Quinnipiac University Welcomes President of NorthEast Electrical Distributors

Canton, Mass., May 8, 2009 – Don Block, President of NorthEast Electrical Distributors, recently served as a guest lecturer for an Operations Management class at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT.  The undergraduate course, which is provided through the University’s School of Business, focuses on teaching students how companies can use inventories, capacity, logistics, workforce and facilities to maximize profitability.

In a presentation that focused on both NorthEast and its parent company Sonepar USA, Block offered an in-depth overview of the distribution industry as a whole, as well as the distributor’s role within the supply chain.  In addition, he provided discussion and analysis of some of the most pressing issues of the day.  Topics included energy efficiency, employee training and retention, eBusiness opportunities and more. 

In conjunction with its parent company - Sonepar USA - NorthEast participates in Son@cademy; a comprehensive employee training and education program that devotes significant time and resources to employees’ professional growth and development. 

"As an alumnus of Quinnipiac University, it was extremely rewarding to address such an engaged and interested group of students,” Block stated.  “The group asked numerous questions about the inner workings of the electrical distribution industry and the career opportunities that it offers.  I would like to thank the University and Professor Mary Meixell, Ph.D. for offering me such a wonderful opportunity to discuss our industry with the next generation of business leaders."  

In addition to discussing the general roles of the distributor in today’s marketplace, Block also spoke about the many challenging career opportunities that exist in today’s distribution industry.  In his visit to the University, Block presented to two classes, both undergraduate courses that focus on a wide range of operations management and logistics curriculum.

About NorthEast Electrical Distributors
NorthEast Electrical Distributors, established in 1999, is one of the largest electrical distributors in New England. NorthEast is a full-service electrical distributor that provides electrical products and services to electrical contractors, Industrial, OEM, Utility, and Institutional customers.  The company operates 33 strategically located branch locations throughout the 6 New England States in order to make available exceptional customer service to their customers. 

About Sonepar USA
Sonepar USA is made up of the finest electrical supply distributors in the United States. The company has over 4,600 associates in 12 companies operating more than 253 branches in 35 states. In 2008, Sonepar USA achieved revenues of $3.3 billion pro forma. It is a member of the Sonepar group - the world's largest privately held electrical distributor. Worldwide, Sonepar employs over 34,000 employees, with 2,050 branch locations and estimated annual 2008 sales of $16 billion pro forma.