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NAW chief wields influence that goes beyond group’s size

In his 42 years with the wholesalers’ association, CEO Dirk Van Dongen has taken fundraising, coalition-building to an expert level By the traditional metrics of association Washington, the National Association of Wholesalers-Distributors, with its 24 staffers and $4.7M annual revenue, might not look like a heavy hitter. But steered by Dirk Van Dongen since 1981, the group has multiplied its influence by fashioning coalitions. He clearly sets out that strategy for success: “Associations, by definition, are an expression of the fact that by coming together people can accomplish more than if they’re out there on their own,” Van Dongen said. “If that’s true on the company… Read More