‘Value of Distributor’ Study Underway A major study by AWMA to illustrate the value of the distributor to the entire supply chain now underway was outlined for attendees during the opening session of the AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO in Las Vegas Thursday morning. Industry consultant Kit Dietz, president of Dietz Consulting, LLC, outlined the scope of the project, which will "quantify and demonstrate the essential role of the distributor and discuss the impact the distributor has on the supply chain." "We know that distributors play an essential role in the supply chain, but they can’t get their fair share of the profit," he said. The study will include the participation of 14 distributors and 11 manufacturers who have agreed to work with the study team of Dietz and Bob Gatty, president of Gatty Edits, who will help develop the ultimate written report. The team will present the results of the project at the 2006 AWMA Summit & Business Exchange, Sept. 11-14 at Lake Las Vegas, NV. For more information on attending the REAL DEAL EXPO, contact customer service at either 800-564-4220 or 703-449-6418 or awmaregistration@jspargo.com