Who We Are.
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Founded in 1946, NAW comprises national, regional, and state employers of all sizes, partners, and publishers spanning all distribution sectors. NAW’s mission is to deliver world-class programs and services designed to help the most dynamic companies in wholesale distribution succeed.
Why Join NAW?
NAW’s members consist of the most innovative, forward thinking wholesale distributors representing all lines of trade, allowing them to engage, network and collaborate with companies whom which they do not compete. Our resources are tailored for CEOs, senior executives, and rising leaders at member companies and associations. Members engage with NAW in four core areas: Advocacy, Education, Innovation and Collaboration.
How Do Members Engage?
NAW members are innovators, leaders, and change-makers; and our association is organized to deliver value tailored to their specific needs. The membership relationship is a consultative one, with a team of experienced Member Engagement Executives focused on understanding each member’s business goals and strategies and collaborating to drive solutions. Leveraging the scale of the entire wholesale distribution industry and the brightest minds in private industry, management consulting, and academia, NAW members receive a differentiating level of service and tangible ROI.
NAW delivers value to member companies and executive teams in four key areas:
- Advocacy: NAW is recognized in Washington, D.C. as one of the most effective pro-business lobbying organizations. Year after year, we leverage the power of the wholesale distribution industry to deliver real policy results for our member companies, who steer our efforts toward the issues most impactful to their businesses. NAW remains laser-focused on defending our industry and saving members millions in tax and regulatory costs.
- Collaboration: Our executives lead the largest and fastest-growing distribution firms in North America, representing every line of trade. Peer learning and collaboration through NAW occurs between non-competitors operating in different lines of trade, but at a comparable scale and level of business complexity. Participating executives all speak a common distribution language and tackle common challenges in their businesses; but they have taken different approaches to solving those challenges.
- Innovation: NAW partners with investors, technology start-ups, and established innovators to create or accelerate unique solutions tailored specifically to distribution. We consult with members individually, focus on their top-of-mind business challenges and opportunities, and save them time and expense by bringing vetted solutions to the table. This concierge service alone often pays for the cost of our members’ annual membership investment.
- Education: NAW offers the most comprehensive suite of educational content and programs across the entire distribution industry. Leveraging our knowledge partnership with McKinsey & Company, and our network of industry practitioners, consultants, and academics, we provide member executives with actionable information to help them make informed decisions.
Networking and Education from the Brightest Minds in Distribution
The NAW Community engages year-round through a series of in-person and virtual events featuring industry thought leaders, technologists, and experienced distribution executives offering invaluable insights to help members grow their business. Member-guided program content is tailored to top distribution executives with a strategic focus.
NAW Executive Summit
Held at the beginning of each year in Washington, D.C., the NAW Executive Summit is the distribution industry’s most anticipated event. The three-day, members-only program brings together the top executives of the most successful, innovative distribution companies in the United States to network with and learn from an elite group of industry thought leaders, national political leaders, and inspirational speakers. Mixing fun with business, the Executive Summit features receptions and networking events in some of Washington’s most exclusive venues.
Executive Roundtable Programs
Held during the Spring and Fall each year, NAW’s Executive Roundtable Programs connect peer executives of non-competing distribution companies in small groups to discuss the most pressing topics in their businesses. Executives are assigned to cohorts based on their functional area of responsibility and the annual sales volume of their company to create meaningful peer networks and maximize the quality of the conversation. Current Roundtable events include programming specifically for presidents & CEOs and top executives in finance, sales, operations, technology, and human resources.
Business Services that Reduce Operating Costs and Increase Margins
NAW partners with best-in-class technology and business service providers to help members accelerate innovation and digital transformation to improve profitability. Members access exclusive programs, tailored specifically to distributors, that drive value in areas ranging from business intelligence to enterprise risk management. The direct ROI generated through these programs often covers the cost of NAW’s annual membership dues.
Advancing Pro-Business Federal Policies in Washington, D.C.
NAW is unapologetically pro-business and employs a team of the most experienced and effective lobbyists on the issues that matter most to our members’ business objectives. By leveraging the voice of the entire wholesale distribution industry, NAW delivers significant policy victories for member companies year after year that directly impact bottom lines.
