A look back
NAHAD's outgoing president reflects on his year in office
By Tom Slater -- Industrial Distribution, 4/1/1999
Tom Slater, president of Rubber Supply Co. in Morrisville, Pa., ends his term as NAHAD president this year. ID asked Slater to take a look back on the past year and talk about some of the strides that were made under his leadership. We also asked him to talk about some of the key issues that will continue to challenge NAHAD members in years to come.
Q: What do you consider the association's major accomplishments during your term as NAHAD president?
A: The association has attempted to set future goals by having a strategic planning meeting this year in an effort to plan for the continued long-term growth of our members. I think that's extremely important because it sets the stage for NAHAD's future, as far as what's going to happen for the future of the association.
Q: A year ago, you emphasized the importance of promoting NAHAD to other industries. Do you think strides have been made in that area?
A: Well, we have completed the NAHAD Institute curriculum, which should put forth recognition that we are the industry source for training and education. In addition, our efforts in creating a NAHAD Web site have enhanced the promotion of our association to other industries.
Q: You also stressed the importance of NAHAD's work on hose assembly standards. How would you evaluate the progress on that project?
A: The project of providing the final package of the NAHAD assembly standards is very near completion. I think the cooperation between the manufacturer and the distributor members that served on that assembly standards committee was excellent. They worked very well together.
Q: What are some of the most significant changes that have taken place in the hose and accessories industry in recent years?
A: One of the most significant changes in our industry today is the ability of distributors to market on an international basis. We're going to have to be able to market our products not only here in the U.S., but outside of the U.S. as well. It's a continuing challenge for the future.
Q: What are the issues of greatest concern to NAHAD members in the coming year?
A: An issue which I feel distributors should be concerned with is the embracing of electronic commerce and Y2K compliance. This is an ever-changing and evolving situation. It's something everyone in business is going to have to keep up with.
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom you'd like to offer NAHAD members as you end your term?
A: My words of wisdom would be to have fun at what you are doing and look forward to working in our industry, as it is an ever-changing and interesting business!
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