The Soft Pitch

I frequently write in this blog about things Avnet is doing in the community – like the food drive that’s  or the pillow drive of a month or so back.  Part of why we have so much going on in the community is our people.  Especially our leaders.  One leader in particular.  Who was recognized as the Outstanding Volunteer Executive of the Year – Al Maag, my fellow blogger for Soft Pitch. You probably already know Al founded the Maag Toy Foundation more than 20 years ago, providing toys to children whose families might not be able to afford them.  It was great seeing Al recognized for all his work by the Business Journal of Phoenix and Hands On (formerly Make-a-difference).  Not only is he the founder of the Maag Toy Foundation, he’s the mastermind behind much of Avnet’s community involvement, including the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation (awards chair this year), president of the local chapter of Business Marketing Association (he instigated the formation of the local chapter last year), the B2B classic softball tournament  , Avnet Tech Games, etc. etc.  He roped me into the MDA executive telethon earlier this year and inspired other Avnet leaders to get more involved personally in a wide range of activities.

So, I’m talking about him and his award, because he won’t.  Too shy (not).   Maybe too modest(perhaps).  But probably just too busy.  I’m sure he’s already cooking up his next community event.

A record crowd and a record 36 Valley-area businesses competed in Avnet’s 7th Annual 16-Inch B2B (Business-to-Business) Softball Desert Classic tournament on Saturday, November 14 in Tempe, AZ. The 16-inch softball classic is one of Avnet’s key annual community outreach programs, attracted more approx. 1000 players and fans.

Men’s champion again for 5th year was Dirks Moving and Storage over Open Lane and Avnet’s warehouse team also going for 5 in a row failed as Infusionsoft upset them in the bottom of 7th with 2 runs in best game of the day.  The first-place co-ed team and men’s team won a Phoenix Coyote suite tickets; second-place teams won a $25 gift certificate for every team member to Don and Charlie’s, a local Scottsdale restaurant.

The big highlight was the XTRA Sports 910 beat the valley CEO’s 7-3. Lead by pitcher Gene Holmquist from Ensynch, Brad Casper from the Dial Corporation their MVP, Avnet’s Ed Smith, Ecoedge Barbara Johnson, Vince Adam and Bob Anderson our valued suppliers and Stephen Dow from Emerson, and ss Chuck Vermillion from OneNeck, among others competed, but failed to beat XTRA’s Bickley and MJ’s stars including Howler from the Coyotes. The CEO’s were coached by Avnet’s Vallee and Smith from SCF AZ.

The event benefit Spark of Hope, a Tempe-based organization that focuses on providing assistance directly to disabled children and their families who are not supported by traditional charitable programs.

It’s about fun, networking, employee morale and helping needy children — a grand slam. I’m so proud the game of 16″ softball is making a difference in the valley. I want to thank our sponsors and team behind the scenes lead by Lisa DeBride and Spark Design. Our brand is enhanced in so many a positive ways as we do these programs…one; as business improves some of these folks will become employees.

“There are not a lot of events that can bring so many local businesses together, especially one that benefits one charity,” said Ensynch President and CEO, Gene Holmquist. “It’s an opportunity for our coworkers to give back while also having the chance to meet other Valley professionals.”

The championship games and CEO vs 910 will be broadcast on Avnet’s web based video network, Avnet OnDemand , December 7 at

Hensley donated beverages, Vienna Chicago hot dogs were served and a children’s area included face painting, animal balloons and other events.
Tournament sponsors were: SCF Arizona, Ensynch and Computer Associates and the presenting sponsor is Spark Design. Also lending support: The Phoenix Sports Commission, PrismaGraphic, XTRA Sports 910AM, Brodeur Partners, Vienna Beef and BMA

When your from Chicago THE neighboorhood beer is Old Style…many folks have made toasts and given congrats with this beer here…so while in Chicago for the recent NEDA annual event the disty, semi, passive manufacturers and even the media attendees were smiling and relaxed compared to last year and raised an Old Style to relieve the pressure. Hopefully we will also add champagne to that toast one day.

The optimism was lead by the speakers including a Northern Trust economist and forecasters like iSupply and Bishop Reports…all predicted 2010 as being a gradual double digit % climb back to life as we remembered.  Kudos to our industry for screwing up as bad in 2001…forecasting and supply chain lessons were learned. 4 out of 10 years were not very good this decade…let’s see if we can avoid that many ruts in the 2nd decade of 21st century.

I felt it was productive program but the it’s the enthusiasm was contagious. Sure there are demand creation issues, counterfeiters, green issues, gross margin pressure…and everyone said they would not take unprofitable business and play nice…yeah whatever on that one.

Dr Zandman from Vishay was a well deserved lifetime achievement winner with a past that you could never image…escaping at a young age from being executed by the Nazis by hiding under someones home for 18 months in “grave as he called it with 7 others”.  He had everyone spellbound with his remarks.

And Avnet’s Phil Gallagher was also honored for his NEDA efforts. He is one of the good guys.

All in all good to see so many nice hard working folks smiling…alot of work ahead but but NEDA members will grind it out.