November 2026, Vol. 1
MANUFACTURING DATA REPORT
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in October for the 10th straight month, says the latest ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report.
The computer and electronic products sector, and the electrical equipment, appliances & components sector, both reported growth. Read the full report.
INDUSTRY NEWS
> Chip giant Nvidia’s (NVDA) stock extended its decline Tuesday, falling 6%, following CEO Jensen Huang’s admission to an affair with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy. Read more.
> Are you an overwhelmed manager with too many direct reports? Here are 3 things you can do to give yourself quick relief. Read more.
> Sannah Vinding, an industry podcaster, mechanical engineer and product marketing manager, has published a new book, “Visible or Invisible: How Industrial B2B Companies Win Buyers When AI Builds the Shortlist,” with the foreword written by Walter Tobin, former ERA CEO! Read the full press release or buy the book today.
INDUSTRY NEWS
The November 2026 ERA Electronic Components Industry Trend Survey is now live!
Check your email inbox.
ERA NEWS
>ERA has announced that geopolitical analyst Jacob Shapiro will deliver the opening General Session on Monday, Feb. 22, at the 2027 ERA Conference! In his presentation, “After the Bubble: AI, Robots and the Physical Economy of the Next Decade,” Shapiro will combine strategic forecasting and futurism to examine why AI is both a bubble and a transformative technology. He will highlight how AI and robotics are bound to global supply chains and physical infrastructure, while exploring how emerging technologies, shifting cultural identities and geopolitical competition will fundamentally reshape the electronics industry over the next ten years.
Read more. Register for the Conference. View sponsorship opportunities.
> The Fall 2026 issue of The Representor is officially live! Here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside:
- John Beaver shares hard-earned wisdom in our cover story, “They can’t eat you…or what I learned after 43 years as a manufacturers’ representative.”
- ERA CEO Edward Smith breaks down “The three-legged stool: Why ERA advocacy matters” in the Executive Commentary column
- XCOM Digest (Take the 10 discoveries challenge at electronica, education in action, ERA’s chapters are bringing the energy, and making meetings count)
Plus…Chapter News, News Beat and more! Happy reading!
> REMINDER: Get your applications in for the 2027 ERA Mark Motsinger White Pin Internship Program! This unique program helps ERA-member manufacturers’ rep firms hire college interns by subsidizing a substantial portion of the program cost. It’s truly a win-win: interns gain hands-on experience in the electronic component sales industry, and rep companies can train future hires with ERA’s backing. Apply as rep. Apply as intern. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2027.
CHAPTER EVENTS & NEWS
- Chicagoland-Wisconsin ERA – Waldom Event + Holiday Happy Hour & Toy Drive – Dec. 2
- Ohio ERA – TopGolf Holiday Toy Drive – Dec. 8
- Pacific Northwest ERA – Holiday Happy Hour & Toy Drive – Dec. 17
