July 2026, Vol. 2

The electronic components POS Index has entered a clearly stronger growth phase in 2026. Through May, the index is averaging approximately 1.36, about 9 percent above the same period in 2025, and every month has exceeded its year-ago level. March reached a new chart high near 1.45, while April and May eased modestly but remained elevated at approximately 1.39 and 1.34. Overall, the chart indicates sustained channel sales momentum rather than a single-month spike, with activity also running well above the 2023–2024 baseline.

See the full chart and report.

INDUSTRY NEWS

> Intel announced last week a €5 billion ($5.7 billion USD) capital investment at its Leixlip, Ireland campus, marking the next phase in the site’s capacity expansion. Read more.

> Hughes-Peters announced it has promoted Jake Metzger to Vice President of Sales. Read more.

> How to keep your workplace skillset valuable as technology keeps rapidly shifting? Here are some ideas.

ERA NEWS

> Announcing the first three sessions of this year’s STEP! They are: Modern Sales Tools & Technology, presented by Rob Brunson; The 9 Habits of Extreme Productivity, presented by Dr. Charlene DeCesare; and Understanding the Electronics Industry: Past, Present & Future, presented by Walter Tobin.

Remember: All sessions are recorded and are available on-demand to attendees 24/7 after the event. ERA members, enjoy a $100 registration discount!

View program overview and register today.

> ERA is excited to announce that the theme for the 2027 ERA Conference will be, “Adapt Today, Win Tomorrow: Igniting Our Future.”

The Conference Committee selected a theme that is a call to immediate action, urging our members to embrace the emerging tools, digital transformations and market realities so we are in a great position to handle future challenges.

“In a market defined by rapid technological evolution, complacency is the greatest risk,” said Julie Carr, Vice President, MacInnis Group, and 2027 ERA Conference Chair. “This theme is critical because it reminds us that tomorrow’s victories are dependent on today’s agility. The companies that are willing to pivot their strategies, upskill their workforces and diversify their partnerships today are the ones that will dominate the market landscape tomorrow.”

Conference registration and sponsorships will open mid-August! Read the full press release.

> The ERA Bulletin Board is a place where members can post and view available job positions, potential job candidates and agency sales/mergers opportunities!

Postings can be anonymous if you prefer. To post to the bulletin board, e-mail your listing to Karin Derkacz at kderkacz@era.org.

INDUSTRY TRENDS SURVEY

The July 2026 ERA Electronic Components Industry Trend Survey is now closed.

Check your email inbox.

VIEW SURVEY RESULTS FROM 2024-2026

CHAPTER EVENTS & NEWS

• Ohio ERA — Break for Baseball — Wed., Aug. 5
• IN-KY ERA — Golf Event — Thurs., Aug. 13
• Chicagoland-Wisconsin ERA — Golf Event — Thurs., Aug. 13
• Pacific-Northwest ERA — Golf Tournament – Fri., Aug. 21
• Southern California ERA — Annual Golf Tournament — Mon., Aug. 31
• Ohio ERA — 2nd Annual Golf Event — Thurs., Sept. 10
• Arizona ERA — 5th Annual Golf Event — Thurs., Sept. 30
• Carolinas ERA — Golf Event — Thurs., Oct. 8