56 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK NFDA - 10842 Noel Street #107, Los Alamitos CA 90720 • Tel: 1-877-487-6332 • Email: nfda@nfda-fastener.org • www.nfda-fastener.org NATIONAL FASTENERS DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION NFDA 2012 SPRING MEETING AND EXECUTIVE SALES PLANNING SUMMIT This year NFDA members gathered at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton, Georgia for their annual Spring Meeting and Executive Sales and Planning Summit (ESPS). The winery proved to be a beautiful backdrop for the many programs offered by NFDA. The meeting kicked off on May 2 with ESPS meetings and a member luncheon. After lunch, Keynote Speaker Alan Beaulieu an economist with The Institute for Trend Research presented “The Future Is Your Decision”. Alan told the association members that it is “time to invest in your companies to take advantage of a growing economy” – be aggressive, spend some money on your business.” Beaulieu then pointed out that the leading economic indicators are up and so are US exports. After a short break, the general membership meeting was underway. Jay Queenin from Specialty Bolt & Screw Inc. is now the new president succeeding Matt Ulrich of Assembled Products Inc. Kevin Reidl of Hodell-Natco is the new vice president and Bob Porteous of Porteous Fastener is associate chair. The new distributor board members are: Jim Lindrup of Fabory USA; Bob Luzum, Accurate Component Sales; and associate Simmi Sakhuja president of Stelfast Inc. During the afternoon session Jay Queenin announced that NFDA has named Vickie Lester as the NFDA’s new executive director. Vickie is also the executive director of the Pac-West Fastener Association. Queenin went on to say that the association had reached a fork in the road and the board believes it is time to head in a different strategy direction. Vickie’s background and abilities will help NFDA achieve their vision. New NFDA members were then announced and given the podium to introduce themselves and their by Tracey Lumia, Distributor’s Link Magazine companies. New members are: Mike Mowins, Phillips Screw Company; John Grabner, Cardinal Screw; Kelly Cole, WCL Company; Pieter VanKalmthout, Metric Fasteners Corporation; and Susan Eaton, ETN Enterprises. Wednesday evening’s welcome reception was held on the grounds of the winery. The reception provided time to catch up with old friends, network and enjoy the mountain views, cocktails, hors d’oureves and fantastic sunset. On Thursday, the ESPS meetings continued throughout the day. In addition to the meetings, a ballroom was set up for network exhibits where companies were able to set up and display literature and talk with their fellow members. Early that evening, members were invited to a wine tasting in the hotel atrium. Everyone had an opportunity to learn about the vineyard and what wines they are producing. Thursday evening’s dinner was a cookout. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating so it had to be brought indoors. The food was fantastic and a good time was had by all. Awards were presented to outgoing board members for their service. The golf tournament scheduled for Friday was a rainout. Most golfers chose not to participate due to the inclement weather. Only a handful of dedicated golfers braved the torrential rain to get out there and try for that perfect shot. The next NFDA meeting is being scheduled for November 2012 in Arizona overlapping with the Pac-West meeting in Scottsdale. For more information, contact the NFDA or go to nfda-fastener.org. Top: Outgoing president Matt Ulrich and wife Kellie Bottom: President Jay Queenin and Vice President Kevin Reidl
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