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In our overcrowded inboxes and time-starved days, we make choices about which emails we open.

The Association learned during the Supply Summit last week that many members chose not to open an email that in fact they wish they had. The problem was the subject line. This week, Industry Insights will send a second email to representatives from manufacturing member companies who have not yet responded to an invitation to take the 2019 Business Profile & Financial Performance Survey.

The email should have arrived by now from Matt Chaffin at Industry Insights. His email address is mchaffin@industryinsights.com. The subject line will be “Deadline approaching to participate in FEMA benchmark survey.”

The Association has intentionally put distance between itself and the third-party firm conducting the survey to assure confidentiality. That means staff does not see communications between the firm and members. If there is confusion or a lack of alignment between what you expect and what happens, please tell someone. Contact Chaffin at Industry Insights by email or at (614) 389-2100. Or, call the Association at (314) 878-2304.

And please, take the survey. It is a benefit of membership that  helps you:

• Monitor and manage expenses.
• Measure and improve productivity.
• Protect your bottom line.
• Evaluate employee effectiveness.

Even if your company decided to conduct financial research on its own, you would not have access to the systematic and consistent nationwide database of performance statistics that would result from many companies using the same survey instrument.

“In an industry where companies have access to very little data, this study will be a key source of benchmarking information that can help you analyze your own company, identify key trends and help you plan strategically for the future,” Chaffin said. “This important study will provide you with invaluable benchmarks for gaging your company’s operating strengths and weaknesses and identifying opportunities to improve.”

The final report you receive will provide concise, actionable information about how your company compares with others and what they are doing differently. Over time, the data allows you to track performance trends in your company.

This survey is funded by the ������ý. The Association does not see any company’s survey or results reports, nor do any representatives of the Association.

Survey participants can print a hard copy if they prefer paper. You also may submit your financial documents to Industry Insights rather than complete all survey questions. The documents will be handled by CPAs and destroyed after data is transferred.

Given the circumstances, Industry Insights intends to extend the deadline by two weeks, which is April 26.