NAHAD, past and present
In San Antonio, NAHAD celebrates 15 years of service to the hose and accessories industry
By Victoria Fraza -- Industrial Distribution, 4/1/1999
On June 5, 1985, the National Assn. of Hose and Accessories Distributors convened for the first time at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. It was the association's first annual meeting, and no one knew for sure what would become of the fledgling group.Fourteen annual meetings later, NAHAD has evolved into a strong and reputable organization, recognized not just in the United States but around the world. NAHAD's international status has risen in the last few years due to an increasing number of international members, as well as a growing interest among domestic members in doing business abroad. While NAHAD must now work to find the best way to meet the international business needs of its members, its growing status in the global economy is testament to how far the association has come since the early days.
In 1985, NAHAD had 181 members, 90 of which sent representatives to the first annual meeting. Today, NAHAD is 534 members strong, and association managers expect to see close to 950 attendees at this year's meeting in San Antonio (a figure that includes both representatives and guests). But the association has grown in other ways, as well. In addition to key programs begun in the 1980s and early 90s -- such as the scholarship program, Executive Forum, the assembly standards process and others -- the association is focused on new initiatives for the coming years. The most prominent, of course, is the NAHAD Institute, a comprehensive education program aimed at helping distributors train their employees at all levels.
NAHAD executive vice president Joe Thompson has said that the most important role the association can play is one of educator and information provider. Through its ongoing dedication to programs, old and new, as well as through its affiliation with other industry organizations and cooperatives -- such as the National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors and the University of Industrial Distribution -- Thompson says NAHAD can continue to fill that role in the years to come.
The evolution of NAHAD
1984-85
The mid-1980s were an exciting time for those in the hose and accessories industry. NAHAD's founding members met in St. Louis in 1984, and shortly after, a steering committee met in Philadelphia to write the association's by-laws. The first annual convention was held on June 5, 1985 at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville.
1985-86
This year saw the publication of NAHAD's first membership directory.
1986-87
A new association logo was selected.
1987-88
Several key events marked this year. NAHAD produced its first product training videotapes, implemented the Excess Inventory Report, and formed the Scholarship Committee.
1988-89
The NAHAD News was established, the first training aids manual was developed, and the transportation committee produced its first freight tariff report. Also this year, NAHAD awarded its first scholarship, to a student at Western Carolina University.
1989-90
In 1990, NAHAD's first convention guide was published by Industrial Distribution. The Sixth Annual Meeting & Convention was held at Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
1990-91
In this year, the association's mission statement was established and approved, the ResourCenter directory and exhibit was established, and the Executive Committee was formed to chart progress between board meetings.
1991-92
The Association Education Alliance was formed with allied trade organizations, the Compensation and Operating Ratios Survey was conducted, and a member census survey was initiated.
1992-93
This year's key events included: the creation of the SAFE task force; development of the Executive Forum Program; and the formation of the EDI Coalition of Associations, with NAHAD as a founding member.
1993-94
The Assembly Standards Committee was formed, the University of Industrial Distribution was initiated in conjunction with the allied trade associations, and the Computer Software User Guide was published. Also this year, the association's Compensation and Operating Ratios survey was conducted once again.
1994-95
The first Manufacturer and Associate Council was held this year, a program dedicated to serving NAHAD's supplier members.
1995-96
This year saw the establishment of the flexible metal hose assembly standard -- the first of five standards the association hopes to complete by the year 2000.
1996-97
In early 1996, the International Committee was formed. In 1997, four concurrent hose assembly standards were initiated -- industrial, hydraulic, composite and PTFE.
1997-98
The seed was planted this year for the development of the NAHAD Institute, a comprehensive education program that would be unveiled at the annual meeting in 1998.
1998-99
The association embarked on developing the curriculum for the NAHAD Institute shortly after the program was announced during the 14th Annual Meeting and Convention in Palm Beach, Fla. After a year's worth of research and development, the curriculum model was scheduled to be unveiled during NAHAD's 15th anniversary meeting in San Antonio.
NAHAD's Past Presidents
1985-1986
Harry O. Hooper, Jr.
Rubber & Accessories, Inc.Lakeland, Fla.
1986-1988
Edward B. Fabacher, Jr.
Fabacher, Inc.Harvey, La.
1988-1989
George W. Carver
Catawba Industrial Rubber Co., Inc.Charlotte, N.C.
1989-1990
Allan H. Beverly
SRG Products, Inc.Aston, Pa.
1990-1991
Robert A. Lyons, Sr.
Thomas Industrial Products Co., Inc.Owings Mills, Md.
1991-1992
Michael P. Summers
Summers Rubber Co.Cleveland, Ohio
1992-1993
Richard D. Hall
PRC Industrial Supply, Inc.Portland, Me.
1993-1994
Howard E. Neff
Lewis Goetz & Co., Inc.Pittsburgh, Pa.
1994-1995
James W. Mitchell
Anchor Rubber Co.Springboro, Ohio
1995-1996
Michael C. Lentz
Rubber & Specialties, Inc.Mobile, Ala.
1996-1997
Curtis W. Sprague
Mountain Empire Rubber & Specialty Co.Johnson City, Tenn.
1997-1998
Al Talbot
Western States Tool & SupplyHayward, Calif.
1998-1999
Tom Slater
Rubber Supply Co., Inc.Morrisville, Pa.
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