With contact information for more than hundreds of electrical manufacturers, Electrical Wholesaling's 2007 Source Book is one reference you'll want to keep handy. When developing a business game plan, some of the first phone calls you make should be to these sources.
Industry Associations
American Lighting Association (ALA)
As a trade association of the lighting industry, the goal of this organization is to provide the public with the proper application of residential lighting. Members include residential lighting specialists, lighting and fan manufacturers, retail showrooms and lighting designers.
Ph: (214) 698-9898
www.americanlightingassoc.com
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
With 8,500 members in 77 countries, this organization is a source for information on how to improve energy efficiency, utilize innovative energy-service options, enhance environmental management programs, upgrade facility operations and improve equipment performance.
Ph: (770) 447-5083
www.aeecenter.org
Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP)
AESP provides utilities, consultants, energy marketers and other professionals in the energy market with training, information and networking opportunities.
Ph: (480) 704-5900
www.aesp.org
Association for High Technology Distribution (AHTD)
AHTD works to create, build, maintain and improve profitable relationships between automation solution providers and their manufacturers.
Ph: (262) 696-3645
www.ahtd.org
BICSI
BICSI is a resource for the information transport systems (ITS) industry. The association offers courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs for voice/data/video (VDV) installers and telecommunications professionals.
Ph: (813) 979-1991
www.bicsi.org
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
CSA develops electrical safety standards for products manufactured for sale and use in the Canadian market and in other countries around the globe.
Ph: (416) 747-4000
www.csa.ca
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
EPRI is a nonprofit energy-research consortium that works to find solutions to the challenges of electric power.
Ph: (650) 855-2121
www.epri.com
Edison Electric Institute (EEI)
Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is an association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies, international affiliates and industry associates worldwide. The association works with members to advocate equitable policies in legislative and regulatory arenas.
Ph: (202) 508-5000
www.eei.org
Electric Utility Distributors Association (EUDA)
The nine EUDA members are owned by rural electric utilities coops and use their combined inventory of more than $85 million to assist these power companies during natural disasters and emergency situations.
For questions on EUDA, contact Johnny Andrews, Texas Electric Cooperatives Inc. at (512) 868-8610
www.eduaonline.com
Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA)
EASA is an international trade organization in the motor market with nearly 2,100 electromechanical sales and service firms in 58 countries. Its engineering and educational programs help keep members up to date on materials, equipment and technology.
Ph: (314) 993-2220
www.easa.com
Electrical Equipment Representatives Association (EERA)
EERA's mission is to advance the quality and increase the effectiveness of manufacturers' representatives in the electrical equipment industry. There are 97 EERA reps.
Ph: (816) 561-5323
www.eera.org
Electro Federation of Canada (EFC)
This nonprofit association has six councils representing 300 member companies that manufacture, distribute and service electrical, electronic and telecommunications products in Canada.
Ph: (866) 602-8877
www.electrofed.com
ETL Semko/Intertek
ETL provides product testing and listing services for electrical products, much like Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Ph: (800) 967-5352
www.intertek-etlsemko.com
Industrial Supply Association (ISA)
Representing locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia, this trade association focuses on all areas critical to managing a distributorship, including operations, sales and marketing, human resources, quality, technology, finance and customer service.
Ph: (866) 460-2360
www.ida-assoc.org
IDEA
IDEA manages the Industry Data Warehouse (IDW) and the IDX electronic network for its distributor and manufacturer members. It was created to foster the growth of e-business and related communications standards in the electrical industry and other vertical markets.
Ph: (703) 562-4600
www.idea-esolutions.com
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)
With its membership of engineers, architects, designers, educators, students, contractors, distributors, utility personnel, manufacturers and scientists, IESNA's mission is to advance knowledge and disseminate information for the improvement of lighting to the benefit of society.
Ph: (212) 248-5000
www.iesna.org
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)
Through membership in IEC, open-shop/nonunion electrical contractors can increase their chances for success in the electrical construction marketplace.
Ph: (703) 549-7351
www.ieci.org
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE)
IEEE is a nonprofit, technical professional association with more than 375,000 members in 160-plus countries. IEEE is an authority in technical fields such as computer engineering, biomedical technology, telecommunications, electric power, aerospace and consumer electronics.
Ph: (212) 419-7900
www.ieee.org
International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
The primary concern of the IAEI is consumer safety. The IAEI and its members are committed to improving design, installation, inspection and usage of energy.
Ph: (972) 235-1455
www.iaei.org
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
The IBEW supports and protects the rights of its unionized electrical contractors.
Ph: (202) 833-7000
www.ibew.org
Manufacturers' Agents National Association (MANA)
This trade association for independent manufacturers' representatives in many different construction, industrial and retail fields emphasizes education. MANA's mission is to aid in the development and promotion of mutually profitable relationships and ethical standards of behavior for reps, their principals and joint customers.
Ph: (949) 859-4040
www.manaonline.org
National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED)
Since 1908, the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) has served as the trade association for the electrical distribution industry. Dedicated to serving and protecting the electrical distribution channel, this not-for-profit organization provides networking opportunities through approximately 50 meetings and conferences a year.
Ph: (314) 991-9000
www.naed.org
National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO)
The association provides many benefits to energy-service companies (ESCOs), including legislative representation, networking and business partnerships.
Ph: (202) 822-0950
www.naesco.org
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
NAHB is a federation of state and local builder associations. Its mission is to enhance the economic climate for the housing and the building industry and to promote policies that will keep housing a national priority.
Ph: (202) 266-8200
www.nahb.org
National Association of Independent Lighting Distributors (NAILD)
NAILD enhances the value of the specialized lighting distributor by creating opportunities for business development and growth through education and member interaction.
Ph: (716) 875-3670
www.naild.org
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW)
NAW represents the wholesale distribution industry and is active in government relations and political action, research and education.
Ph: (202) 872-0885
www.naw.org
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Founded in 1901, NECA represents unionized electrical contracting firms. Dedicated to enhancing the industry through continuing education, labor relations, current information and promotional activities, it's an important voice in the electrical contracting industry.
Ph: (301) 657-3110
www.necanet.org
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
NEMA provides a forum for the development of technical standards and advocates industry policies on legislative and regulatory matters that might affect the industry.
Ph: (703) 841-3200
www.nema.org
National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA)
NEMRA and its affiliate, the NEMRA Manufacturers Group (NMG), is a North American trade association dedicated to promoting the use of independent manufacturers' representatives as the most effective way to market products in the electrical industry.
Ph: (914) 524-8650
www.nemra.org
National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA)
NEDA is a nonprofit association representing distributors of electronic components; computer and computer peripheral components; and test, measurement and control equipment.
Ph: (678) 393-9990
www.nedassoc.org
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA's mission is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating scientifically based consensus codes and standards, research, training and education.
Ph: (617) 770-3000
www.nfpa.org
North American Association of Utility Distributors (NAAUD)
NAAUD has 17 utility specialists with a combined total of 170 locations that supply products and supply-chain services to the electric utility industry. During power outages, the members work together to ship products to the members in the affected area.
Ph: (352) 259-3999
www.naaud.com
Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA)
PTDA is a U.S.-based trade association representing power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distributor firms with locations in North America and other countries throughout the world, as well as manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.
Ph: (312) 516-2100
www.ptda.org
Professional Electrical Apparatus Recyclers League (PEARL)
PEARL membership is offered to those electrical companies that qualify as recyclers, vendors and associates. The association develops information, networking and other services for the proper recycling and reuse of electrical power equipment.
Ph: (877) 287-3275
www.pearl1.org
Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA)
STAFDA is an international trade association composed of distributors, manufacturers and rep agents that sell tools and other light construction, industrial and related products.
Ph: (262) 784-4774
www.stafda.org
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, nonprofit product safety testing and certification organization that has tested products for public safety for more than a century.
Ph: (847) 272-8800
www.ul.com
Buying/Marketing Groups
Affiliated Distributors (A-D)
Ph: (610) 977-3100; www.adhq.com
IMARK Group
Ph: (301) 567-8888; www.imarkgroup.com
Equity Electrical Associates/Electrical Distributors Network (EDN)
Equity: (800) 373-1894
www.equity.org
EDN: (800) 338-8308
www.profitpower.com
Consultants
Bill Attardi, Attardi Marketing; marketing energy-efficient products and services
Ph: (732) 946-8521
www.attardimarketing.com
Howard Coleman, MCA Associates; sales development, business re-engineering and supply-chain management
Ph: (203) 732-0603
www.mcaassociates.com
Paul Eitmant, IP Group International; global marketing
Ph: (480) 488-5646
www.ipgroupinternational.com
Adam Fein, Pembroke Consulting Inc.; strategic planning expertise
Ph: (215) 523-5700
www.pembrokeconsulting.com
Robert Footlik, Footlik & Associates; warehouse design expertise
Ph: (847) 328-5644
www.footlik.com
Dick Friedman, General Business Consultants; how to use information technology more effectively and profitably
Ph: (847) 256-3260
www.genbuscon.com
David Gordon, Channel Marketing Group; expertise in increasing market share
Ph: (919) 488-8635
www.channelmkt.com
Mike Holt, Mike Holt Enterprises Electrical Training Center; electrical training and National Electrical Code
Ph: 888-632-2633
www.mikeholt.com
Frank Hurtte, River Heights Consulting; distribution management, specialty distribution
Ph: (563) 514-1104
www.riverheightsconsulting.com
Herm Isenstein, DISC Corp.; statistical analysis of electrical industry sales
Ph: (203) 799-3673
www.disccorp.com
René Jones, Total Logistics Solutions Inc.; warehouse efficiency consulting
Ph: (818) 353-2962
www.logisticsociety.com
Ted Konnerth, Egret Consulting Group; Executive search firm specializing in the electrical industry and related fields.
Ph: (847) 307-7125
Bruce Merrifield, The Merrifield Consulting Group; expertise in strategic planning, sales, marketing and management
Ph: (919) 933-7474
www.merrifield.com
Bill McCleave, W.R. McCleave & Associates; expertise is marketing, management, market research and integrated supply
Ph: (704) 892-4117
www.blazingchannels.com
Michael Marks, Indian River Consulting; distribution expert
Ph: (321) 956-8617
www.ircg.com
Tom O'Connor, Farmington Consulting; expertise in strategic planning and company repositioning
Ph: (860) 676-7876
www.fcgltd.com
Allen Ray, Allen Ray Associates Ltd.; profit management
Ph: (817) 704-0068
www.allenray.com
Jon Schreibfeder, Effective Inventory Management; inventory management
Ph: (972) 304-3325
www.effectiveinventory.com
George Spilka, distributor mergers and acquisitions
Ph: (412) 486-8189
www.georgespilka.com
The Distribution Team Inc.; inventory management expertise
Jason Bader (503) 282-2333
Scott Stratman (719) 597-5978
www.thedistributionteam.com
Russell White, Pinnacle Solutions; Fortune 500 manager/consultant
Ph: (803) 831-7600
www.thinkbigguy.com
E-biz Resources
BillTrust, Outsourced billing solutions for distributors
Ph: (609) 235-1010
www.billtrust.com
BlueVolt, Online training
Ph: (503) 223-2583
www.bluevolt.com
Expert Systems Consulting (ESC), Business system implementation
Ph: (330) 353-0774
www.esc-online.com
Grey Wolf Systems, EDI, Web Storefronts and system integration
Ph: (719) 264-9653
www.greywolf.com
IDEA, See association listing
Invoice Connection, Paperless invoicing
Ph: (800) 431-0061
www.invoiceconnection.com
Pan-Pro, Software and consulting for supply-chain optimization and vendor-managed inventory
Ph: (888) 507-5400
www.pan-pro.com
Trade Service Co., pricing and product data for the electrical market.
800-709-8987
www.tradeservice.com
Logistics & Shipping
Industrial Fleet Management
Ph: (800) 899 4801
www.industrialfleet.com
Logistics Management Inc.
Ph: (508) 993-4444
www.lmiservices.com
Routeview Technologies
Ph: (800) 793-7630
www.routeview.com
TAG Logistics, Consulting services focused on shipping and distribution
Ph: (413) 565-4641
www.taglogistics.com
Management Services
HT Capital Advisors, Mergers and acquisitions
Ph: (212) 759-9080
www.htcapital.com
Captive Resources, Insurance
Ph: (847) 781-1400
www.captiveresources.com
Zilliant, Pricing and profit enhancement
Ph: (512) 531-8500
www.zilliant.com
Marketing Services
ElectricSmarts, Online marketing and education
Ph: (860) 633-6035
www.electricsmarts.com
Taylor Market Media Group, Marketing services for electrical distributors
Ph: (949) 258-0410
www.taylormmg.com
Wolfe Promotional Services, Marketing services for electrical distributors
Ph: (203) 452-7692
www.wolfepromo.com
Market-Planning Resources
2008 Rand McNally Commercial Atlas and Marketing Guide
This book offers a ton of demographic information as well as maps of all U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). It's usually available in a good business library.
Survey of Buying Power
Packed with local market data, including five-year population growth forecasts.
Departments of economic development
States courting new businesses usually have a Web site with basic economic information.
Local union chapters
When looking for employment statistics on the number of electrical contractors in your area, check with the local union hall.
Local home builders' associations
These groups often have statistics on housing starts or building permits. The local Board of Realtors may also have this information.
Business department of a college or university
You may be surprised by the amount of data business schools collect on the local economy. It's a mixed bag as to how to access this data. Sometimes it's available for free on the Web; at times it may be a for-pay proposition. It's also often available at the nearest college or university library.
Banks
You have a decent chance of finding some free statistics at good-sized banks in your area. Some may even offer this information online.
Local newspapers
Many newspapers do a nice job of archiving business articles of interest to the local community. There may be a fee to access a newspaper's database online.
Customers
Your sales databases are probably the best reference sources for forecasting future sales. For sales-potential estimates, obtain the number of employees a customer has and then use the sales potential multipliers available each year in the November issue of Electrical Wholesaling.
Software Vendors
Activant Solutions Inc.
Owns the following distribution software packages: Prophet 21, Eclipse, Prelude and Trade Service Systems
Ph: (215) 493-8900 • www.activant.com
DDI System
Ph: (877) 599-4334 • www.ddisys.com
Infor Distribution Essentials
Ph: 800-260-2640
www.infor.com/distribution
Integrated Systems Technology
Ph: (800) 633-5583 • www.istserve.com
Eclipse/Activant
Ph: 800-776-7438 • www.eclipseinc.com
Mincron Software Systems
Ph: (800) 299-7010 • www.mincron.com
Prophet 21
See Activant
Rubicon Group Ltd.
Ph: (630) 574-7766 • www.rubgrp.com
SAP
Ph: 800-872-1727 • www.sap.com
Savance
Ph: (877) 728-2623 • www.savance.com
Technology Group International
Ph: (419) 841-0295 • www.tgiltd.com
TECSYS Inc.
Ph: (514) 866-0001 • www.tecsys.com
Vormittag Associates Inc. (VAI)
Ph: (800) 824-7776 • www.vaisw.com
Walden Services Inc.
Ph: (781) 642-7653
www.waldenservices.com