> 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.