Monks & Members; Quill Pens, Presses & Industrial Revolutions
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By Greg DuRoss, NAGASA President
I doubt the monks of ages past, with their quill pens and inkwells, initially saw Mr. Gutenberg and his printing press as
a threat. I am concerned that many companies in our industry today are either in the same mindset as the monks when it
comes to the challenges posed by technology, or they are like deer frozen in the headlights of an oncoming car. Neither
scenario is particularly appealing.
Since joining the NAGASA staff, I have listened to Dr. Barry Lawrence as he spoke about Distribution and the Second Industrial Revolution, Ralph Nappi as he presented the results of the Facing The Forces Of Change study, and Robert Nadeau as he spoke about Addressing The Barriers That Inhibit Success and the positive impact that it can have on the bottom line for companies that take action. All three of these presentations were designed to help members come to grips with the dramatic changes underway in the distribution channel and our industry. Of late I have been comparing the impact of these changes to the impact of the invention of the printing press. You can quibble with me about the relative accuracy of that statement but not the reality that big changes have already begun. It is not too late for owners and senior management to Listen, Learn & Lead - the theme of NAGASA's annual Forum meeting. You owe it to your companies, your employees and yourselves.
NAGASA also needs to change and that is what I have been focused upon during my two years as President. The Board of Directors of NAGASA has agreed that the Association needs to increase its emphasis on meeting the needs of the small and medium size companies using the distribution channel. This is not to say that large companies are not welcome in NAGASA, but rather, it is recognition that, for the most part, large companies have the resources to take care of their own needs.
NAGASA is not a big association. Member needs & resources determine our programs and services. But our dues are reasonable and commensurate with the services we are able to provide.
I encourage you to give some thought to joining NAGASA. It can be an affordable yet useful resource as you deal with change in your company. If you are a past member, it's time to check us out again. Pick up the telephone and call me at 202.328.8441 or send an email to information@nagasa.org.
