MONTHLY POS REPORT
The electronic components POS Index continues to show strength in 2026, with August finishing at approximately 1.53, a modest increase over July’s 1.51. This follows a more significant pullback from June’s peak of 1.63, suggesting some stabilization after the sharp increase earlier in the summer. August remains approximately 27 percent above the same period in 2025, with activity continuing to run well ahead of the levels experienced throughout 2023 and 2024. While month-to-month fluctuations remain, the sustained strength in POS activity continues to be an encouraging sign for the industry.
INDUSTRY NEWS
> Lockheed Martin announced last week a $300 million expansion to its critical munitions manufacturing facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. Read more.
> A drone may be delivering your next package, as major retailers like Walmart, Lowe’s and Uber Eats expand their drone delivery programs across the U.S. Read more.
> The FAA yesterday approved the Boeing Max 10, the company’s largest 737 Max jet, for passenger service, ending nearly 10 years of delays. Read more.
ERA NEWS
> Applications are officially open 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.
- Rep Firms: To apply, your firm must already have a selected intern candidate identified. Both the rep company and the intern must submit applications. (Apply as rep.)
- Potential Interns: You can apply individually even if you haven’t matched with a rep firm yet! (Apply as intern.)
The deadline to apply is January 31, 2027. Internship recipients will be announced mid-February!
> Registrations are filling and we are well over 50 percent capacity for the 2027 ERA Conference! If you want to attend, do not wait. Register today.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Most sponsorship levels include complimentary attendee registration(s). Take advantage of this great opportunity now to not only register to attend the conference, but also sponsor the event at a level that works best for your company.
> STEP 2026 is over, but you still can receive this valuable training! All STEP sessions, including archives dating back to 2021, are available online for purchase at era.org/step.
Watch anytime, revisit whenever you need a refresh and take advantage of a $100 discount for ERA members. STEP delivers live, practical modules taught by proven industry leaders and professional sales trainers. It offers concrete takeaways that reps, distributors and manufacturers can implement immediately on their very next sales call. Purchase the STEP 2026 training series today.
CHAPTER EVENTS & NEWS
- Southwest ERA — Happy Hour and Food Drive — Thurs., Oct. 22
- Canada ERA — Voice of the Customer Networking Event — Tues., Oct. 27
- Carolinas ERA — Virtual Lunch: Electronics Components Playbook 2026 (RESCHEDULED) — Fri., Oct. 30
- New England ERA — Networking Dinner with Speaker Chris Lins — Wed., Nov. 4
- Indiana-Kentucky ERA — Volunteer Event with Gleaners Food Bank — Fri., Nov. 6
- Ohio ERA – Save the Date: Top Golf and Holiday Toy Drive — Tues., Dec. 8
