WINTER 2017

116 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

116 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK The Fastener Training Institute ® is pleased to announce the addition of Gene Simpson to our Board of Directors. Gene is Vice President of Quality & Engineering at Semblex Corporation, a premier domestic manufacturer of engineered fasteners. Gene has a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering and holds an MBA. Based in Chicago, Gene, with Semblex, has for many years held fastener training programs for their distributor and OEM customers and is thus a perfect fit for our team. The inclusion of Gene also rounds out our BOD both from a market and geographic perspective. Gene joins our current Board of Directors: Jennifer Harder – Empire Bolt, Spokane, WA Dallas Puckett – Valley Nut & Bolt, Olympia, WA Tim Roberto, Jr. – Star Stainless Screw Company, Fremont, CA Andy Cohn – Duncan Bolt Company, Santa Fe Springs, CA John Wachman – Desert Distribution Sales, Scottsdale, AZ Our 2017 schedule includes 25 classes in ten cities throughout the US. Additionally, our plans call for over 20 interactive product training webinars next year. An on-demand option will also be added to our webinar offerings. The Fastener Training Institute’s core purpose is to enhance fastener use, reliability and safety. By providing fastener product and technical training at all levels, FTI can achieve its goal of strengthening the industry and its personnel in all segments. The objective of the Fastener Training Institute® is to elevate the level of technical understanding and expertise of individuals in the fastener industry by providing a variety of training programs presented by recognized industry experts. FTI provides beginning and advanced training on fastener products, standards and specifications. For more information about FTI and to view the complete training schedule, please visit their website at www.fastenertraining.org.

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 117 SOUTHWESTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION 292 Sugarberry Circle, Houston, TX 77024 TEL 713-952-5472 FAX 713-952-7488 EMAIL swfa@swbell.net WEB www.sfa-fastener.org SFA ELECTS 2016/2017 OFFICERS by John Elsner During the Fall Meeting of the Southwestern Fastener Association Board of Directors, 2016/17 Officers were elected. Matt Flajnick, American Anchor Bolt, succeeded Ron Garrett, SBS Industries as Chairman of SFA. Chris Bell, G.L. Huyett, was elected President, Jason Looft, Winzer Corp., Vice President, Craig McDaniel, ND Industries, Treasurer and Suzanne Cravens, Advance Components, Assistant Treasurer. Other members of the Board include Mary Davidson, Linus Products Inc., Allison James, Stelfast Inc., Chuck Smith, AZ Lifting Hardware, Billy Rackley, LTR Fastener & Supply; and Mike Bailey, Nucor Fasteners. Business Meeting, followed by two General Sessions prior to the SEFA Table Top Trade Show and Raffles Friday afternoon. Registration information and hotel reservation forms will be distributed in January. Other actions of the SFA Board included the establishment of dates for the 2017 Fall Dinner Meetings. The Board selected the date of September 12, 2017 to meet in the DFW Metroplex and October 3, 2017 for the Houston Area meeting. The Board also established April 11 – 13, 2018 as the dates for the next Spring Conference and Expo. The 2018 event will be in the DFW Metroplex. A host facility has not been selected at this time. The Board also welcomed The Orlander Company as a new member of SFA. 2017 SFA Scholarship Applications are available for downloading at www.sfa-fastener.org. SFA awards eleven One Thousand Dollar Scholarships each year to students and employees of Member Companies. Scholarship applications must be post marked by April 1, 2017 in order to be considered for a 2017 award. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: CRAIG MCDANIEL, CHRIS BELL AND JASON LOOFT SFA has turned their attention to the planning the Spring Conference and a joint meeting with SEFA in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 10 – 31, 2017. Astor Crowne Plaza, located at Canal and Bourbon Street, will host the meeting. An opening reception will kick off the meeting at 6 p.m. on the April 19. Thursday will feature a golf outing and the awards Dinner. Friday will include the SFA FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: CHUCK SMITH, MARY DAVIDSON, ALLISON JAMES AND MATT FLAJNICK ASSOCIATION ARTICLE SOUTHWESTERN FASTENER ASSOCIATION