The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) announced on Feb. 1 that Secretary Mike Pompeo and NAW CEO Eric Hoplin sat down for a fireside chat at the Executive Summit 2023, the premiere event for the wholesale distribution industry.

"It was an honor to host Secretary Pompeo for a fireside chat at Executive Summit 2023," said NAW CEO Eric Hoplin. "We enjoyed hearing about his years spent as a public servant, but we also appreciate hearing about his time as a businessman and leading two manufacturing companies. We learned a great deal from Secretary Pompeo's experience as we discussed the global and domestic challenges that are impacting the wholesale distribution industry." Hoplin concluded.

"Wholesaler-distributors are essential to the US economy and keep our supply chain safe and operational," said Mike Pompeo. "It was great to sit down with Eric and other leaders from the industry to hear more about the issues they are facing and learn how we can best support this vital industry." concluded Pompeo.

Each year, the wholesale-distribution industry gathers in Washington, DC for NAW's Executive Summit to hear from top executives and thought leaders from across the industry on topics such as innovation, supply chain visibility, profitable growth strategies, regulation, the economy, branding, and the value in investing in a happy workforce.      

NAW is one of America's leading trade associations, representing the $8.1 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Founded in 1946, NAW is comprised of national, regional, and state employers of all sizes, industry trade associations, partners, and stakeholders spanning all sectors of distribution. Our industry employs more than 6 million workers throughout the United States and accounts for 1/3 of the U.S. GDP. There are 35,000 wholesale distribution companies that operate in nearly 150,000 places of business across North America, including all 50 states.     

NAW's mission is to deliver world-class programs and services, designed to help the most dynamic companies in wholesale distribution succeed. Our programming is tailored for the CEOs, senior executives, and rising leaders at our member companies and associations. Members engage with NAW through our offerings in Thought Leadership, Networking, Executive Education, Benchmarking/Research, Shared Resourcing, Partnerships, Government Relations, and Public Affairs.