Giovanni Coquis has joined Summit to expand sales in Latin America. Having lived and worked in the region, Coquis has extensive experience in Latin American markets and across industries, including oil, gas, mining, and industrial and commercial construction.

“The potential for growth and development in South America is amazing,” said Ralph Mouret, director of international sales. “Many of the countries are just beginning to develop their natural resources and industries.”

Coquis, who joined Summit June 1, will focus on heavy industrial projects in oil, gas and mining.

His experience as business developer for Hilti North America and as sales manager for Hilti Latin America included logistics, large project management and strategic sales of distributors in a dozen Latin American countries.

“I am looking forward to developing new markets for Summit,” he said.

Coquis will be based in Houston, with Summit’s Export Division.

David Wascom, vice president of IT for Summit Electric Supply, received the Volunteer Service Award from Americas’ SAP User Group (ASUG) in Orlando, Fla., on May 18. He has been a volunteer for the past three years. He currently serves as co-chairman of the wholesale distribution segment of the group. SAP is an international enterprise resource planning system that Summit began using in 2005.“It’s about engaging people in the SAP community to be active participants by contributing to blogs and web pages for shared knowledge base,” Wascom explained.Participants gain the benefits of working on common issues with other SAP users, including competitors. The award was presented at the same event as Summit’s Impact Award, the company’s first IT-related award based on its accomplishments using SAP.

Ferraz Shawmut has announced it is changing its name to Mersen, both in the United States and internationally, effective immediately. Summit is in the process of changing its line cards and other materials to reflect the new name. This manufacturer is available across all Summit locations and the companies have had a longstanding relationship.

Modern Distribution Management magazine has ranked Summit Electric Supply #18 among the nation’s top 25 electrical distributors. The rankings were based on reported annual sales.Summit is among those “who have continued to gain market share despite difficult conditions,” said Lindsay Young Konzak, the magazine’s editor. “These distributors have been able to execute a strategy that has given them an edge in a tough year.”

See MDM’s summary on Summit.

“We’re pleased to continue to be recognized as an industry leader even through these tough economic times,” said Victor R. Jury Jr., president and CEO.

See the magazine’s methodology for its rankings.

The Americas’ SAP Users’ Group (ASUG), the world’s largest community of SAP professionals, has awarded independent wholesale distributor Summit Electric Supply the group’s Impact Award in the small to medium enterprise category.

Impact awards are based on implementation and effective use of SAP solutions. Winners are selected based on demonstrated success in return on investment, best practices, improved service and innovation.

“Receiving the Impact Award means our hard work paid off in implementing this global software solution,” said David Wascom, vice president of Summit’s IT department.

Summit’s growth required the company to automate systems, get detailed operational information for planning and analysis, improve information gathering across its 19 locations, streamline costs and improve sales management, he explained. These goals were accomplished as a result of implementing internationally recognized SAP.

“With SAP, Summit has a powerful, scalable, long-term business tool that will serve our customers, suppliers and associates well, and thereby enable long-term growth and success,” said Victor R. Jury Jr., president and CEO.

Summit joined other Impact Award winners Comcast Corp, Northern Kentucky University and Eastman Chemical Co.

“I applaud this year’s winners who have created extraordinary value for the companies in their use of SAP solutions,” said Bridgette Chambers, ASUG CEO.

The Impact Awards will be presented May 18 in Orlando, Fla., during the 2010 ASUG Annual Conference/Sapphire Now event.

Summit will participate in a panel discussion at the event on how it is leveraging SAP technology to drive transformation within the company.

See more news on the Impact Award winners at Market Watch.