 GDP was anemic – less than 1.0% growth. But then again, the estimates for GDP growth through all of 2023 were off and significantly. The latest suggestion is that first quarter growth will be at 2.8% and that is up from the 2.3% estimate of just a couple of weeks ago. The consumer keeps powering the economy... Read more
In Their Own Words: Member Experiences in ASA's Reimagined MDM Program Thursday, April 11, 2024 ASA University's Master of Distribution Management (MDM) program underwent a transformative overhaul last year, setting a new standard for leadership development in the distribution industry. As the inaugural cohort sails past the midway point of their journey, we delve into their experiences, reflecting on the program's enhancements and the impact on participants. Read more
ASA Women in Industry ELEVATE Conference Sets Record with More Than 400 Attendees in Nashville Thursday, April 11, 2024 We are thrilled to announce that our company's highly anticipated RECORD SETTING, SOLD OUT event, ELEVATE2024, is happening right now in the vibrant city of Nashville! Read more
ASA Central Summit to Feature Leadership Mistakes Workshop Thursday, April 4, 2024 Coach, speaker and writer Dave Kline will conduct a leadership workshop during the ASA Central Summit June 18-19 at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – April 3, 2024 Thursday, April 4, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in recess. Read more
Federated Insurance Corner: Protecting Your Drivers and Reputation with Telematics Solutions Thursday, April 4, 2024 In today's fast-paced world, distracted driving has become a serious issue, which can lead to consequences for both individuals and businesses. In 2022 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 42,795 people were killed on American roads. Read more
Podcast: Gas prices… Will they Spike up Again? Why are they Rising? Thursday, April 4, 2024 On the most recent episode of the “Keeping it Real with Dr. Kuehl” economic update podcast for ASA members, this week Dr. Kuehl answers a question regarding oils, gas, and fuels and the pricing that comes with them. Read more
ASA’s March Economic Report: Trigger Points and Controversey, Are Members Seeing Improvements in the 2024 Economy? Thursday, April 4, 2024 From the March 2024 ASA Monthly Economic Report: The initial expectation for Q1 GDP was anemic – less than 1.0% growth. But then again, the estimates for GDP growth through all of 2023 were off and significantly. Read more
ASA’s PHCP/PVF Labor Study Shows Progress in Some Areas and Continued Challenges in Others Thursday, April 4, 2024 Eight years after ASA conducted its first national labor study of the PHCP/PVF industry, the Association has repeated the study to understand the current state of the industry’s workforce and what changes have occurred since the first study in 2015. Read more
ASA Distributors Talk Current Market Conditions Thursday, March 28, 2024 As part of ASA’s monthly sales report, a free benefit to all ASA member companies, respondents to the survey provide their insights into current market conditions. Here is a sample of some of their comments... Read more
ASA Leads Members on Capitol Hill Thursday, March 28, 2024 On March 21, ASA partnered with Affiliated Distributors to bring nearly 250 distributors and manufacturers, attending AD’s PHCP Spring Network Meeting, to lobby roughly 85 members of Congress in Washington on critical issues facing the PHCP, PVF and HVAC industries. Read more
PVF: Carbon Steel Update Thursday, March 28, 2024 From the brand-new ASA Commodities Report (written by members of ASA’s Industrial Piping Division), carbon steel futures are down 3% this month and 30% year-to-date. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – March 26, 2024 Thursday, March 28, 2024 AD Spring Network Meeting: Last week, ASA helped to facilitate almost 90 meetings with Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill, with close to 300 members in attendance. Read more
Podcast: Mortgage rates… Will they level off in Q4? Thursday, March 21, 2024 On the most recent episode of the “Keeping it Real with Dr. Kuehl” economic update podcast for ASA members, Dr. Kuehl answers a question regarding mortgage rates and if we will see them ever come down or at least level out. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – March 20, 2024 Thursday, March 21, 2024 Budget Watch: Congress is in a race to get the remaining 80% of the federal budget that has not been passed to the President by 11:59 PM on Friday. Read more
ASA Distributor Members Report Overall Solid Growth in February 2024 VS February 2023 Thursday, March 21, 2024 Respondents reported that it's worth noting that even though 2024 is a leap year and has an additional day compared to 2023, it's still encouraging that respondents overall reported median sales growth of over 5% for February 2024 vs. 2023. Read more
ASA University Meets, Helps Customers Across the Nation: Atlas Supply Thursday, March 21, 2024 For many years, the ASA team has traveled around the nation to meet with members in what it has been called the “ASA Member Blitz”. Read more
Discounts Available for ASA Member Companies on Payroll Processing, Fuel, Office Supplies, Shipping Services and More Thursday, March 14, 2024 Through a longtime partnership with New Hampshire-based affinity program Savings4Members, a multitude of discounts are available to all ASA members on a variety of critical day-to-day business operation’s needs. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – March 13, 2024 Thursday, March 14, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
Podcast: Top 4 Construction Challengers This Year Thursday, March 14, 2024 On the most recent episode of the “Keeping it Real with Dr. Kuehl” economic update podcast for ASA members, this week Dr. Kuehl responded to a membership question regarding challenges we may face when it comes to construction in 2024. Read more
ASA’s 2024 Operating Performance Report: The PHCP-PVF Benchmarking Gold Standard for 40+ Years Thursday, March 14, 2024 The 2024 ASA Operating Performance Report (using 2023 financial results) promises to be the most timely and comprehensive profile of industry performance results ever published. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – March 5, 2024 Thursday, March 7, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
Emerging Leaders EMERGE in Boston a Complete Sellout Thursday, March 7, 2024 ASA’s Emerging Leaders’ EMERGE2024 taking place May 22-24 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston is now completely sold out and has set an all-time attendance mark for the two-decade-plus-old event. Read more
Podcast: Is 2024 the Year American Manufacturing Is Great Again? Thursday, March 7, 2024 ASA Chief Economist Dr. Kuehl answers a question that refers to 2024 manufacturing, and if this is the year that we will recover. Read more
ASA’s February Economic Report: First Quarter Outlook, Why ASA Members are in the Clear Thursday, March 7, 2024 From the February 2024 ASA Monthly Economic Report: First quarter GDP is currently running at 3%, far above expectations. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – February 28, 2024 Thursday, February 29, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in recess. Read more
PVF: The Latest on Stainless Steel Thursday, February 29, 2024 From ASA’s brand-new February Industrial Piping Division Commodities Report, the stainless market seems to have hit a bit of a lull in January. Read more
ASA Distributor Members Report: Not A Bad Start To 2024 With Sales Thursday, February 29, 2024 Respondents reported median sales growth of nearly 2% for January 2024 vs. 2023. The results were mixed though with half of the respondents reporting sales change between -8% to +8% for January 2024 vs. 2023. Read more
Registration Now Open For The New ASA Central Summit Thursday, February 29, 2024 More than 80 region distributors have been invited. Read more
ASA Podcast: Consumers and Recession, what are we Expecting for the 2024 Year? Thursday, February 29, 2024 ASA Chief Economist Dr. Kuehl answers some member questions on the topic of consumer trends, and the question of a recession in the second quarter. Read more
ASA’s Special Industry Comparison Chart Based on 2022 Compensation Data Thursday, February 22, 2024 On behalf of ASA, we wanted to thank all the members who entered their companies’ data for our Compensation and Benefits Report in 2022. Read more
How Do PHCP-PVF Distributor Firms Shape Up Against Other Industries? Thursday, February 22, 2024 Have you ever wondered how your PHCP-PVF distributor firm’s key financial metrics match up against other industries in the distribution space? Read more
ASA Podcast: What You Should Know About Inflation Rates Thursday, February 22, 2024 On the most recent episode of the “Keeping it Real with Dr. Kuehl” economic update podcast for ASA members, ASA Chief Economist Dr. Chris Kuehl talks about the latest inflation news. Read more
2024 Hiring Outlook Points to Another Challenging Year of Recruitment for ASA Members Thursday, February 22, 2024 The PVF/PHCP industry continues to face steep challenges in terms of talent acquisition Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – February 20, 2024 Thursday, February 22, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – February 14, 2024 Wednesday, February 14, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
California Workplace Violence Training Mandate Wednesday, February 14, 2024 As many of our California members are likely aware, a law passed last year requires employers to develop a written plan and implement interactive training to respond to cases of workplace violence. Read more
Registration is now open for ASA CONNECT Communities! Wednesday, February 14, 2024 ASA has decided to continue with bringing the value that CONNECT has to offer, but now FREE of charge to ASA members. Read more
The Data Submission for Our 2024 Compensation Report Is Now Open Wednesday, February 14, 2024 This year’s study will dig deeper into turnover rates, quit rates, and the duration of filling various roles, distinguishing between sales, operations/warehouse, and office/G&A positions. Read more
Recognize Your Employees, Suppliers and Customers on World Plumbing Day Thursday, February 8, 2024 World Plumbing Day is celebrated every year on March 11. This is a day we ask our members to take the time and recognize the critical role their company, employees and the entire plumbing supply chain serves in protecting public health, safety, and the environment. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – February 6, 2024 Wednesday, February 7, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
ASA Leaders Work to Define the Future and ASA’s Role in Getting There Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Once again, nearly 90 association volunteer leaders gathered at the 2024 LEAD strategic meeting last week to discuss strategic initiatives designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the PHCP and PVF distribution industry. Read more
ASA’s 2024 Operating Performance Report: The PHCP-PVF Benchmarking Gold Standard for 40+ Years Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Your involvement is crucial for crafting a report that not only mirrors the industry's current landscape but also serves as an invaluable instrument for your strategic planning endeavors. Read more
ASA’s January Economic Report: New Year, Same Economy? Wednesday, February 7, 2024 GDP once again surprised analysts in Q4, coming in at 3.3% against expectations of 1.5-2%. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – January 30, 2024 Thursday, February 1, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
PVF: Thermoplastics Market Update Thursday, February 1, 2024 The industry noticed a return to normalization of thermoplastic piping products. Read more
ASA Distributor Members Report Positive 2023 Year-to-Date Sales Thursday, February 1, 2024 The news was positive for industrial PVF distributors. Read more
2024 ASA Cross-Industry Compensation & Benefits Survey Thursday, February 1, 2024 Are you paying your counter and warehouse employees enough? Read more
ASA Meets with Members and Prospects at IMARK Plumbing Annual Meeting Wednesday, January 24, 2024 ASA staff members met with more than 40 current and prospective distributor and manufacturer members. Read more
ASA Codes and Standards Updates – January 24, 2024 Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Key highlights from the ASME/CSA meetings. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – January 24, 2024 Wednesday, January 24, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
Great Ideas Roundtable Session Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Great Ideas Roundtable Session offers solutions to four critical challenges. Read more
ASA Distributor Members Chime in with Mixed Feelings on 2023 Performance Thursday, January 18, 2024 As part of ASA’s Monthly Sales Report — a quick-hitter distributor benchmarking report covering 10 financial categories and available as a free member benefit — member distributors are encouraged to provide their thoughts on current market conditions. Read more
ASA Market Watch Thursday, January 18, 2024 Updates on building materials, housing starts and HVAC sales. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – January 17, 2024 Wednesday, January 17, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – January 10, 2024 Wednesday, January 10, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
A Year in Review: A Look Back at 2023 Wednesday, January 10, 2024 It’s incredible to look back over the years to see just how far the American Supply Association has grown in our ability to unite the industry and to lead with one voice and purpose. Read more
More than 1,600 ASA Member Locations ‘Now Hiring’ on SupplyIndustryCareers.com Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Following last month’s launch of a new tool to connect jobseekers with ASA members, more than 1,600 distributor, manufacturer and manufacturers’ rep locations across the country are currently showing as “Now Hiring” on SupplyIndustryCareers.com. Read more
ASA University’s Year in Review: Trends and Hot Topics Wednesday, January 3, 2024 ASA members were busy in 2023, taking advantage of ASA University’s library of tools and training to help boost performance and profitability of employees across their businesses. In 2023, we saw some new trends rise to the surface, and had stellar engagement from members across the board. Read more
Washington Weekly - January 3, 2024 Wednesday, January 3, 2024 This Week: The House and Senate will return for business next week. Read more
ASA Distributors Predict Increased Sales for 2024 Wednesday, December 13, 2023 From ASA’s final Quarterly Market Survey of 2023, 64 percent of ASA distributor respondents predict their sales will increase in 2024, while 28 percent predict flat sales next year, but only 8 percent predicted their sales will decrease. Read more
Washington Weekly - December 13, 2023 Wednesday, December 13, 2023 This Week: The House and Senate are in session. Read more
Considerations When Selling Online to the Contractor Customer Tuesday, December 12, 2023 The trading of goods and services by the internet is not a new concept. New compared to the PHCP-PVF distribution industry, sure, but “e-commerce” has been growing and maturing for more than 25 years. Read more
Case Study: How Mid-City’s Training Champion Evolved its Training Landscape Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Training should be a component of every employee’s life cycle at an organization. From onboarding to reskilling and upskilling, employees need support to do their jobs and develop skills that allow them to become even greater contributors within the organization. Read more
ASA Working to Take Swift Action on Regulatory Decisions Thursday, December 7, 2023 As the 118th Congress started off with a clear partisan divide last January, our industry has faced unprecedented regulatory challenges in the second half of the year. Read more
Washington Weekly - December 7, 2023 Thursday, December 7, 2023 This Week: The House and Senate are in Session. Read more
ASA Central Region Awards First Scholarship Thursday, November 30, 2023 Each year, the ASA CENTRAL region sponsors a scholarship program that is available for current and potentially future employees. Read more
ASA Distributor Members Enjoy Major October Sales Rebound Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Respondents to ASA’s Monthly Sales Report reported median year-over-year sales growth of 3% for October 2023 vs. October 2022. Read more
ASA Announces Winners of 2023 Safety Award Wednesday, November 29, 2023 The ASA Safety Award is designed to elevate the awareness of the importance of safety in all aspects of the PHCP/PVF industry. The award also recognizes ASA members that have had the lowest incident rate of non-fatal injuries and illnesses throughout the previous year. Read more
ASA’s Kendzel Appointed to Two Key Standards Committees Wednesday, November 29, 2023 ASA is committed to representing the PHCP and PVF supply chains in the development and maintenance of codes and standards covering products and services provided by all the supply-chain sectors. Read more
Washington Weekly - November 29, 2023 Wednesday, November 29, 2023 This Week: The House and Senate are in Session. Read more
ASA’s NETWORK2023 Draws Rave Reviews Monday, November 20, 2023 NETWORK2023 held Nov. 8-10 in Orlando, Florida featured more than 850 attendees, including 86-member distributor firms that represent more than $50 billion in annual sales. Read more
ASA Washington Weekly – November 2, 2023 Thursday, November 2, 2023 This Week: The House and Senate are in Session. Read more
The Benefits of Internship Programs Go Beyond Recruitment Wednesday, October 25, 2023 It’s clear from conversations with ASA members across the country, finding talent continues to be an issue for distributors, manufacturers, and manufacturer reps. Read more
Washington Weekly - October 19, 2023 Thursday, October 19, 2023 This Week: The Senate is in session. The House is in and out of recess subject to the call of the Chair. Read more
Emerging Leaders: The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create it Thursday, October 19, 2023 The mission of the ASA Emerging Leaders Division is to be the voice and advocate for the next generation of leaders in our industry, providing strategic insight to the association that supports the advancement of the industry’s next generation, as well as being an advocate for engaging the members through a strong professional network that advances the interest of the members. Read more
Washington Weekly - October 12, 2023 Thursday, October 12, 2023 Finding a Speaker and the Race to Succeed Read more
ASA Members Share Employee Training Best Practices During Roundtable Sessions Thursday, October 12, 2023 Part of the value of being an ASA member is the incredible networking opportunities afforded to members through ASA events. Read more
Kohler’s Jim Lewis to Receive 2023 ASA Plumbing Division Award of Excellence Thursday, October 5, 2023 The American Supply Association’s Plumbing Division is pleased to announce Kohler Co. Vice President and General Manager Business Services Jim Lewis is the recipient of the 2023 Plumbing Division Award of Excellence. Read more
Social Media Having Big Impact on Recruiting Landscape Thursday, October 5, 2023 In 1997, Bolt and Six Degrees were the first social networking sites launched. Bolt was a platform for 15-20-year-olds to use for email, voicemail, message boards and instant messaging. Six Degrees was created to help people connect with people they didn’t know. Read more
Washington Weekly - October 5 Thursday, October 5, 2023 Done Deal, Motion to Vacate & What Happens Next Read more
ASA-U Trainer’s Forum Reveals New Strategies, Solutions Thursday, September 28, 2023 Once again, The ASA University Trainer's Best Practice Forum was a resounding success, spanning two enriching half-days with active engagement from members throughout the event. Read more
ASA Distributor Members Report Double-Digit Spike from July to August in Sales Growth Thursday, September 28, 2023 Respondents reported median year-over-year sales growth of 2% for August 2023 vs. 2022. Read more
Washington Weekly - September 21 Thursday, September 21, 2023 ASA on Capitol Hill, House Party & Motion to Vacate Read more
New ASA Tool to Connect Jobseekers to Member Companies – Are You Ready? Thursday, September 21, 2023 In the coming weeks, ASA will be launching Phase II of Project Talent including a new tool aimed at directing jobseekers to member company websites. Read more
Collins Companies’ Tuohey to receive 2023 ASA IPD Award of Excellence Thursday, September 14, 2023 Former ASA president to be honored at NIBCO IPD Breakfast at NETWORK2023 in Orlando. Read more
Washington Weekly - September 14 Thursday, September 14, 2023 ASA on the Hill & Two Things to Watch Read more
ASA Seeks Input from Nearly 30,000 Contractors Thursday, September 14, 2023 Earlier this week, ASA launched its first Voice of the Contractor survey to nearly 30,000 plumbing and mechanical and industrial/mechanical pipe, valves and fittings contractors throughout the country. Read more
WSA Members Agree to Merge with ASA Thursday, September 7, 2023 WSA, recognizing their responsibility to their members to provide programs and services they desire have decided to turn over those functions to ASA. Read more
ASA University’s Master of Distribution Management Program Reimagined Thursday, September 7, 2023 As members grapple with attracting talented workers to their businesses, the ongoing need to develop professional, insightful, and effective leaders is even more pronounced. Read more
Washington Weekly - September 7 Thursday, September 7, 2023 The Senate Returns & Don't Mess with Texas Read more
ASA Attends Recent Buying Group Meetings Thursday, August 31, 2023 ASA staff members had the opportunity to attend the recent IMARK and TCG buying group summer meetings where they met with members of those groups and gained greater insights on the issues they are facing. Read more
ASA Trainer Survey 2023: Trends, Challenges, and Hot Topics Thursday, August 31, 2023 Each year, ASA University reaches out to our member companies to find out more about their training needs and challenges. Read more
Capturing Seasoned Employee Knowledge: A Case Study with FW Webb Thursday, August 24, 2023 Trainers recognize the need to capture seasoned employee expertise – but how? Read more
ASA Members Report July Sales Decline Thursday, August 24, 2023 40% of the respondents reported a decline in year-over-year sales for July. Read more
Washington Weekly - August 17 Thursday, August 17, 2023 What to Expect When You’re Expecting… Read more
Transition to Low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) Refrigerants Thursday, August 17, 2023 Information to Help Communications with Local Code Officials. Read more
The Case for Standardizing Product Data Sharing Thursday, August 17, 2023 ASA volunteers discussed the state of the practice when obtaining digital product data from manufacturers to be utilized by distributors. Read more
Washington Weekly - August 10 Thursday, August 10, 2023 Department of Energy & House and Senate Updates Read more
Washington Weekly - August 3 Thursday, August 3, 2023 Inflation Reduction Act Rebates, Water Heater NOPR & More Read more
Washington Weekly - July 27 Thursday, July 27, 2023 Appropriations Bills, NDAA, Farm Bill & More Read more
ASA Leadership Keeps Focus on Navigating the Future During Recent Executive Committee Meeting Thursday, July 27, 2023 The ASA Executive Committee and senior staff met several weeks ago to review the progress the association is making. Read more
ASA Distributor Members Report a Rough Month but Sees Growth in YTD Sales Thursday, July 27, 2023 Respondents reported essentially flat sales (+0.1%). Year-to-date sales through June 2023 increased 5% vs. 2022. Read more
ASA University Empowers Success Thursday, July 20, 2023 Three Case Studies - Bruce Supply, Silver Creek Supply, and White Star Supply Read more
New Model Code Development Cycles Begin Thursday, July 20, 2023 Every three years, model building codes governing plumbing and PVF are renewed and adopted by federal, state and local regulatory and legislative bodies as enforceable requirements. Read more
ASA Teams Take to the Road to Meet with Members Thursday, July 20, 2023 For years, ASA team members have traveled the nation to meet with members in what has been dubbed the “ASA Member Blitz.” Read more
Washington Weekly - July 12 Thursday, July 13, 2023 Congress is Back, NDAA, Farm Bill & More! Read more
ASA Sponsors SkillsUSA Plumbing Competition Thursday, July 13, 2023 PHCC Educational Foundation recently announced the six plumbing students who received top honors in the plumbing competition during the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Read more
Maloney and Grimm to Receive Fred V. Keenan Lifetime Achievement Award Thursday, July 13, 2023 The prestigious ASA Fred V. Keenan Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals with a long history of service and dedication to our industry. Read more
ASA’s Emerging Leaders Provides Valuable Programming to the Industry’s Next Generation Thursday, July 6, 2023 Coming off a record-setting attendance last month at EMERGE2023, attendees were asked what they value most about being ASA members. Read more
Carbon Steel Fitting and Flange Sales Still Strong Thursday, July 6, 2023 Although aggressive pricing and inventory concerns continue to drive the market down, especially for larger orders. Read more
Washington Weekly - July 5 Thursday, July 6, 2023 Department of Energy Regulations, Recess & Fundraising Read more
ASA University: The Business Case for Learning Management Systems Thursday, July 6, 2023 With the prevalence of training within any company, having a way to offer, manage and track what training is required, what training is needed, or what training is desired, is an essential part of a strong training program. Read more
Washington Weekly - June 27 Thursday, June 29, 2023 Appropriations, Energy & Water, and More! Read more
ASA Research Uncovers Industry Perceptions from Job Seekers Thursday, June 29, 2023 ASA recently commissioned a research project to, in part, understand the perceptions job seekers have when considering the PHCP and PVF industry. Read more
ASA Distributor Sales Figures Rebound in May Thursday, June 29, 2023 Industry Insights reports a median sales increase of 5% for May 2023 vs. May 2022. Read more
Washington Weekly - June 22 Thursday, June 22, 2023 Updates on Ways and Means and appropriations Read more
ASA Northeast Summit attendees talk data, path to market, social media and more best practices Thursday, June 22, 2023 The best practices roundtable session at the 2023 ASA Northeast Summit produced productive discussions on top-of-mind industry topics. Read more
2023 ASA Operating Performance Report Thursday, June 22, 2023 Distributors post strong sales gains Read more
Washington Weekly - June 14 Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Tax Markups, Internal Debate & Cooking with Gas Read more
ASA University Serves CIPH Members with New Partnership Wednesday, June 14, 2023 ASA University is proud to announce an educational partnership with the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH). Read more
ASA Helps Defeat Unnecessary Packaging Bill in California Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Last week a key bill that would have had a detrimental effect on members in-state, as well as nationally, was removed from consideration. Read more
The Six Attributes of Super-Profit Companies Thursday, June 8, 2023 Laser focus is the key to your goals Read more
Three Tips to Making the Most of Your Recruiting with Indeed Thursday, June 8, 2023 Using third-party tools like Indeed is equally critical in expanding a firm’s recruitment effectiveness. Read more
PVF Update: Carbon Steel Pricing Hits Headwinds Thursday, June 8, 2023 Carbon steel pricing has hit some headwinds that are putting pressure on pricing recently. Read more
ASA & HARDI Applaud PHCC for Reversal of Discount Program Thursday, June 8, 2023 Last year it came to light that the PHCC National Association had negotiated a discount program for its contractor members with one of its supplier members, Home Depot/HD Supply. Read more
ASA University Helps Distributors Leverage Manufacturer Training Thursday, June 1, 2023 Did you know ASA University offers manufacturer training that is entirely FREE for ASA members? Read more
Washington Weekly - May 30 Thursday, June 1, 2023 We Have a Debt Limit Deal, ASA on 199A and More Read more
Emerging Leaders Talk Best Practices in Savannah Wednesday, May 24, 2023 One of the major highlights of the 2023 ASA Emerging Leaders EMERGE conference in Savannah, Georgia was the annual best practices roundtable sessions. Read more
ASA Distributor Members Report a Record Setting Decline in Sales Since 2021 Wednesday, May 24, 2023 Respondents reported a median sales decline of -1.8% for April 2023 vs. 2022. Read more
Washington Weekly - May 18 Thursday, May 18, 2023 ASA in DC, The Big Meeting: Part 2, & Debt Ceiling Negotiations Read more
The PHCP & PVF Industry is an Ideal Option for Career Seekers Thursday, May 18, 2023 We’ve all heard the stats, an average of 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every day and all 76 million boomers will have passed that age by 2030. Read more
Industry Fights Back on Misleading Report on PVC Pipe Thursday, May 11, 2023 A report issued in April 2023 by Beyond Plastics, a project with the mission to “… end plastic pollution everywhere…”, falsely claims that the use of PVC and CPVC pipe in drinking water system pose a significant health and environmental hazard. Read more
ASA Announces 2023 World Plumbing Day Coloring Contest Winners Thursday, May 11, 2023 The American Supply Association is proud to announce the winners of the ASA World Plumbing Day poster contest. Read more
Washington Weekly - May 11 Thursday, May 11, 2023 The Big Meeting, New Regulations for Fleet Trucks & More Read more
Washington Weekly - May 4 Thursday, May 4, 2023 Debt Limit Breakthrough, Government Debt Default & More Read more
ASA Helping Members Supercharge Recruitment Efforts Thursday, May 4, 2023 ASA members continue to face challenges finding talent to meet current needs. Read more
Washington Weekly - April 27 Thursday, April 27, 2023 Debt Limit, Spending, Biden Announcement & More! Read more
SWPD Annual Leadership Conference is a Success Thursday, April 27, 2023 The Southwest Pacific Distributors (SWPD), a regional affiliate of ASA, recently held its annual leadership conference at Indian Wells, California! Read more
ASA Distributor Members Reports Business is Strong, but Not Record Setting Thursday, April 27, 2023 Respondents reported a median sales increase of 1.7% for March 2023 vs. 2022. Read more
Washington Weekly - April 20 Thursday, April 20, 2023 Debt Limit, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Berkeley Gas Ban Ruling & More! Read more
Manufacturers & Distributors Come Together in Chicago to Discuss Manufacturer Created Product Data Information Sets Thursday, April 20, 2023 During the first week of April, ASA welcomed representatives from seven manufacturers and six distributors to Chicago for round table sessions to facilitate discussion and broaden learnings focused on the topic of manufacturer created product data information sets. Read more
ELEVATE2023 Sets All Time Attendance Record with Over 320 in Charleston Thursday, April 20, 2023 Participation in the Women in Industry annual conference grew by over 45% as the 2023 conference in Charleston, SC set a record attendance. Read more
Training Transformation: ECCO Takes Training to the Next Level with ASA University Thursday, April 13, 2023 Equipment Controls Company, an ASA distributor member based out of Norcross, Georgia, was ready to take training to the next level at their organization. Read more
Why Nickel Pricing Remains Volatile Thursday, April 6, 2023 Prices corrected for nickel and all base materials since the ASA Commodities Report Read more
ASA Members from Across the Country Advocate in Washington D.C. Last Week Thursday, April 6, 2023 Last week, 25 ASA members from across the country descended on Washington to help advocate for issues important to the PHCP/PVF industry. Read more
ASA Members are Invited to Participate in the NAED’s Data Insights Conference at Member Pricing Wednesday, March 29, 2023 The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) is opening registration to those interested ASA members for the same price as NAED members. Read more
ASA Attends University of Innovative Distribution Conference in Indianapolis Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Earlier this month, many ASA members and other professionals in distribution met to learn, connect, and gain insight into best practices at the 2023 University of Innovative Distribution conference in Indianapolis, IN. Read more
Washington Weekly - March 22 Wednesday, March 22, 2023 Budget & Taxes, Healthy H2O Act & More Read more
ASA Talks Benchmarking, Careers Recruitment at The Commonwealth Group Spring Meeting Wednesday, March 22, 2023 ASA staff members were in attendance at The Commonwealth Group 2023 Spring Conference Read more
Product Data Challenges for Distributors: D.Next Creating Quick Links Directory Wednesday, March 22, 2023 At last year’s ASA Strategic Planning Retreat, volunteers discussed the idea of a ‘product data library’ that could be the sole source of manufacturer product data. Read more
ASA Distributor Members Reports Business is Strong, but Not Record Setting Wednesday, March 22, 2023 Respondents reported a median sales increase of 11.5% for February 2023 vs. 2022. Read more
ASA’s Annual Operating Performance Report Enables Distributors to Spot Trends and to Make Actionable Data Driven Decisions Thursday, March 16, 2023 For more than four decades, ASA’s annual Operating Performance Report (OPR) has helped distributors in both the plumbing and industrial/mechanical PVF markets benchmark their company performance against their historical performance as well as against their competitors. Read more
ASA and HVAC Industry Partners Successful in IAPMO Board Petitions on UMC Jim Kendzel, Director of Codes and Standards Thursday, March 9, 2023 Recently, the final stage of the process was completed with the IAPMO Board considering petitions from industry to reconsider decisions reached by the UMC Technical Committee (TC) and the IAPMO Standards Council (SC). Read more
Should We Try to be Enthusiastic for 2023? Thursday, March 2, 2023 The latest PMI tracked a little lower than it was in December and sits at 47.4. This is not miserable as these are still numbers within reach of the expansion zone (readings above 50), but they are still dipping. Read more
Using Employer Branding as a Weapon in the War for Talent Thursday, March 2, 2023 With the unemployment rate at its lowest level in decades, employers across the nation continue to struggle staffing their companies with high-quality talent. Read more
Washington Weekly - March 2 Thursday, March 2, 2023 House Activity, State Water Standards in Schools & More! Read more
NETWORK2023 to Take Place in November in Orlando Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Planning for this year’s event is well underway! Read more
Washington Weekly - February 22 Thursday, February 23, 2023 Work Continues on an Energy (Security) Bill in the House Read more
ASA Distributor Members Report a Solid Start to 2023 Thursday, February 23, 2023 Respondents to ASA’s monthly sales reported a median sales increase of 18% for January 2023 vs. 2022. Read more
ASA Launches New & Improved Website Thursday, February 23, 2023 ASA is proud to announce the launch of a new and exciting website that better reflects the association brand and that of the PHCP & PVF industry. Read more
ASA Member Companies Predict 2023 Increase in eCommerce Sales Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Recent survey dives deep into eCommerce channel development and importance of robust product data as a service differentiator. Read more
ASA Attends ASHRAE Winter Standards Meetings Thursday, February 16, 2023 ASA's Jim Kendzel recently had the opportunity to represent ASA and HARDI at the ASHRAE Winter Meetings held in Atlanta, GA. Read more
ASA is Committed to Engaging ASA Members on Recognizing World Plumbing Day Thursday, February 16, 2023 Every year on March 11th ASA joins with other stakeholders around the world working in the plumbing supply-chain in celebrating WPD. Read more
Volunteers Strengthened ASA’s Strategic Direction at Recent Planning Retreat Thursday, February 16, 2023 Last week in Naples, FL, more than 100 members and staff once again met to keep the association properly focused on the future horizon, reestablish the assumptions that the association is making, what new initiatives the association will need to take and what successes we are making. Read more
ASA Engaged at ASME/CSA Standards Meetings Thursday, February 2, 2023 ASA's Director of Codes and Standards represented the members of ASA at the recent meetings of the CSA and ASME. Read more
Washington Weekly - February 1 Thursday, February 2, 2023 Debt Summit, 2024 Election Updates & More Read more
ASA University Enhances Training Accountability with Free Manager Dashboard in Brightspace Thursday, February 2, 2023 Implementing and maintaining a training program is no small task. Read more
Washington Weekly - January 4, 2023 Tuesday, January 3, 2023 No Decision Yet on Speaker of the House Read more
ASA Distributor Members Continue to Report Consistent Sales and Inventory Growth Thursday, July 7, 2022 While year-to-year comparisons strong, previous-month comps more modest. Read more
ASA distributor members report strong March sales numbers Friday, April 29, 2022 Significant price inflation cited among factors; Recession forthcoming? Read more
ASA announces 2022 World Plumbing Day poster contest winners Thursday, April 28, 2022 The American Supply Association is proud to announce the winners of the first ASA World Plumbing Day poster contest. Read more