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YOUR ELECTRO YELLOW PAGES Aug 1, 2003 12:00 PM Sure, without electrical manufacturers (which are listed beginning on page 16), electrical distributors would have no wares to take to market. But, selling electrical products requires more than slapping a price tag on whatever widget. It takes a lot of strategy and planning. That's where this “Electro Yellow Pages” will come in handy. This list compiles the majority of associations, consultants and other resources that should be among your first stops when looking for ways to run your business better. The listings provide contact information for industry associations, sources for marketing information related to electrical distribution, buying/marketing groups, and more. Keep this one handy for your next research project. Industry Associations American Lighting Association (ALA) ALA offers those involved in the home lighting industry a slate of educational and networking opportunities. Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) AEE is a source for information on energy efficiency, utility deregulation, facility management, plant engineering, and environmental compliance. Its membership includes 8,000 professionals in 67 local chapters. Association of Energy Services Professionals International (AESP) AESP serves its members by disseminating information about marketing, customer research, energy services technologies, pricing and load profiling. Association of High Technology Distribution (AHTD) AHTD represents automation solutions providers and manufacturers of industrial automation products. The organization produces a newsletter, directories, profit reports and industry surveys. BICSI BICSI was organized to improve the services and methods of the telecommunications industry, primarily through education. It's well known in the voice/data business for its certification program for installers. BICSI holds design and cabling workshops in North America every year and publishes technical manuals, guides and dictionaries. Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) This nonprofit energy research consortium caters to electric utilities and their customers. Its provides science and technology-based solutions to its global energy customers by managing a far-reaching program of scientific research, technology development and product implementation. Edison Electric Institute Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies, international affiliates and industry associates worldwide. EEI works with its members to advocate equitable policies in legislative and regulatory arenas. Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) The Electrical Apparatus Service Association Inc. (EASA) is an international trade organization in the motor market with nearly 2,400 electromechanical sales and service firms in 56 countries. Its many engineering and educational programs help keep members up to date on materials, equipment and technology. 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. Electro Federation of Canada (EFC) This association represents more than 225 member companies in Canada. Employing more than 130,000 workers in more than 1,400 Canadian facilities, EFC member companies manufacture and distribute a diverse array of electrical products. Industrial Distribution Association (IDA) This trade association represents more than 1,800 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. IDA's activities focus on all areas critical to managing a distributorship, including operations, sales and marketing, human resources, quality, technology, finance and customer service. Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) With its membership of engineers, architects, designers, educators, students, contractors, distributors, utility personnel, manufacturers and scientists, the IESNA's mission is to advance knowledge and disseminate information for the improvement of lighting to the benefit of society. Independent Electrical Contractors Inc. (IEC) Through membership in IEC, open-shop electrical contractors can increase their chances for success in the electrical construction marketplace. Industry Data Exchange Association (IDEA) IDEA manages the Industry Data Warehouse (IDW) and the IDX2 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. Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE) The IEEE (Eye-triple-E) is a non-profit, technical professional association of more than 377,000 members in 150 countries. The IEEE is an authority in technical fields such as computer engineering, biomedical technology, telecommunications, electric power, aerospace and consumer electronics. International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) The primary concern of the IAEI is consumer safety. IAEI and its members are committed to improving design, installation, inspection and usage of energy. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) For more than 100 years, IBEW has supported and protected the rights of its unionized electrical contractors. Manufacturers' Agents National Association (MANA) This trade association for independent manufacturers' representatives puts emphasis on education. MANA's mission is to aid in the development and promotion of mutually profitable relationships, ethical standards of behavior for reps, their principals and joint customers. 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. National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO) The association provides many benefits to its ESCO members, including legislative representation, networking and business partnerships. National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) NAHB is a federation of state and local builders associations. Its mission is to enhance the climate for housing and the building industry, and to promote policies that will keep housing a national priority. 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. National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) NAW represents the wholesale distribution industry and is active in government relations and political action, research and education, and group purchasing. National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) NECA, founded in 1901, represents more than 70,000 electrical contracting firms. Dedicated to enhancing the industry through continuing education, labor relations, current information and promotional activities, it is an important voice in the electrical contracting industry. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NEMA provides a forum for the development of technical standards, and advocating industry policies on legislative and regulatory matters that might affect the industry. 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. National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA) NEDA is a not-for-profit association representing distributors of electronic components; computer and computer peripheral components; and test, measurement and control equipment. 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. North American Association of Utility Distributors (NAAUD) NAAUD members are independent distributors who specialize in supplying products and supply chain services to the electric utility industry. During power outages, the members work together to ship their products to the members in the affected area. Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) PTDA is a U.S.-based trade association representing power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distributor firms with locations throughout North America and almost 20 other countries, as well as manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry. 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. Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) STAFDA is an international trade association composed of distributors, manufacturers, and rep agents of light construction, industrial and related products. Your Emerging Talent (YET), part of NAED With education, training, advocacy, and networking serving as cornerstones, YET strives to prepare NAED members and affiliates for active participation, growth, and leadership. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization that has tested products for public safety for more than a century. LIGHTING If you are looking for a one-stop Web-based resource for information on the lighting industry, go no further. This site has a terrific selection of product information and sources for lighting products. Operated by interLight.com, one of the largest online lighting resources, this Web site offers design advice and other technical information for residential applications. Lighting Research Center www.lrc.rpi.edu GE Lighting's Virtual Design Center www.gelighting.com/na/virtualhouse/home.html Lightolier's Lessons In Lighting www.lightolier.com/edu/eduprograms.htm Don Klipstein's Lighting Info. Site http://misty.com/people/don/light.html DON'T-MISS WEB SITES When doing online electrical market research, you don't have time to mess around with search engines that dredge up hundreds of miss-hits and extraneous information. The Web sites that Electrical Wholesaling's editors find useful are listed below. Electrical Wholesaling www.ewweb.com Sales and Marketing Management magazine www.salesandmarketing.com Inc. magazine www.inc.com Industrial Distribution magazine's Web site www.manufacturing.net/ind Merrifield Consulting Group www.merrifield.com Hoover's Online www.hoovers.com HousingZone www.housingzone.com Small Business Association (SBA) www.sba.gov U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov/ftp/pub/const/www/index.html Fed Stats www.fedstats.gov Bizsites' State and Region Reviews www.bizsites.com Mike Holt Enterprises www.mikeholt.com Joe Tedesco's N.E.C. Violations www.joetedesco.com/nec/ Federal Reserve Banks www.ny.frb.org/links.html BUYING/MARKETING GROUPS Affiliated Distributors (A-D) IMARK Group Equity Electrical Associates/Electrical Distributors Network (EDN) UPA — The Integrity Group SOFTWARE VENDORS Aperum Daly.Commerce Dimasys, Inc. Integrated Systems Technology Intuit Eclipse Mincron Software Systems NxTrend Technology Inc. Prelude Systems Inc. Prophet 21 Inc. The Rubicon Group Limited SIRIUS Software, Inc. TECSYS Inc. TradePower Ustaad Systems Vormittag Associates, Inc. DATA MANAGEMENT i2 Technologies, Inc. Material Express Industry Data Exchange Association (IDEA) MARKET-PLANNING RESOURCES Rand McNally Commercial Atlas and Marketing Guide This book offers a ton of easy-to-find demographic information, as well as the maps of all Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the United States. It's usually available in a good business library. 2002 Survey of Buying Power Published by Sales and Marketing Management magazine, this is one of the bibles in the demographics field. It's packed with local market data, including five-year population growth forecasts. Look for it in the library or pay the $99 for a yearly subscription and online access to this resource. State and Metropolitan Area Data Book Published by the U.S. Census Department, this handy resource is packed with demographic information. Check www.census.gov/statab/www/smadb.html for more information. Departments of economic development Any state in the U.S. actively courting new businesses usually has a Web site with some basic economic information. Chambers of Commerce While some chambers of commerce offer little more than the phone numbers of the local Welcome Wagons, others may have the information you need. It's worth a shot, but don't get your hopes up. 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 of them may even offer this information online. Local newspapers Many newspapers do a real nice job of archiving business articles of interest to the local community. Sometimes there is a per-article fee to access a newspaper's database. Manufacturers Hopefully, your friendly suppliers are loaded with exactly the type of market data you need. Don't bet on it, but some electrical manufacturers invest a lot of time into researching end-user market potential. Customers Your salespeople's Rolodexes are probably the best reference sources for forecasting future sales. Good salespeople always keep an ear to the ground for leads on expansion plans or new bids. For sales-potential estimates, they should also know the number of employees a customer has, and then use the sales potential multipliers available each year in the November issue of Electrical Wholesaling. CONSULTANTS Randy Bliss, YHB Consulting Adam Fein, Pembroke Consulting Inc. Robert Footlik, Footlik & Associates Neil Gillespie and David Gordon, Channel MarketingGroup Ron Landisi and Vince Cassano, Landisi Electrical Consultants Bruce Merrifield, The Merrifield Consulting Group Bill McCleave, W.R. McCleave & Associates Michael Marks, Indian River Consulting Wayne Murphy, WTM Consulting Dick Noel, Electrical Management Personnel Inc. Tom O'Connor, Farmington Consulting John Schreibfeder, Effective Inventory Management George Spilka Scott Stratman, The Distribution Team Inc. Tim Underhill, Underhill and Associates Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus |
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