> Northern California Hosts Golf Classic Event

July 11, 2017
Source – Electronics Representatives Association – Contact: Stephanie Tierney – stierney@era.org

(From left to right) Koti Ancha of Jabil Circuit, Kenny Kumar of Microelectronics Components Corporation, Steve Sander of Noren Products and Walter Tobin, ERA CEO at the Northern California ERA Golf Classic event. Photo courtesy of Koti Ancha.

After a three-year hiatus, Northern California ERA hosted its Golf Classic event at the Santa Clara Golf and Tennis Club on June 21, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. The scramble-style tournament was well attended by reps, manufacturers, distributors and customers from all over Northern California. A dinner banquet and an award presentation were held following the tournament. Cash prizes were given for longest drives, closest to the pins and best team score.ERA CEO Walter Tobin was the guest of honor at the event. Tobin spoke to a diverse group of golfers and ERA members, emphasizing the importance of supporting and growing ERA on both the local and national levels.

“Events like this attract and retain partners in ERA. We all work hard to promote the electronics rep industry. We should continue to increase involvement with the younger generation to continue the importance of promoting independent reps,” Tobin said. He concluded by thanking Dave Gastel, president of the Northern California ERA, for hosting a very successful tournament.

Gastel extended his appreciation to Tobin and those who came out to support the event. He stated that Northern California ERA is one of the most active chapters, hosting various activities that encompass education, training and abundant networking opportunities. Pastel closed the evening by saying, “Let’s connect, collaborate and innovate.”

Northern California ERA will be hosting three events in the coming months: Bocce on Sept. 21; Owners’ Forum on Oct. 10; and the much-anticipated signature event, Electronics Industry Night Out, on Nov. 9, in which the mayors of San Jose, Santa Clara, Fremont and Livermore plan to attend.

About ERA
The 82-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. ERA member representative firms (often called “reps”) provide field sales services on an exclusive basis to manufacturers of related (but non-competing) products in a defined territory. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

About Northern California ERA
The Northern California ERA Territory, as defined by the Electronic Industry Association’s Unit Territory Plan, is Territory No. 29 stretching from Central California to the Oregon border including Northern Nevada. For more information about Northern CA ERA, visit ncalera.org.

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES

> ERA Welcomes RFMW as Its Latest Global Distributor Member

July 20, 2017 – Contact: Neda Simeonova / Communications Director / nsimeonova@era.org

Download docx

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) announced that RFMW, Ltd. has joined ERA as a global distributor member. RFMW is a specialized distributor of RF and Microwave products providing consultative component selection, value add, and design solutions through a focused technical sales and marketing organization.

ERA CEO Walter E. Tobin shared his thoughts on the importance of this partnership, “I am delighted to welcome RFMW as ERA’s latest global distributor member. RFMW’s expertise in RF and Microwave semiconductors, coaxial connectors and cable assemblies, and passive components offers our industry a truly differentiated value proposition. ERA is proud to include them into its global distribution membership.”

“RFMW shares ERA’s philosophy that when manufacturers’ representatives and distributors work together, both become stronger at the customer and therefore better serve both customer and manufacturer,” said Joel Levine, president and CEO of RFMW, Ltd. “As RFMW expands our global footprint and grows market share in the specialized RF and Microwave industry, working with manufacturers’ reps compounds sales effectiveness. In advocating for reps and distributors, ERA supports its members by optimizing the professional field sales function.”

About RFMW, Ltd.
RFMW Ltd. is a specialty electronics distribution company focused exclusively on serving customers that require RF and microwave components and semiconductors, as well as component engineering support. The company continues to expand its list of products from selective suppliers with RF/microwave expertise. RFMW deploys a highly experienced, technically skilled team to assist customers with component selection and fulfillment.

To learn more about RFMW, visit their website at www.rfmw.com, or call us at 1.877.FOR.RFMW (367-7369), or via email at info@rfmw.com.

About ERA
The 82-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. ERA member representative firms (often called “reps”) provide field sales services on an exclusive basis to manufacturers of related (but non-competing) products in a defined territory. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES

> ERA Introduces New Consultants to Its Expert Access Program

August 7, 2017
Neda Simeonova, Communications Director / nsimeonova@era.org

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) announced that it has added three new industry consultants — Timothy L. Conlon, Craig Conrad and John Simari — to its Expert Access member program.

Timothy L. Conlon is a senior executive with extensive experience in assembling and motivating dynamic successful management teams. He was the president and COO of Viasystems, a leading worldwide independent provider of contract electronics manufacturing services, until it sold in 2015. He has many years of public board experience, and recently served as vice chairman and director of the China Printed Circuit Association. Tim is currently a member of the board of directors of Interplex Holdings Pte. Ltd.

Craig Conrad, a 35-year industry veteran, has held various senior corporate positions at TTI, Inc., including chief marketing and strategic planning officer (2005-2010), senior vice president of global sales and marketing (1997-2005), and vice president of sales and marketing (1993-1997). Craig also has been actively involved in industry associations and has served on various university advisory boards, including Texas A&M and Texas Christian University. He retired as chairman of NEDA (now ECIA) after a 10-year involvement on the board and president of EDS in 2009.

John Simari held a range of sales and marketing positions during his 37-year career at Texas Instruments (TI). For most of that time, he was a key contributor to TI’s worldwide distribution program. John has been an active contributor to industry activities serving for eight years on the ECIA Board of Directors and Foundation Board. Also, he is an instructor at the Business Leadership Center of the SMU Cox School of Business in Dallas.

ERA CEO Walter E. Tobin comments on the new ERA Expert Access additions, “We are very excited to have Craig Conrad, John Simari and Timothy Conlon join ERA’s Expert Access program. Their first-class expertise and extensive hands on industry experience in sales, marketing and business strategy will be a immense benefit to ERA members.”

For more information on the ERA Expert Access program, click here.

About ERA
The 82-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. ERA member representative firms (often called “reps”) provide field sales services on an exclusive basis to manufacturers of related (but non-competing) products in a defined territory. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES

> ERA Conference Committee Announces 2018 Theme

August 3, 2017
Tess Hill, ERA Conference Coordinator, at thill@era.org / 630-327-6498.

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) Conference Committee has announced the theme of the association’s 49th Management and Marketing Conference, scheduled Feb. 25-27, 2018, at the AT&T Center in Austin, Texas.

Conference Committee Chair Rick LaPiana, president of the Cain-Forlaw Company, says the theme, “Tools of Our Trade — Constructing a Successful Future,” was selected because “this conference will heavily focus on practical take-aways that can be readily implemented to improve the rep company’s efficiency. We will improve the customer experience by enhancing the teamwork performance. We need to increase the leverage that the power of three — reps, distributors and manufacturers — can deliver. It is my experience that ERA has a rich history of delivering use-it-now information and advice to the reps, manufacturers and distributors who attend our conferences. This year our emphasis will be even stronger on tactical know-how and resources.”

LaPiana’s committee began its program development discussions in June, and members are well into the planning process. In addition to LaPiana, the members of the 2018 ERA Conference Committee are: the vice chair, John Hutson, CPMR, of the MacInnis Group; plus John Beaver of GSA Optimum; Ken Bellero of Schaffner EMC; Barbara Jorgensen of Electronics Purchasing Strategies (EPS); Dawn Lowery, CSP, of Sumer, Inc.; Todd McAtee of Mouser Electronics, Inc.; Holly Myers, CPMR, of Wallace Electronic Sales; John O’Brien, CPMR, of Coakley, Boyd and Abbett, Inc.; Bryan White, CPMR, of Catalyst Sales, Inc.; and Cindy Williams of Vicor Corp.

ERA staff members on the committee are: Walter Tobin, CEO; Tess Hill, the conference coordinator; Karin Derkacz, the registration coordinator; Kathy Green, the website manager; Neda Simeonova, the Crowd Compass coordinator; and Stephanie Tierney, the sponsorship coordinator.

For further information on ERA’s 2018 conference, click here.

About ERA
The 82-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. ERA member representative firms (often called “reps”) provide field sales services on an exclusive basis to manufacturers of related (but non-competing) products in a defined territory. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

> Southern California ERA Hosts ‘Keeping Partnerships in Harmony’ Program

June 28, 2017 – Source: ERA

On June 7, 2017, the Southern California ERA chapter hosted a program called, “Keeping Partnerships in Harmony.” The event was held at the House of Blues in Anaheim, Calif. The program offered both networking and educational opportunities, and attracted 38 attendees.

Consultant and speaker, Bryan Shirley, CPMR, moderated the panel discussion, which included reps and distributors. The panel focused on the importance of minimizing conflicts between reps and distributors, and how manufacturers play a significant role in that process. The panelists included Bruce Kellar of Sager Electronics, Robert Platter of Future Electronics, John Crawford of Digi-Key Electronics, George Gibbons of O’Donnell South and Dan Parks of West Electronic Solutions.

David Berryman of Signal Enterprises and chapter president said, “We had excellent participation from the audience that was initiated by great panel feedback. Everyone had a great time and the networking event before and after the panel was excellent. The new meeting location at the House of Blues was fun to visit. The live music afterward was a special treat as well.”

Southern California ERA continues to host networking events. Visit www.erascal.org.

About ERA
The 82-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. ERA member representative firms (often called “reps”) provide field sales services on an exclusive basis to manufacturers of related (but non-competing) products in a defined territory. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

About Southern California ERA
Southern California ERA produces dozens of educational, trade show and social experiences each year, and provide hundreds of web-based tools and resources, and helps members connect via meetings, forums, breakfasts and other activities. Southern California ERA helps members be knowledgeable, professional sales and business people via education, training, publications, trade shows and opportunities to meet with other reps, distributors and manufacturers for mutual benefit.

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES

> Chicagoland-Wisconsin ERA Hosts Round Table with Engineers Panel

June 27, 2017 – Source: ERA

Chicagoland-Wisconsin ERA members gathered on June 16, 2017, for an educational round table breakfast discussion. The program included expert engineer panelists from Northrop/Grumman, Cambium and Shure. The engineers addressed how they interface with salespeople and answered questions about their product selection process.

Approximately 30 people attended the event, and many stayed after the program concluded to get more time with the engineers. Chapter members deemed the event a huge success especially because of the pertinent presentation topic.

Tom Trzeciak, of ALT Technical Sales, Inc., and chapter president, moderated the program.

“We all know how hard it is to get in front of our engineer customers. To have three of them dedicate time to the Chicagoland-Wisconsin chapter was incredible. It was a testament not only to the relationships we develop with them, but to their interest in reaching out to our community,” Trzeciak said.

“We learned how they value those relationships and our function even as their jobs become more time consuming. This round table took a long time to plan, but we will do it again; it was that good,” Trzeciak added.

About ERA
The 82-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. ERA member representative firms (often called “reps”) provide field sales services on an exclusive basis to manufacturers of related (but non-competing) products in a defined territory. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

About Chicagoland-Wisconsin ERA
Chicagoland – Wisconsin ERA is a local resource for continuing education programs, networking opportunities, peer discussion groups and an array of services designed to help improve professionalism and profitability. For more information, visit www.chiwisera.com.

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES

> Florida ‘Sunshine’ ERA Hosts Successful Rep and Distributor ‘DTAM’ Program

June 26, 2017 – Source: ERA

The Florida-Sunshine Chapter hosted a multi-tiered rep and distributor “DTAM” program on June 5, 2017. Thirty two people were in attendance and the event was a hit among all attendees.

The program consisted of a presentation about ERA and its value from Walter Tobin, ERA CEO. There was also a session about the “Rep and Distributor Collaboration” presented by ERA Consultant Cesare Giammarco. Lastly, the annual Florida DTAM Report was presented by Barry Farber of HHP and Lisa Dietrich of Conley and Associates.

“Having the opportunity to have Walter Tobin personally speak to each chapter along with Cesare Giammarco’s excellent discussion and insights on manufacturers’ perspectives is essential to all chapters and members who are looking to boost their membership, education and activity within the ERA organization,” said Seth Brock of CBC Electronics. “By packaging our annual DTAM Report into the evening, we got more bang for our buck and drew great interest from the distributors in our region as well. All in all, it was a very successful evening for the Sunshine Chapter.”

Tobin added, “It was a GREAT DTAM session! I found the process and attention to detail most impressive. A job well done by the Florida-Sunshine Chapter!”

About ERA
The 82-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. ERA member representative firms (often called “reps”) provide field sales services on an exclusive basis to manufacturers of related (but non-competing) products in a defined territory. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

About Florida-Sunshine ERA
Florida-Sunshine ERA serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Tennessee. The Florida Chapter maintains a strong relationship with National ERA headquarters in Chicago. The Chapter sends its officers to ERA Headquarters for training in their respective duties, has an active National ERA delegate, and encourages its interested members to serve on the National ERA board.

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES

> ERA Announces 2018 Conference Committee

June 19, 2017 – Source ERA

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) has announced the appointment of the chair, vice chair and members of the committee tasked with the development of its 49th Management and Marketing Conference program, scheduled Feb. 25-27, 2018, at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin, Texas.

The chair of the committee is Rick LaPiana of the Cain-Forlaw Company and the vice chair is John Hutson, CPMR, of the MacInnis Group. Both LaPiana and Hutson are returning committee members.

LaPiana says, “I am so happy to be working on the 2018 National Conference Committee. This year’s conference was incredible, and our 2018 committee is dedicated to taking another step forward to ensure a meaningful and motivating educational experience for everyone who attends. This will be a do-not-miss event.”

In addition to LaPiana and Hutson, other returning members of the ERA 2018 Conference Committee are: Holly Myers, CPMR, of Wallace Electronic Sales, who chaired the 2017 event; Ken Bellero of Schaffner EMC; and Todd McAtee of Mouser Electronics, Inc.

New members of the committee are: John Beaver of GSA Optimum; David Foster of Sensata Technologies; Barbara Jorgensen of Electronics Purchasing Strategies (EPS); Dawn Lowery, CSP, of Sumer, Inc.; John O’Brien, CPMR, of Coakley, Boyd and Abbett, Inc., ERA Sr. VP/Education; Bryan White, CPMR, of Catalyst Sales, Inc.; and Cindy Williams of Vicor Corp.

ERA staff members on the committee are: Walter Tobin, ERA CEO; Tess Hill, the conference coordinator; Neda Simeonova, the Crowd Compass coordinator; and Stephanie Tierney, the sponsorship coordinator.

Tobin comments, “The 2018 Conference Committee members are ready to roll up their sleeves and deliver another exceptional program featuring a stellar roster of presenters and industry thought leaders. Following on the success of this year’s conference, which drew a record number of attendees, we are confident that the 2018 event will be our best yet!”

For details about the 2018 ERA Conference, visit era.org.

About ERA
The 82-year-old Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is the international trade organization for professional field sales companies in the global electronics industries and manufacturers who go to market through representative firms. 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 and the principals they represent. ERA member representative firms (often called “reps”) provide field sales services on an exclusive basis to manufacturers of related (but non-competing) products in a defined territory. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES

> CERA Hosts its 21st Annual Distributor/Rep Bowling Tournament

May 24, 2017 – Source: ERA

The Carolinas chapter of the Electronics Representatives Association (CERA) held its 21st Annual Distributor/Rep Bowling Tournament in Raleigh, N.C., on May 3, 2017.

Each year, CERA awards three $1,000 scholarships to college bound dependents of CERA member reps and distributor partners. All proceeds from the bowling tournament go to the CERA Scholarship Fund.

This year, the event exceeded its $1,000 goal thanks to strong participation and generous donations from Brad Starr of Performance Tech, James Brantley of Carlton-Bates, Mike Harris of JM Harris Sales, Annette Paden of South Atlantic Component Sales, Inc., Ken Jacobson of Aurora, Bob Kirkland of Aurora, and Penny Hoglund of the AEM Group.

The tournament’s “2017 Distributor Bowling Champs” title was awarded to Arrow Electronics. Arrow put together a strong A team including Greg Erlemann, Brian McGregor, Sharon Croteau and Jeff Croteau who secured the title with a total score of 1,831.

Brian Teen of Tech Marketing was the recipient of the “Rep Bowler of the Year” award, and the winners of CERA’s two $50 cash prizes were Annette McGregor of Arrow and Cari Gullion of TTI.

Annette Paden, who organized the tournament, expressed her gratitude to all event participants, “Thanks to all of you for helping make this event so much fun. It’s not so much about who wins, but about the spirit of friendly good fellowship that’s so evident if you stop and look around. This includes all reps, distributors, suppliers and guests.”

About ERA
The 82-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. ERA member representative firms (often called “reps”) provide field sales services on an exclusive basis to manufacturers of related (but non-competing) products in a defined territory. For more information about ERA, visit era.org.

About CERA
The Carolinas Chapter of the Electronics Representatives Association is dedicated to promoting the representative concept within the Carolinas electronics marketplace. The Chapter hopes to be a resource for its members in establishing and maintaining their respective rep businesses through continuing education, training and interface with government agencies. The government interface in important in order to influence legislation in favor of the representative concept and defeat legislation detrimental to the rep business. For more information, visit www.carolinasera.com.

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES

> Northern California ERA Draws a Large Crowd at Professional Sales Person Program

April 14, 2017 – Source: ERA

Northern California ERA attracted 65 attendees at the Feb. 15 panel discussion with Walter Tobin, ERA CEO, as a one of the guest speakers.

The program was titled Engineers & Supply Chain … Preferences and Perceptions of Sales Professionals. The panel consisted of two engineers, a commodity manager, a small business owner and an executive from a major company in Silicon Valley. Tobin was a speaker along with Paul Edwards, Wayne Morris, Steve Oster and Sharon Woo.

The program received positive feedback. President of the Northern California chapter, Dave Gastel, said, “Wow, what an interesting platform for learning about our profession.”

Tobin added “It was a delight to be on this panel discussion with so many local industry leaders. Northern California ERA leads the way in hosting educational and networking programs that are best in class.”

The chapter continues to plan networking programs. Visit ncalera.org for upcoming events.

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES

> ERA Elects New Officers for 2017-19 Term

April 20, 2017 – Source: ERA

The Electronic Representatives Association (ERA) has announced that its board of directors elected new national officers for the 2017-19 term during its March 2017 meeting. They are: chairman of the board – Dan Parks, CPMR, of West Electronic Solutions; president – David Norris of Norris and Associates; senior vice president / fiscal and legal – Chuck Tanzola, CPMR, of the Fusion Sourcing Group; senior vice president / education – John O’Brien, CPMR, of Coakley, Boyd and Abbett; senior vice president / membership – Kathie Cahill, CPMR, of Net Sales Company; and senior vice president / industry – Bob Evans, CPMR, of EK Micro.

Evans is a new member of the association’s executive committee. Parks succeeds the outgoing chairman, Paul Nielsen, CPMR, of Brainard-Nielsen Marketing, who concluded 12 years as a national officer. The continuing executive committee members are: Ken Bellero, president of Schaffner EMC Inc., the manufacturer delegate; Chris Beeson, executive vice president of sales and supplier management for Digi-Key Electronics, the distributor delegate; and ERA CEO Walter Tobin, who serves as an ex officio member.

The ERA Board honored Nielsen for his service with the Key Award at the association’s 2017 Conference, held in Austin, Texas, in late February. ERA CEO Walter Tobin commented on Nielsen’s invaluable contribution to the association, “We are deeply grateful to Paul for his 12 years of volunteer service as a national officer and many additional years as a Chicagoland-Wisconsin ERA chapter leader.”

Nielsen is only the 36th recipient of the Key Award in ERA’s 82-year history. He told the conference attendees, “ My time working with ERA is probably the smartest thing I’ve done professionally. I’ve learned a lot and met some great people whom I will count as friends long after my career is over.”

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES

> EDS All-Industry Breakfast Program to Feature Guest Speaker Dennis Zogbi

April 22, 2017 – Source: ERA

The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) and the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA), the co-sponsors of EDS, have announced that they will again co-host their annual free breakfast program at EDS on Thursday, May 18, 2017. The event’s guest speaker, Paumanok CEO and Founder Dennis Zogbi, will share his insight on lead times; the direction of passive technology and an outlook for the future.

Zogbi is the author of more than 260 market research reports on the worldwide electronic components industry and has extensive industry knowledge and experience.

“Dennis has a pulse on passive components, raw materials, applications, markets, and advanced technology like no one else,” said John Denslinger, ECIA president and CEO.“ In a world dotted by specialists and dominated by volume manufacturers, Dennis is the industry’s resident expert on sourcing, production and use of passive technology.”

ERA CEO Walter Tobin added, “Dennis is a widely published and trusted resource in our industry. We are thrilled to have him as the keynote speaker a tour EDS all-industry breakfast program.”

The event is free to EDS attendees and starts at 6:45 a.m. in the Mirage Hotel’s Events Center. Attendees can register for the program at era.org.

ERA NEWS          INDUSTRY NEWS          COMMENTARIES