> ERA Welcomes Susan Bannwart as its New Finance Director

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) announces that Susan Bannwart has joined its team as Finance Director, effective early April 2022.

Susan has been in the accounting profession for over 30 years. She obtained her CPA in 1994 and started her own practice in 2004. Susan enjoys building long-term relationships with her clients through offering advisory services, tax planning, cash flow projections, minimize tax liabilities and bookkeeping services.

In her role as Finance Director, Susan will be preparing the monthly financial statements, performing bank reconciliations, updating cash receipts and issuing checks.

Susan lives in Schaumburg, Ill. with her daughter and enjoys walking her dog, Gigi. She is past president of her local Illinois CPA Society chapter. She is also past treasurer of her local Rotary Club.

Susan takes over for Bill Warfield, who had been ERA’s Finance Director for many years. Bill is retiring effective April 2022 and hopes to enjoy travel and leisure time in his retirement.

“I’m thrilled to be part of ERA as the new director of finance,” said Susan. “I look forward to doing my part in operating the organization smoothly and continuing the exciting growth ERA has experienced in the past five years.”

ERA CEO Walter Tobin, said, “We are delighted to welcome Susan to our ERA family. Her passion for accounting and substantial experience as a CPA will be a tremendous asset to continuing our efficiency and growth as an organization.”

“We also thank Bill for his service to ERA for so many years. He has been an integral part in growing ERA to what it is today and we hope he enjoys retirement,” Tobin said.

Susan can be reached at susan@era.org.

> ERA Quick Connections – April 2022, Volume 1

MANUFACTURING DATA REPORTS

Manufacturing data reports from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) are released at the beginning of every month and can be accessed at ISM. The latest report says economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in March with the overall economy achieving an 22nd consecutive month of growth. The computer and electronic products sector, as well as the appliances and component sector, were among the 15 industries reporting growth in March.

INDUSTRY NEWS

> The ongoing rise in Omicron variant cases and subsequent lockdown measures in China continue to slow down major manufacturing and port hubs, adding to supply chain concerns in China, and thus globally. Read more.

> The global PC monitor market ended 2021 with a 5 percent year-over-year growth rate, reported the International Data Corporation. However, there are sure signs of the market cooling in the near future. Read more.

> The “Great Resignation” is a misnomer and should be renamed “The Great Aspiration,” argues a columnist for the Harvard Business Review. Read more.

ERA NEWS

> Are you a manufacturer who goes to market through distribution? ERA can help you find professional field sales representation anywhere in the world. Reserve your EDS 2022 Lines Available Bulletin listing today and let ERA help you make EDS 2022 your most productive show ever. Advertise in ERA’s 2022 EDS Lines Available Bulletin to showcase your company product line to all ERA member firms and member reps visiting the ERA Business and Hospitality Center (Booth #102) at EDS 2022.

> Join the next ERA Water Cooler discussion Tues., April 26 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. EDT to talk about Promoting and Expanding the Manufacturer’s Rep Model in Today’s Business Environment.” Guest panelists will be Cesare Giammarco, consultant, Cesare Giammarco Sales Management Consulting LLC; Dave Foster, director of sales at Ohmite Manufacturing; and Tom Wichert, executive vice president sales and marketing at TDK-Lambda Americas. Access log-in details here.

> ERA’s White Pin Internship program for Summer 2022 is a great opportunity for rep companies to attract, hire and retain rising college juniors and seniors and potentially move onto the hiring process after their graduation, with ERA subsidizing and supporting these internships along the way. Read more information or download an intern application or rep company application.

> ERA Mourns Staff Member Kathy Green

With profound sadness, ERA must announce the April 2 passing of Katherine (Kathy) Green, a 32-year member of the ERA staff family. She had just marked her 60th birthday.

Kathy’s decade-long, valiant battle with cancer was mostly unknown outside of her immediate family and circle of close friends. This was her preference, and she was still handling her ERA responsibilities as usual up until early March. Those responsibilities were many.

Her countless credits and accomplishments on behalf of ERA have reflected both her technological and artistic talents, including: the design, development, maintenance and updating of ERA’s website ever since its inception in 1995; the design, development and maintenance of websites for numerous ERA chapters and member firms; the development and maintenance of all ERA databases; the creation of all ERA conference logos, program brochures and other materials; and in recent years, the graphic designs of all covers of The Representor magazine. In addition to her work for ERA, Kathy was a mosaic artist, a musician (who played for years in a Chicago Irish band) and an entrepreneur who designed, manufactured and sold pet collars.

Most ERA members knew Kathy from her staff work at national conferences and at the ERA booth at EDS. However, most do not know that Kathy was the proud daughter of the late Raymond J. Hall, the association’s longest-serving CEO. Kathy has described how she “grew up” in ERA and has said she considered ERA members and staff her “second family.” Her most recent comments to that effect came during her acceptance of ERA’s 2022 Tess Hill Award. COVID-19 concerns kept Kathy from attending the Conference, so the presentation was made in advance by Karin Derkacz, the 2021 award recipient, and Tess Hill. A pre-recorded video of Kathy happily accepting the award was shown at the Conference.

Kathy was also inducted into the ERA White Pin group in 2016.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father and her brother, Raymond J. Hall, Jr. Her survivors include her husband Jeff, mother Anita (Annie) Roti, sister Tracey (Joel) Stewart, seven nieces and two nephews.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held in late May/early June. Memorial donations will be appreciated to the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolences can be addressed to: Jeff Green, 7120 N. Ashland Blvd., Chicago, IL 60626.

> ERA Mourns Steve Ross

Photo of Steve Ross.

With deep sadness, ERA must report the March 8 passing of Steve Ross, a long-time northern California rep firm owner and past national officer of this association. He was 79.

> ERA Mourns Hall of Fame Member W. David McCoy

David and his wife, Nona.

With great sadness, ERA must report the March 23 death of W. David (Dave) McCoy, a member of ERA’s prestigious Hall of Fame and the decades-long owner of Cartwright & Bean, Inc., of Duluth, Ga. He was 87.

Dave started as a salesperson at Cartwright & Bean in 1953 (at the age of 19) and eventually became the owner of the 70-year-old rep firm that he grew into one of the largest in the nation. Throughout his years in the rep business, he was an active volunteer in ERA, first with the Dixie Chapter and then on the national leadership level. Even before he was elected to ERA’s national executive committee, Dave earned the association’s Key Award and was inducted into the White Pin Group in 1986. He began his six-year tenure as an ERA national officer in 1989, was elected president in 1991 and completed his service as chairman of the board from 1993 to 1995. A year later, he was inducted into ERA’s Hall of Fame at the 1996 ERA National Conference on Monterey, Calif.

Beyond his volunteer work for ERA, Dave held many executive positions with his church in Dunwoody, Ga., and was a founding father of Dunwoody Senior Baseball where thousands of young people have spent their summers.

Dave’s survivors include Nona, his wife of 68 years, daughter Sherri McCoy Householder, son Jim, son Jeff and his wife Sharon.

A memorial service will be held on April 11 at Kingswood Church, 4896 N. Peachtree Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338. In lieu of flowers, donations to the church will be appreciated.

> ERA Announces the Re-Introduction of the ERA White Pin Intern Program

March 18, 2022
Source: Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is pleased to announce the re-introduction of the ERA White Pin Intern Program. This program had been announced in February 2020 and then put on hold due to the challenges of the past two years.

The ERA White Pin Group has recognized the need of the rep community to help attract, hire and retain college graduates into the rep model to keep the electronics industry fresh and relevant.

This intern program is designed to offer rising college juniors or seniors an opportunity to work for a manufacturers’ representative firm over the summer months to gain a better understanding and hands-on experience of the electronic components industry.

Kingsland Coombs, senior vice president at large for the ERA Executive Committee and president of Control Sales, Inc., said: “The White Pin Group is thrilled to announce this great program for both our industry and for ERA rep members. We have been working hard to expose our best and brightest students to the electronics industry and give them the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. The White Pin Intern Program will hopefully help ERA rep members to continue to attract the next generation of leaders.”

Ellen Coan, senior vice president of education for the ERA Executive Committee and vice president of operations for CC Electro Group, added, “ERA’s White Pin leadership in driving this program to fulfillment has been most impressive. I am delighted to incorporate this important initiative under the ERA Education umbrella to show the support of the White Pin organization by ERA, as it will help both ERA members and our industry continue to grow and thrive.”

For more information about the White Pin Intern Program including training guidelines and resources, and to apply, visit White Pin Internship.

About ERA White Pin Group
The ERA White Pin Group is made up of past and present volunteer leaders who have served ERA at the national level. The main focus for this group is the support of expanded volunteerism and continuing education for ERA members.

About ERA
The 87-year-old Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is the international trade organization for professional field sales companies in the global electronics industries, manufacturers who go to market through representative firms and global distributors. It is the mission of ERA to support the professional field sales function through programs and activities that educate, inform and advocate for manufacturers’ representatives, the principals they represent and the distributors who are reps’ partners in local territories. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

> ERA Welcomes 10 New Members into ERA White Pin Group

March 16, 2022
Source: Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is is pleased to welcome 10 new members into the White Pin Group. The ERA White Pin Group was formed in 1960 and consists of manufacturer’s reps who have held volunteer leadership positions at the national level of ERA for at least two years and have given extraordinary amounts of time and talent to ERA.

The following individuals were inducted into the White Pin Group at the 2022 ERA Conference held recently in Austin, Texas:

Adam Anderson – Norris & Associates
Aparna Sproelich – Aurora Group
Bill Warfield – ERA National (honorary)
Byron Holloway – Fralia Co. and Associates
Christine Bell – JF Kilfoil Co.
Dave Wilkes – Westmark Electronics
Jennifer Eby – MaRCTech2
John Latimer – Luscombe Engineering of SFO
Lori Bruno – Luscombe Engineering of SFO
Steve Tennessen – Astron Electronics

Mark Motsinger, executive director of the White Pin Group, stated: “I am so proud to welcome these individuals into White Pin. They have given so much of their precious time and energy to ERA and to other industry initiatives. Their commitment to our industry and to the betterment of the manufacturer’s rep model is most appreciated and can serve as a model for all of to both follow and applaud. Congratulations to all of our new inductees!”

About ERA

The 87-year-old Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is the international trade organization for professional field sales companies in the global electronics industries, manufacturers who go to market through representative firms and global distributors. It is the mission of ERA to support the professional field sales function through programs and activities that educate, inform and advocate for manufacturers’ representatives, the principals they represent and the distributors who are reps’ partners in local territories. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

> ERA Makes Charitable Donation to Wonders & Worries in the Name of 2022 Annual Conference Speakers and Program Participants

March 11, 2022
Source: Electronics Representatives Association

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) announced that it has made a charitable donation to Wonders and Worries in the name of 2022 ERA Virtual Conference speakers and program participants.

Similar to past years, instead of presenting each speaker, moderator and panelist with a small gift of appreciation, ERA has chosen to express its deepest gratitude to conference program participants in the form of a charitable donation to Wonders & Worries.

Wonders & Worries provides free professional support for children and teenagers during a parent’s serious illness. Since 2001, Wonders & Worries has provided the building blocks for families to succeed while dealing with a serious illness. 

“ERA is once again delighted to recognize Wonders & Worries of Austin,” said ERA CEO Walter Tobin. “It is a wonderful organization that supports children, teenagers and caregivers of seriously ill or deceased parents, providing counseling, group sessions, bereavement support, caregiver support, podcasts, events and more. We are delighted to champion this cause.”

Alex Gabbi, former general manager for Arrow Electronics, is the executive director of Wonders & Worries and has been a multi-year speaker at the ERA Conference. He is a devoted father to his three wonderful children Nico, Maya and Luca. After his wife died of cancer, he gave up a successful career in business to focus on making a difference for others in the community in as many ways as possible. This included teaching at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin and supporting Wonders & Worries. His career encompasses more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership positions with small and Fortune 500 companies in the high-tech, consulting, international business and software arenas. Alex is an avid traveler and enjoys games of strategy. He intends for his children to visit 40 countries and 40 states before they graduate high school.

“Wonders & Worries is so grateful for the ERA Conference Donation,” Gabbi said. “We are only able to provide our services to families in need because of the generosity of our donors and community. Because of this gift, Wonders & Worries can continue to ensure children and teens are fully equipped to cope with what can be some of their most difficult years.”

About ERA

The 87-year-old Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is the international trade organization for professional field sales companies in the global electronics industries, manufacturers who go to market through representative firms and global distributors. It is the mission of ERA to support the professional field sales function through programs and activities that educate, inform and advocate for manufacturers’ representatives, the principals they represent and the distributors who are reps’ partners in local territories. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

> ERA Awards 2021 Jess Spoonts White Pin Award and Scholarship to Mark Motsinger, CPMR

March 11, 2022
Source: Electronic Representatives Association

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) White Pin Group has announced that Mark Motsinger, CPMR, President, Wallace Electronic Sales, is the 2021 recipient of the Jess Spoonts – ERA White Pin Scholarship Award. Motsinger will receive a $1,000 grant that can be used to fund his continuing education as a professional field sales representative.

To qualify for this award, nominees must be from an ERA member rep firm; must have been involved in ERA activities and leadership roles on the local and/or national levels for a minimum of two years; and must be willing to devote significant volunteer time to ERA in the foreseeable future.

Motsinger received the award at the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas on March 1, 2022. Upon receiving the award, Motsinger said, “I was so honored to receive this award. I admired Jess Spoonts and he was a great mentor and friend to me. To receive this award has special meaning for me because of this great personal relationship – it brings back great memories.”

The ERA White Pin Group was formed in 1960 and comprises member reps who have held volunteer leadership positions at the national level of ERA for at least two years and have given extraordinary amounts of time and talent to ERA. The group established the Jess Spoonts – ERA White Pin Scholarship in 2006 to honor its long-time coordinator, the late E. Jess Spoonts of Dallas, Texas. Spoonts, a half-century veteran of the electronics industry, was a past president and chairman of ERA, a mentor to countless reps and other business associates, and one of only 23 members of the association’s Hall of Fame. He passed away in 2008.

About ERA

The 87-year-old Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is the international trade organization for professional field sales companies in the global electronics industries, manufacturers who go to market through representative firms and global distributors. It is the mission of ERA to support the professional field sales function through programs and activities that educate, inform and advocate for manufacturers’ representatives, the principals they represent and the distributors who are reps’ partners in local territories. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

> Tom Griffin, CPMR, Named 2022 Recipient of Ray Hall Spirit of ERA Award

March 10, 2022
Source: Electronics Representative Association

Tom Griffin, CPMR, Named 2022 Recipient of Ray Hall Spirit of ERA Award

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) has announced that Tom Griffin, CPMR, President, Catalyst Unity Solutions, is the 15th recipient of the Ray Hall Spirit of ERA Award.

ERA Chairman of the Board Chuck Tanzola and ERA

 President John O’Brien presented Tom Griffin, CPMR, with the 2022 Ray Hall Spirit of ERA Award at the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas.

The Ray Hall Spirit of ERA Award was established in 2004 to honor th

e late Ray Hall, who served as CEO of ERA for almost 40 years. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of ERA through their commitment to serving and advancing the professional field sales (manufacturers’ representative) function.

“I am happy to present Tom with the Ray Hall Spirit of ERA Award,” said O’Brien. “ERA wants to recognize the many years of unselfish commitment Tom has given to advancing the field of electronic sales representatives.”

Upon receiving the award, Griffin said, “I am humbled and grateful for this award from my peers. I am also grateful for the many volunteers who are doing as much as me and much, much more.”

The Ray Hall Spirit of ERA Award was presented at the association’s Annual Conference on March 1, 2022, at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin, Texas. 

Previous recipients of the award, who served as judges of this year’s entries, are:

John O’Brien, Coakley, Boyd and Abbett (2020);
David Norris, Norris & Associates Inc., Hingham, Mass., (2018);
Chuck Tanzola, CPMR, Fusion Sourcing Group, Edison, N.J. (2017);
Dan Parks, CPMR, West Electronic Solutions, Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif. (2016);
Bob Evans, CPMR, EK Micro, Rolling Meadows, Ill. (2014);
Bob Walsh, CPMR, Coakley, Boyd and Abbett, Inc., Framingham, Mass. (2013);
Bill Herold, CPMR, Conquest Technical Sales, Thousand Oaks, Cal. (2012);
Carol Cohen, CC Electro Sales, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind. (2011);
Kathie Cahill, CPMR, of Net Sales Company, Victor, N.Y. (2009);
Paul Nielsen, CPMR, of Brainard-Nielsen Marketing, Elk Grove Village, Ill. (2008);
Bruce Scoggin, CPMR, of Electro-Rep Associates, Charlotte, N.C. (2007);
Mark Conley of O’Donnell Associates North, San Jose, Cal. (2006); and
Mark Motsinger, CPMR, of Wallace Electronic Sales, Kernersville, N.C. (2005).

About ERA

The 87-year-old Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is the international trade organization for professional field sales companies in the global electronics industries, manufacturers who go to market through representative firms and global distributors. It is the mission of ERA to support the professional field sales function through programs and activities that educate, inform and advocate for manufacturers’ representatives, the principals they represent and the distributors who are reps’ partners in local territories. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

> ERA Quick Connections – March 2022, Vol. 1

MONTHLY DATA REPORTS

Manufacturing data reports from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) are released at the beginning of every month and can be accessed at ISM. The latest report says economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in February with the overall economy achieving an 21st consecutive month of growth. The computer and electronic products sector, as well as the appliances and component sector, were among the 16 industries reporting growth in February.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Samsung is suspending shipments of all of its products to Russia, the company announced last week. This move cuts off Russia from a huge range of products, including chips, smartphones and consumer electronics, from one of the largest electronics vendors in the world. Read more.

Semiconductor industry capital spending is forecasted to jump 24 percent this year, reported EPS News, after climbing 36 percent in 2021. Read more.

The ongoing chip shortage is forcing Ford Motor Co. to scale back on production of its SUV and pick-up trucks at two U.S. plants, the company said recently. Read more.

ERA NEWS

Register for the 2022 EDS Leadership Summit today! The EDS Summit, co-hosted by ERA and ECIA, is the one event that puts you in front of the right people and connects you with the hottest products and trends in the electronics industry. Whether it’s as an exhibitor, in the conference center, or during on-on-one suite meetings, EDS puts you at the forefront of global electronics. Join us May 10–13 at The Mirage, Las Vegas. Visit edssummit.com for more information and details on registration.

Did you attend the ERA Conference in Austin are now looking for all of the great presentation documents that accompanied the breakout sessions and general session speakers? Those files can be found in the Conference app. In the app, click on Schedule, then click on the specific session you’re interested in. Scroll down to find the presentation documents. Enjoy!

 Join the next ERA Water Cooler discussion Tues., March 15 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. EST to explore the topic“Effective Time Management Skills for Busy People” with Steve Turner, founder and CEO, Turner Time Management, and past ERA Conference speaker. Access log-in details.

Reserve your ad space now for the Spring 2022 Issue of The Representor! This issue will feature a special EDS Summit ad section. See discounted rates for the EDS section. Feature your ad in front of 3,500 electronics industry professionals!

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Click here to browse the searchable ERA Industry Calendar and ERA Chapter Events listings!

> ERA Honors Katherine Green of ERA with the 2022 Tess Hill Award

March 8, 2022
Source: Electronics Representative Association

At the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas, ERA staff member Katherine Green was presented the 5th annual Tess Hill Award.

During her more than three decades at ERA, Green has held various roles including webmaster, web content manager, web designer, graphic designer and database manager. In her spare time, she is a ceramic artist who creates kitchen backsplash installations and custom tabletops, and runs a business designing and selling pet accessories. She was also a longtime member of a Chicago Irish band.

The award was created in 2017 to honor Tess Hill, a long-time ERA staff member. It recognizes individuals for their longevity of service to ERA, for inspiring volunteerism in its highest form and for their dedication to ERA’s educational mission.

Tess Hill, who presented the award to Green, said: “We are honored and just plain thrilled to be presenting this award to our dear friend. Kathy is ERA’s true Renaissance woman – techie, artist, musician and much more.”Hill continued: “From the launching of its first website in 1995, ERA has had only webmaster: our Kathy. From the site’s original creation, she has expertly overseen the design, management and content updating of that site, while always seeking new ways it can be more helpful to members in the entire electronics industry. She has in effect been responsible for how ERA looks to the massive online world.” 

Upon accepting the award, Green said: “I am so grateful to be accepting this award, and I’m grateful to my father Ray Hall who was the ERA CEO for more than 40 years; because of him I grew up in ERA. ERA has always been my second family.

She continued: “It is so wonderful to see the new ways that ERA has come to serve its membership, especially in the past seven years with our new staff and our dynamic Walter Tobin. We have come full circle and we’re a presence in the industry.”

ERA CEO Walter E. Tobin added, “ERA is delighted to recognize Kathy with this award. To receive this prestigious award, the individual needs to possess and portray a ‘can do’ attitude while winning others over to support whatever challenges or programs are presented to him or her. Kathy has been working with ERA for her entire professional career leading us into new areas of Web innovations and social media placement. In addition, she has been a lifelong friend of Tess who has seen her grow and shine. I am so pleased to recognize Kathy with this award.”

About ERA

The 87-year-old Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is the international trade organization for professional field sales companies in the global electronics industries, manufacturers who go to market through representative firms and global distributors. It is the mission of ERA to support the professional field sales function through programs and activities that educate, inform and advocate for manufacturers’ representatives, the principals they represent and the distributors who are reps’ partners in local territories. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

> Ken Bellero Receives Third Annual Tobin Bridge Award

March 4, 2022
Source: Electronics Representative Association

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) announced that Ken Bellero, President, Schaffner EMC, Inc., was the recipient of the third annual Tobin Bridge Award. The award was presented by ERA President John O’Brien and ERA Chairman of the Board Chuck Tanzola on March 1, during the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas.

The Tobin Bridge Award is presented annually to an individual who reaches across to “bridge” the various constituent components of the electronics industry — reps, manufacturers and distributors — while advancing the rep function.

Upon accepting the award, Bellero said: “I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition from the ERA and all my colleagues in the electronics industry. This award is very special to me because Walter Tobin’s inspiration as a leader has been instrumental in providing me with the motivation to be an active part of this valuable and worthwhile organization of representatives, manufacturers and distributors. I plan to do my best to continue bridging and building the relationships between us all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

About ERA

The 87-year-old Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is the international trade organization for professional field sales companies in the global electronics industries, manufacturers who go to market through representative firms and global distributors. It is the mission of ERA to support the professional field sales function through programs and activities that educate, inform and advocate for manufacturers’ representatives, the principals they represent and the distributors who are reps’ partners in local territories. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.