Word of the Day

Commodity

Even if you don't think you do, you already know plenty about commodities. Want us to prove it? No problem.

What makes oil produced in Saudi Arabia different from oil exported from Nigeria? It's the same thing that makes the corn you ate at last summer¿s barbecue different from the corn used to produce ethanol. Stumped? Well, don't feel bad, it's a trick question. The answer? Absolutely nothing. Corn is corn no matter where it comes from -- just as wheat is wheat and natural gas is -- right! -- natural gas. (Though the quality may differ, the make-up is uniform.)

So, in less elaborate terms, corn and oil (and all other commodities) are homogenous goods that can be processed, resold and more often than not, used as an input to the production of other goods or services. These goods are traded on a commodity exchange, thus setting the price-per-barrel (or other metric unit) used to value them.

Now pay attention, here's a question that indeed does have an answer: What is the difference between a commodity and a stock? While a stock can tank and become worthless, a commodity cannot have its value be wiped to zero. One other difference: Most commodities are traded in futures, meaning traders buy and sell where they think the price of a product will be at a certain point in the future. Stocks trade based on the value of the underlying company at that point in time.

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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Business Marketing Event Reminder: Al Maag, Chief Communications Officer of Avnet, Inc., to Speak to Phoenix Business Marketers This Thursday About How to Form a C-Suite Partnership

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PHOENIX, AZ, Aug 19, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) ----July 30, 2007 Does your CEO get it? Working on communications inside of the C-suite has its rewards -- and its challenges. At the next Business Marketing Association Phoenix monthly meeting, Al Maag, Chief Communications Officer of Avnet Inc. (NYSE: AVT) will describe how he partners with the CEO, senior executives and employees of this global distributor of value-added electronic components and computer products.

Attendees will learn how one person introduced the Chief Communications Officer role to a company. They will also hear how he has advanced communications into a vital role that helped Avnet grow from $6 billion in North America to over $18 billion with over 300 locations in 73 countries. Of its over 13,000 employees worldwide, approximately 2300 Avnet employees are based in Arizona.

Through entertaining video, slides and real-life examples, Mr. Maag will share how outstanding employee engagement metrics, industry leading PR market share and community relations start in the C-suite. You will learn his tips on what has worked and what might work for you in your career.

   When: Thursday, August 21, 2008 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Where: Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa 2400 East Missouri Avenue Phoenix,
   AZ 85016

This is an exclusive event and a large attendance is expected. Those interested in attending should RSVP by August 21 at http://bmaphoenix-csuite.eventbrite.com/

About Al Maag

Allen Maag joined Avnet as chief communications officer in September 1998 and is responsible for brand management, which includes global public relations, investor relations marketing, community relations and corporate communications. He reports to Steve Church, chief human resources development officer and is also a member of Avnet's Executive Board. He was elected a corporate officer in 1999. Prior to joining Avnet, Mr. Maag was principal and owner of an international marketing communications and consulting firm in Chicago, where he specialized in public relations, advertising and communications. His clients included technology firms, distributors, manufacturers, associations and publishers. He currently serves as an ambassador on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and as a national board member of the Business Marketing Association. He is involved with the marketing committees of the Arizona Technology Council. Additionally, he is a member of the Phoenix Sports Commission. Mr. Maag formed and actively manages the 18-year-old Maag Toy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that collects new toys for needy children.

About BMA Phoenix

The Phoenix Chapter of the Business Marketing Association is the leading association for BtoB Marketers and Communicators in Arizona. BMA Phoenix hosts monthly events for business marketers in Arizona. For more information, visit http://BMAPhoenix.com.

   Media Contact: Sheila Kloefkorn (602) 565-3512 Email Contact

SOURCE: Phoenix Business Marketing Association

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