February 2026, Vol. 1

MANUFACTURING DATA REPORT

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in January for the first time in 12 months, preceded by 26 straight months of contraction, says the latest ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report.

The computer and electronic products sector reported growth in January, while the electrical equipment, appliances & components reported contraction. Read the full report.

INDUSTRY NEWS

> These 2026 Winter Olympians’ stories offer leadership lessons on resilience, managing burnout and sustaining high performance. Read more.

> Supply Chain Connect offers its newest podcast, “2026 Semiconductor Trends to Watch: The Rising Risk of Obsolescence.” Take a listen.

> What businesses are getting wrong in using AI-powered email campaigns. Read more.

INDUSTRY SURVEY RESULTS

The February 2026 ERA Electronic Components Industry Trend Survey is now live!

Check your email inbox. View results from 2024-2025.

> The next ERA LIVE will take place next Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 4:00 p.m. ET! Join us as we preview the 2026 ERA Conference — what’s NEW, the all-star lineup of speakers, the breakout session topics, and more! More details and log in-info. We hope to see you there!

> EDS 2026 registration is officially open! 

NEW: Companies approved to attend EDS will receive a registration email from EDS Management, which will include a direct link to register. There is no passcode required this year. Once registered, your hotel booking link will be available both on your registration confirmation page and in your confirmation email, making it easy to complete your plans in one place. Suites and small, medium, and large meeting rooms remain, but availability is limited. If your company is interested in securing space, please contact info@edssummit.com to inquire.

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

To post to the bulletin board, e-mail your listing to Karin Derkacz at kderkacz@era.org.

CHAPTER EVENTS & NEWS

ERA’s many regional chapters in the U.S., Europe and Mexico host many important events during the year. We encourage you to attend a local ERA chapter event soon! View entire ERA events calendar.

• Carolinas ERA Virtual Lunch – AI Digital Tools and Implementation — Friday, Feb. 6
• Southern California ERA OC Hangar Social — Thurs., Feb. 12
• Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show — Wed., Apr. 22