> ERA Announces 2023 ERA Conference Day Two General Session Speakers

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is pleased to announce that Cheryl Cran and Michael Knight will be the general session speakers on the second day of the 2023 ERA Conference, which will be held Feb. 26-28, 2023, at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin, Texas.

Cheryl Cran

 

Cheryl Cran, founder of NextMapping™ and NextMapping.com and author of her newest book Super.Crucial.Human, will present the morning session on Tuesday, February 28. In her presentation, entitled “The Future of Leadership (Hint: It’s Human!),” Cran will share research on why it’s a workers’ market until at least 2030 and what that means for companies now and in the future. She will present research about into the “future of all things” including worker mindsets, social trends and technology innovation; a model on how to recognize where you and your team are in regards to the “change cycle;” the “me-to-we” mindset model and why it’s crucial to connect human-to-human and to lead change; ideas and insight into how to attract and retain today’s workers; and strategies on how to navigate and create the future based on patterns and new behaviors.

“The ERA general sessions planning committee is proud to announce this energetic and entertaining general sessions speaker, Cheryl Cran,” said Joe Braun, CPMR, partner at EK Micro, and General Session Committee co-chair. “Cheryl is an award-winning speaker and expert in leadership, culture change, the future of work and being effective and efficient at adapting as a leader. We look forward to Cheryl sharing her expertise and insight, and providing us all with some actionable takeaways.”

Cran has authored 10 books and was rated #1 Future of Work influencer by Onalytic. Read more about her career and expertise.

Michael Knight

 

Michael Knight, returning to present for the sixth time at the ERA conference, will present the closing afternoon session on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

The perennial attendee favorite will present “Technology Drivers for 2023 and Beyond,” where he will share his insights on the 20 technologies driving the 2020s and how the supply chain, political and economic environment will influence these technologies, as well as be influenced by them.

Knight was named president and chief executive officer of Endries International in November 2022 and before that held various leadership positions at TTI, Inc., for 18 years.

“We are honored to welcome Michael Knight back to the stage to share his incomparable industry insights,” said Amy Rooney, director, global accounts at RFMW Ltd., and General Session Committee co-chair. “Michael’s diverse industry experience, endless curiosity and growth mindset uniquely position him to identify and comprehend industry trends and articulate those trends in a way that is digestible to a wide audience. We look forward to hearing Michael’s thoughts on the current market and projections for big ideas moving forward!”

The 2023 ERA Conference is an educational and networking event that offers the only opportunity for electronics industry reps, manufacturers and distributors to learn together from many experts in an environment dedicated to sharing proven best practices in field sales and marketing. Complete with keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking events, this do-not-miss event offers a collaborative and energetic environment where all attendees can learn, connect and grow.

Read more information about the Conference and register.

> ERA Quick Connections – December, Vol. 1

> ERA Announces Day One General Session Speakers for 2023 Conference

The general session speakers for the first day of the 2023 ERA Conference have been announced!

• Back by popular demand for the third year in a row, attendee favorite Bernard Baumohl, chief economist for The Economic Outlook Group, will present “Navigating Through Economic Uncertainty” on Monday morning, Feb. 27.
• Chris McChesney, author of the best-selling book “The 4 Disciplines of Execution,” will present the Monday afternoon general session. McChesney’s presentation will dive into the universal challenges for leaders of organizations who are trying to execute strategy amidst numerous competing priorities and distractions.

For more information about these exciting speakers and their presentations, read the full press release.

Enjoy a snippet from Chris McChesney below where he shares his excitement to help attendees “move on and move beyond” at the Conference!

> Meridith Elliott Powell Selected as Keynote Speaker at 2023 ERA Conference

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is pleased to announce that Meridith Elliott Powell, award-winning author, speaker and business strategist, will be the keynote speaker at the 2023 ERA Conference, which will take place Feb. 26-28 at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin, Texas.

Powell will open the 2023 Conference program on Monday morning, Feb. 27, with her presentation “THRIVE: Turn Uncertainty into your Competitive Advantage.”

With a background in corporate sales and leadership, Powell’s career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare and finance. She has worked her way up from an entry-level position to earn her seat at the C-Suite table. She is a Certified Speaking Professional – a designation held by less than 12 percent of professional speakers – a member of the prestigious Forbes Coaching Council and was recently inducted into the National Speaker Association’s Hall of Fame. Powell was voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to watch by Currency Fair.

Powell’s keynote presentation will motivate your organization to make a plan to take these unprecedented times and an ever-changing, uncertain business landscape and turn them into an opportunity to thrive and grow. She will share the code, secret and exact ingredients for the plan you need to put yourself in the driver’s seat and in control in the face of uncertainty.

Conference Keynote Sub-Committee co-chairs Jeff May, President, Logix Sales and Marketing, and Tom Wichert, Executive VP Sales and Marketing for TDK Lambda-Americas, commented on the selection of Powell to present as keynote speaker.

“In step with this year’s conference theme of ‘Moving On, Moving Beyond,’ Meridith’s visionary message will provide valuable strategic insight to guide our electronics industry into the future,” said May.

“Meridith will present a plan to help us thrive through uncertainty and transform our challenges into a competitive advantage,” said Wichert. “She is a sales strategist, leadership expert, consultant and award-winning author and we’re thrilled to have her share her knowledge with Conference attendees.”

ERA thanks the entire 2023 ERA Conference Keynote subcommittee for their time and dedication in reviewing keynote candidates and making a selection.

For more information about the Conference and to register, visit: https://era.org/era-events/era-conference/.

> ERA Quick Connections – Nov. 2022, Vol. 1

November 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 October, with the overall economy achieving a 29^th consecutive month of growth.

ISM reports that the U.S. manufacturing sector continues to expand, but at the lowest rate since the pandemic recovery began.

The electrical equipment, appliances and components sector reported growth in October compared to September. The computer and electronic products sector reported contraction in October compared to September. Read the full report.

INDUSTRY NEWS

> Is or isn’t the U.S. in a recession? Is an economic recession the alarm bell it once was? Read some thoughts from Michael Knight of TTI.

> Apple Co.’s hope for record sales in the 4^th quarter will be diminished by COVID outbreaks and subsequent restrictions in assembly facilities in Zhengzhou, China. Read more.

> Why some of your salespeople are dragging – and how to fix it, from the Harvard Business Review. Read more.

> Is your company effective in communicating with and engaging customers via digital marketing and media? Utilize this technology to your advantage. Read more.

ERA NEWS

> ERA is proud to announce the 2022 Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) graduates! Over a three-day period, COLT attendees learned best practices for planning various programs for their local chapters, and exchanged ideas and connected with other chapter leaders. “Learning from the collective experiences of other chapters is priceless,” said Cameron English, CPMR, dean of COLT. Read the full press release.

> The Fall issue of The Representor is live! In this issue you won’t want to miss the cover story on leadership skills by Sannah Vinding; the Executive Commentary column by Walter Tobin; the Someone You Should Know Q&A featuring Brooks Mattice, CPMR; the Legally Speaking column; new members, chapter news and more! Read the full digital issue.

> Be sure to reserve your hotel reservations and register for the 2023 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas, from Feb. 26-28. ERA’s hotel room block is selling out quickly!

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

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

> The Fall issue of The Representor is now live!

The Fall issue of The Representor is out and you won’t want to miss it!

In this issue, you won’t want to miss:

• In the cover story, Sannah Vinding writes about how developing leadership skills is the investment companies can make that produces infinite ROI.
• Walter Tobin, CEO of ERA, writes “We’ve got this!” in the Executive Commentary column.
• The Someone You Should Know Q&A features Brooks Mattice, CPMR, of The Mel Foster Group.
• The Rising Stars Q&A features Wyatt Gifford from English Technical Sales.
• Adam Glazer, ERA legal counsel, outlines a fascinating industry trial in the article “Jury delivers complete victory for sales rep.”

Plus, XCOM committee columns, chapter news, new member listings and more!

View the digital flipbook.

View the interactive PDF.

Subscribe and get the print version.

> ERA Quick Connections – October 2022, Vol. 2

October 2022, Volume 2

Showcase your company in front of 3,500 industry members! Find out more.

MONTHLY POS REPORTS

August of 2022 shows yet another extremely strong month in POS activity; it’s a full 25 percent ahead of the same month last year. This year is showing absolutely no sign of a slowdown as we are two-thirds of the way into 2022.

The last four months show an increase of more than nine percent when being compared to the first four months of the year. Continued growth has been evident and actually record-setting over the past several months. The question remains: when will this trend begin to slow down?

Our opinion is that POS will continue to be strong for the balance of 2022. Manufacturers are continuing to add inventory in anticipation of a future downturn but at this time there is no evidence of a slowing of POS activity. Over 85 percent of the companies that we are using to create our POS Index are up for the year, many of them substantially.

INDUSTRY NEWS

> How to store electronic components: it may sound basic, but avoiding failure is crucial to a smooth operation. Learn about storage guidelines, climate control and how automation can help. Read more.

> Are semiconductors finally becoming easier to find? Read more.

> EE Times asked two design engineers how the recently passed CHIPS Act will affect their work and the industry. Read what they said.

ERA NEWS

> There’s still time to register for Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) on Nov. 2-4! COLT Training gives chapter leaders valuable tools and ideas to take their local ERA chapter to the next level of activity and excitement. This training is done in a virtual, live format and is free for ERA members. It is also a great way to meet other chapter leaders. Sign up today! The deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 31.

> ERA is proud to be counted among the many exhibitors that will attend electronica 2022, the premier international electronics industry trade show and conference that will bring together companies from more than 50 countries from Nov. 15-18 in Munich. ERA’s booth will be located at Hall B4, stand 178 – please stop by, say hello, charge your electronics and use our wi-fi! Read more.

> ERA offers digital advertising opportunities both in this Quick Connections e-newsletter and on its homepage, era.org. Showcase your company in front of thousands of electronics industry readers! Read more about digital ad opportunities with ERA.

> Be sure to reserve your hotel reservations and register for the 2023 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas, from Feb. 26-28. ERA’s hotel room block is selling out quickly!

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

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

> Register Your Spot for FREE – ERA Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT)

To All ERA Members:

ERA is excited to announce that the Chapter Officers Leadership Training (COLT) program will return virtually this fall — Nov. 2-4, 2022. All ERA chapters leaders, and potential leaders, are encouraged to participate in this dynamic instructional program focused on chapter management and planning tactics.

This is a great way to get to know other chapter leaders. Be sure to register now and grab your spot! There is no fee to attend.

Registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 31.  

REGISTER NOW

Please note: Chapter leaders who complete COLT this year will receive one complimentary attendee registration for the 2023 ERA Conference, scheduled for Feb. 26-28 in Austin, Texas.

This benefit is non-transferrable and only (1) complimentary registration allotted per chapter.)

What is COLT?

COLT is a comprehensive educational program designed to help meet the challenges of serving as an ERA chapter leader. During this virtual training, attendees can expect to gain creative ideas and practical knowledge, such as member recruitment, hosting events, using the tools available on the ERA website and organizing educational sessions, all to help chapter leaders elevate chapter activities and networking opportunities.

If you are already in an active chapter leadership role or are interested in pursuing one, talk to your board about attending this valuable training program where you can learn from other chapter leaders.

COLT is coordinated by Cameron English, CPMR, President of English Technical Sales and Chair of the ERA Chapter Leadership Council; Erin Collins, ERA Events Director; and Walter Tobin, ERA CEO.

For more information, visit the ERA COLT 2022 Information page.

Questions? Contact Erin Collins at ecollins@era.org.

> New ERA Podcast: Cost-Effect Sales Coverage that is Hiding in Plain Sight

> ERA Quick Connections – October 2022, Vol. 1

> ERA Quick Connections – Sept. 2022, Vol. 2

September 2022, Volume 2

Showcase your company in front of 3,500 industry members! Find out more.

MONTHLY POS REPORTS

Budde Marketing, which provides monthly POS Index reports to ERA members, issued its latest summary, running from January 2020 through July 2022. The index now includes more than 125 manufacturers. View the latest index.

July 2022 dipped a little bit from a very strong June; the month of July still registered 15 percent above July 2021 and way ahead of the POS Index of January 2020. Although we are predicting a slower trend for the balance of the year, we expect POS to still be strong for all of 2022. We are seeing companies continuing to be adding inventory in anticipation of a future downturn. We continue to believe that the industry will in all probability slow down slightly throughout the balance of 2022.

For details on Budde Marketing’s services, visit BuddeMarketing.com.

INDUSTRY NEWS

> The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Google will work together to develop and produce chips that researchers at universities, as well as engineers at start-ups, will be able to use without restriction or licensing fees. Read more.

> From The Sales Blog, be sure your firm is not committing one of the “Common Sales Mistakes in 2022.” Read more.

> Certain global factors are still affecting the supply chain of electronics components, yet this article aims to give three strategies to help mitigate these circumstances. Read more.

ERA NEWS

> ERA Virtual Sales Training is now two weeks away. There is still time to register! View the training sessions and speakers offered to registrants for a low registration fee. Sharpen your sales skills with us Oct. 4-6!

> ERA is proud to be counted among the many exhibitors that will attend electronica 2022, the premier international electronics industry trade show and conference that will bring together companies from more than 50 countries from Nov. 15-18 in Munich. ERA’s booth will be located at Hall B4, stand 178 – please stop by, say hello, charge your electronics and use our wi-fi! Read more.

> ERA mourns Gene Straube, a long-time ERA member and White Pin member, and founder of Straube & Associates. Read more about Gene’s life and career.

> Registration is now open for attendees and sponsorships for the 2023 ERA Conference – Moving On, Moving Beyond. The annual do-not-miss event brings together manufacturers’ representatives, distributors and manufacturers in a collaborative, energetic and educational environment.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

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

> ERA Will Attend electronica 2022 in Munich

ERA’s booth will be located at Hall B4, stand 178, on Nov. 15-18. Photo courtesy of electronica.

ERA is proud to be counted among the many exhibitors that will attend electronica 2022, the premier international electronics industry tradeshow and conference that will bring together companies from more than 50 countries. This year’s electronica, with the theme of “Driving sustainable progress” will take place November 15-18 in Munich.

The massive tradeshow will boast 18 exhibit halls, with exhibitors ranging from start-ups to global corporations, as well as various conferences and forums, and will cover the entire electronics spectrum from components to systems, applications and services.

“This is the first time that electronica has taken place since 2018 so there is definitely a buzz and excitement surrounding this year’s show,” said Walter Tobin, CEO of ERA. “It is always an eye opener to see the thousands of manufacturers, distributors, reps and customers that make their way through the many exhibit halls.”

ERA has been attending electronica for more than 20 years. ERA’s goals when attending electronica are:

• To advocate for ERA’s North American members who are looking for representation and/or channel solutions in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) territories
• To explain the North American rep model to the manufacturers in EMEA who are interested in rep coverage in North America and/or channel partners in North America

“The manufacturers’ rep model in EMEA is dramatically different in EMEA from North America,” said Tobin. “Our booth is usually jammed with folks who are thirsty for information on how business is done differently in both EMEA and North America. I’ll also be looking forward to meeting with several North American reps who will be in attendance, as well as a few global channel members.”

ERA’s booth will be located in Hall B4 stand 178. Please visit the ERA booth to say hello, charge your electronics and use ERA’s private wi-fi to remain in touch with your customers. ERA expects that booth visitors will learn a lot about how the rep business functions in EMEA and North America.

See you in Munich!

About electronica

Read more about electronica 2022 and register at electronica.de.

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 – Sept. 2022, Vol. 1

September 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 August, with the overall economy achieving a 27^th consecutive month of growth.

The computer and electronic products sector was among 10 manufacturing industries reporting growth in August.

The electrical equipment, appliances and components sector was among seven manufacturing industries reporting contraction in August compared to July.

INDUSTRY NEWS

> U.S. manufacturing activity held steady in August, with new orders and employment both increasing compared to July. The price index also declined, easing price pressures and indicating that inflation may have hit its peak. Yet, ISM panelists expressed concern with a softening economy and increasing materials and labor costs. Read more.

> Where do key industry stakeholders think the CHIPS Act money should go? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently reached out to industry members to ask, and then published a report that compiled the answers. Read more.

> Micron announced it will invest $15 billion through the end of the decade to construct a new memory manufacturing fab in Boise, Idaho, a project that will create an estimated 2,000 direct jobs and an additional 15,000 ancillary jobs. Read more.

ERA NEWS

> ERA Virtual Sales Training will take place in a little less than a month! The sessions, schedule and speakers have been announced. A sampling of the training topics: digital marketing, effective communication skills, pre-call planning, warm calling with confidence, value-based selling and tips and tricks on setting appointments. Can you afford NOT to attend? Read more information and register now. The program will take place Oct. 4-6, 2022.

> Showcase your company in front of 3,500 industry members! The deadline to request advertising space in the Fall issue of The Representor is Friday, September 9. Read about ad rates and sizes. Email Clare Kluck, ERA Communications Director, to reserve an ad space. ERA also offers digital advertising opportunities in this Quick Connections e-newsletter and on the ERA homepage. Read more.

> ERA is proud to announce its Empire Chapter raised $35,000 to donate to a local domestic violence shelter at its annual August golf tournament dedicated to the memory of Julie Baker. Baker was an ERA member and electronics industry member who was tragically taken by an act of domestic violence in 2020. Read more.

ELECTRONICA

Good reasons to attend electronica 2022

electronica is the most important international meeting place for the electronics industry. The world’s leading trade fair covers the entire electronics spectrum from components to systems, applications and services. The extensive conference and supporting program highlights automotive, embedded, semiconductors and wireless – and networks startups with the industry.

Convincing arguments for you to attend electronica

• The entire electronics industry gathers at a single location. Exhibitors from nearly every sub-sector of the electronics industry from at least 50 countries around the world with a comprehensive range of exhibits, all at a single location: Such a high concentration of innovations at this level is only available at electronica.
• This is where the base for an “all-electric society” grows. Electronics already determine most of our lives, and their influence on our everyday lives will increase even more in the future. Only at electronica you can experience how applications from the fields of industrial electronics, telecommunications, energy and electromobility, as well as the credit and insurance industries, are preparing the way for the “all-electric society.”
• Electronics enable sustainability. The electronica 2022 highlight topics such as e-mobility, smart energy, power electronics, IIoT and artificial intelligence will showcase solutions and products for the sustainable and responsible use of resources.
• Expand your expertise! Theme-oriented forums and prestigious conferences in cooperation with our media partners give you a look at future prospects.
• We showcase, network and support talent. We help talents stay oriented, network career engineers and professionals with leading employers and generate a great deal of attention for start-ups.

www.electronica.de

> ERA’s Empire Chapter Raises $35,000 for Local Domestic Violence Shelter at its Annual Golf Tournament

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is proud to announce that the Empire ERA Chapter raised $35,000 at its Aug 1., 2022, Julie Baker Memorial Golf Tournament to donate to the Willow Domestic Violence Center in Rochester, N.Y.

Julie Baker, an engineer who worked in electronic component sales for GMA, was tragically taken by an act of domestic violence in 2020. Baker was a Board member of the Empire ERA chapter and helped plan the annual Empire ERA golf tournaments. She left behind three daughters, Claire, Jill and Paige. She loved to garden and enjoyed live music.

“We are overwhelmed and grateful for the outpouring of support this tournament received to allow us to make this large donation to an important cause,” said Laura Senn-Sanborn, president of the Empire ERA chapter. “Thank you to all the attendees for playing, contributing, having fun, shedding a few tears, and sharing many laughs and memories with us.”

From left to right: Paige Baker, Nicolle Morelle from Willow, Jill Baker, Laura Senn-Sanborn, Jim Gleason, and Claire Baker.

 

“This tournament, renamed and rededicated in Julie’s honor, further supports her legacy with this substantial contribution,” said Patrick Coyne, vice president of membership and communications of Empire ERA chapter.

Willow Domestic Violence Center has provided services for the Greater Rochester community for over 40 years. Willow’s mission is to prevent domestic violence and ensure every survivor has access to the services and supports needed along the journey to a safe and empowered life. Their vision is a community free from domestic violence, where healthy relationships thrive.

In a video on the official Julie Baker Memorial Tournament Instagram page, Baker’s daughter Claire says: “While we never could’ve imagined losing our mom to an act of domestic violence, Willow inspires us to take action. Our future plans include establishing a foundation to honor both of our parents, Julie and Dick Baker. Today our mom’s legacy lives on and we can’t thank you enough for your support.”

More pictures and videos of the golf tournament can be found on Instagram at @juliebaker_memorialgolf.

About the Willow Domestic Violence Center

Willow Domestic Violence Center offers a range of emergency and non-emergency support services, including a 24/7 domestic violence hotline, emergency shelter for women and children, safety planning, court accompaniment, short-term counseling and support, and support groups. All of its services are free and confidential. Find out more: https://willowcenterny.org/.

About Empire ERA

The Empire Chapter of the Electronics Representatives Association is dedicated to promoting and protecting the manufacturers’ representative function within the Upstate New York electronics marketplace. The Chapter is a resource for its members. It provides support for establishing and maintaining the representative function through continuing education, networking events and promoting the rep function. Find out more: http://empireera.org/.