We’ve been in economic limbo for months, due, in part, to uncertainty overseas. Now at war, we hope its conclusion not only brings justice, but provides the jolt the U.S. economy needs.

Besides the personal emotional reaction to war, our industry is affected in imperceptible ways. Just this morning, the cost of crude oil rose $1.24 a barrel. More cost spikes are likely. The industry’s chemical manufacturers are facing the increasing costs of raw materials, and the threat of domestic terrorism has caused manufacturers to take new safety precautions, as well. See Newsworthy.


Business consolidation tends to be defined by mega corporations and blockbuster deals. Similarly, some of the recent setbacks of the more publicized mergers shouldn’t fool you into thinking consolidation is dead. This month’s cover story, “The Fate of Your Union” looks at the myriad grassroots mergers among the industry’s mid-size players, and more importantly, what these distributors are doing right.

Also, click for a look at 15 websites we think are raising the bar for jan/san distributors. From user-friendly interfaces to elaborate product catalogs, these are definitely “Websites Done Right.




POSTED ON: 4/1/2003