News from the American Veterinary Distributors Association

December 2006 Training l Financial News l NAW Publications

AVDA Supports Coalition Effort in Congress and FDA

During the last year AVDA has participated in a coalition with 30 other companies and associations covered under the Prescription Drug Marketing Act whose members are impacted by the Act. Numerous letters, phone calls, and other contacts were made with the FDA prior to the issuance of its November 14, 2006 Compliance Policy Guidance. With the issuance of the injunction by the U.S. District Court

in New York, the coalition’s efforts to reach a reasonable solution will focus on obtaining a legislative remedy.

A letter has been sent by the coalition inviting the FDA to join in supporting changes in the PDMA that will resolve the issues in the New York case. In addition, AVDA will advocate that the Act be amended to carve out an exemption for veterinary distributors. However, this effort will take time. Therefore, in the interim, AVDA members should continue to comply with the provisions of the Act and the regulations.

Click here to see a copy of the letter sent by the coalition to the FDA on December 14, 2006.

Click here to see a copy of the letter sent by AVDA to FDA on December 14, 2006.

District Court Delays Enforcement of PDMA Regulations

On December 8, 2006, the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York entered an order granting a preliminary injunction enjoining the Food and Drug Administration from implementing 21 C.F.R. §203.50(a) which required that unauthorized wholesale distributors provide pedigree information for sales all the way back to the manufacturer. DETAILS

Connecting Past, Present and Future: AVDA 2007 Annual Conference

AVDA members will gather in historic Savannah, Georgia this spring to connect with fellow animal health distributors and suppliers to renew past relationships, face present challenges and explore opportunities for the future. The AVDA 2007 Annual Conference is about nurturing connections through three days of networking and dynamic speaker presentations. DETAILS

2007 Annual Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

All Affiliate and Associate member companies are invited to contribute to our upcoming conference which will be held from April 29 – May 1, 2007, at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa in Savannah, Georgia. The Annual Conference has become a unique industry event where animal health manufacturers and distributors learn together and build and renew relationships.

There are six levels of sponsorship for the 2007 Conference ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. Sponsors assure the continued quality program that the AVDA Annual Conference is known to produce. All sponsors are recognized at the conference. Contact Kaymie Thompson Owen at AVDA Headquarters (443-640-1040 x112) with questions.

Please click here for Sponsorship levels
Please click here or Sponsorship Registration form.

AVDA Welcomes 12 New Members in 2006

AVDA welcomed four new active and eight new associate members in 2006. Company names are listed below. For complete contact information on all AVDA members, visit our online membership directory.

Active Members

Penn Veterinary Supply, Inc.
Vet Brands International, Inc.
Webster Veterinary Supply
Western Medical Supply, Inc.

Associate Members

Abaxis Inc.
Butler Sales Associates, Inc.
Dechra Veterinary Products
Delmarva 2000 Ltd.
Matrix by Midmark
Norbrook, Inc.
Novartis Animal Health U.S. Inc.
Practivet

TRAINING

Register Today for the University of Industrial Distribution

AVDA is co-sponsoring the University of Industrial Distribution. UID 2007 is a concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of wholesale distributors. DETAILS

New Training Programs Scheduled for 2007

The Association Education Alliance (AEA) has announced its schedule of training programs for 2007. AVDA is a member of AEA and AVDA members can attend these programs at a discounted rate. These sessions will include in person training programs and teleconference seminars. DETAILS

FINANCIAL NEWS

Avoiding Investment Myopia

For most of the last decade, AVDA members have taken a strong cash-flow orientation to their operations. The rallying cry has been “Profit is fine, but cash is king.” There is now strong evidence that the king is in exile. DETAILS

AVDA PROFIT Survey on its Way

AVDA will once again offer members the opportunity to participate in the PROFIT Report. One of the most important benefits AVDA members enjoy is the annual PROFIT Report. Conducted by Dr. Al Bates and the team at Profit Planning Group, the PROFIT Report is the best source for financial benchmarking information in the industry. DETAILS

NAW PUBLICATIONS

New Book from NAW to Eliminate Wasted Space and Time: Lean Warehousing

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) announces a brand-new book titled Lean Warehousing. This is the first book to apply the “lean manufacturing theory” specifically to the world of warehousing. DETAILS

NAW, Pembroke Consulting Announce New Wholesale Distribution Industry Report

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors’ (NAW) Distribution Research and Education Foundation (DREF) and Pembroke Consulting announced that the eighth edition of the acclaimed wholesale distribution strategy report Facing the Forces of Change® will be released in March 2007. DETAILS

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Happy Holidays from AVDA