> ERA Quick Connections — Nov. 2025, Vol. 1
November 2025, 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 contracted in October for the eighth consecutive month.
The electrical equipment, appliances & components sector, as well as the computer and electronic products sector, both reported contraction in October. Read the full report.
INDUSTRY NEWS
> The world’s biggest manufacturing economics struggled to fire up in October, business surveys reported. Read more.
> Three hacks to maximizing small business profits. Read more.
> What is a drone swarm and in which industries could this new technology be applied? Read more.
INDUSTRY TRENDS SURVEY
The November 2025 ERA Electronic Components Industry Trend Survey is now live! Check your email inbox.
Please note: ERA sends this survey monthly to one contact from each ERA member firm via email. Please be on the lookout for this survey in your email inbox. Help us make this survey a valuable resource for you and the rest of our members by taking 5 minutes to complete this each month. The results are visible only to ERA members and gives us a great cross-section of what our members see on the horizon for the near and long term.
VIEW SURVEY RESULTS
ERA NEWS
> ERA Mark Motsinger White Pin Internship Program is now accepting applications for 2026! This internship program offers an ERA-member manufacturers’ rep a chance to hire a college student as an intern, with ERA/White Pin group subsidizing a substantial portion of the anticipated internship cost.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the intern to gain hands-on experience in the electronic component sales industry AND a great chance for rep companies to train and teach a potential hire, with ERA’s help and support. ERA aims to award five internship awards in 2026. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026. Read more and apply.
>ERA announces that Annelise McCarthy, international speaker and communications expert, will be the keynote speaker at the 2026 ERA Conference, taking place Feb. 22-24, 2026, in Austin, Texas.
McCarthy will open the ERA Conference on Monday morning, Feb. 22, with her presentation, “When Innovation Speaks: The Power of Human Connection in a Digital World.” Read the full press release.
> If you happened to miss ERA’s virtual sales training program – STEP 2025 – this past October, we have good news for you. All nine sessions, covering everything from Speaking with Authority to The AI Advantage, are now archived, bundle and available to be purchased. View the sessions and purchase here. Past year’s programs are available as well.
ERA members, save $100 on this session bundle! STEP sessions are packed with valuable sales tactics and tools for both early career professionals AND seasoned industry veterans alike.
McCarthy will open the ERA Conference on Monday morning, Feb. 22, with her presentation, “When Innovation Speaks: The Power of Human Connection in a Digital World.”
INDUSTRY SURVEY RESULTS
> DTAM data is now updated through Q1 of 2025 for all territories/regions on the 
The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) announces that CEO Walter Tobin will retire from the association after 10 years.
> You won’t want to miss the new
> The GOAT
Tom Griffin ERA Board President
As Walter Tobin retires from his role as CEO of ERA, we pause to reflect on a remarkable decade of vision, leadership and unwavering dedication.
Walter began his career at ERA in September 2015, prior to the first ERA conference in Austin, and immediately began work on that conference. Walter’s first conference ended up hosting 200 people, which had been the largest in recent history. Dozens of first-timers attended, due to Walter’s enthusiasm. With his incredible work ethic and remarkable energy, Walter and the hardworking ERA staff began working on increasing sponsorship and attendees. He announced during that Conference that ERA would begin hosting the Conference on an annual basis and it would remain in Austin. (Prior to that, the annual conference was held every other year in Chicago.)
Driving membership growth and engagement
One of Walter’s most significant achievements has been revitalizing the ERA membership base. Recognizing that the true strength of any association lies in its members, Walter championed programs and initiatives designed to engage, support and grow this community. Over his tenure, ERA membership not only rebounded but reached unprecedented levels. His focus on value-driven benefits, professional development and networking opportunities helped members feel connected and empowered.
Building a legacy of innovation
Walter’s leadership was never about simply solving today’s problems — it was about building for the future. Under his guidance, ERA embraced innovation, launching new programs and embracing technologies like SearchLink.ai that modernized our operations and enhanced the member experience. His forward-thinking approach ensured that ERA stayed relevant and positioned for continued success in an ever-changing industry landscape.
A legacy of service and dedication
Walter’s tenure was defined not only by measurable successes but also by his deep personal commitment to ERA and its mission. He has been a tireless advocate for our members, a trusted partner to our board and an inspiring leader to our staff. Walter’s integrity, compassion and vision have set a standard for leadership that will inspire us for years to come.
As we bid farewell to Walter in his role as CEO, we extend our deepest gratitude for his decade of extraordinary service. His legacy is one of transformation — of taking ERA from a place of challenge to one of prosperity and promise. While he may be stepping into retirement, the impact of his leadership will continue to shape our association for many years to come.
On behalf of the entire ERA community, thank you, Walter, for your dedication, leadership and belief in what this association can achieve. We wish you joy and fulfillment in the next chapter of your life.