The future is now
With just 245 days to go to the new millennium, manufacturers and distributors must focus on tomorrow, today
By Terry Piper -- Industrial Distribution, 5/1/1999
By the time you read this article, there will only be approximately 245 days until the Year 2000, the 21st century, the millennium, or, as in the computer world, Y2K. Whether you're a manufacturer or a distributor, are you ready for this historic event? Is your computer set up to handle the Year 2000 and beyond? Are your suppliers compliant? Are your customers compliant? Your bank? Your freight lines? The phone system? I'm sure all of us can think of a lot more things to add to the Y2K list, but it's coming faster than ever and will affect all of us if it hasn't already.ASMMA and I.D.A. have been working together to help members deal with the Y2K problem and the future of our industry. The "Adding Value Together" theme of this year's convention is no exception. The educational management sessions set up for this year are second to none. From the "Documenting the Value You Add" session offered here to "An Update on Industrial MRO Mergers and Acquisitions," each session was developed with both the small and large distributor and manufacturer in mind.
If you want to talk about exporting, attend "Developing Your Export Business," presented by the ASMMA Global Trade Committee. How about selling through reps? Attend the "Thriving with Reps" session by the North American Industrial Representatives Assn. No matter what session you choose, get there early because I know they will fill up fast.
Don't miss the "tip off" with the opening cocktail party where we all look forward to seeing old friends and welcoming new ones. Our General Session will be as powerful as ever this year. Be sure to see the presentation of the American Eagle Awards and hear the latest from Sam Mitchell, current I.D.A. president and Jim Falduto, current ASMMA president. Then, listen to the ins and outs of Washington, D.C. as seen by our keynote speaker, Newt Gingrich. And plan on attending the all-day booth session on Monday where you will meet with current manufacturers as well as new ones.
ASMMA and I.D.A. have been working hard together to retain and attract new members and I'm proud to be a part of that effort. The 21st century is upon us and we must work even harder to increase the value of the industrial distribution network in the future. We still have a long way to go to implement bar coding, EDI, electronic commerce and to reduce channel costs in an effort to stay competitive. In an ever-changing market, we must make these things happen -- and we can make these things happen. ASMMA and I.D.A. are two strong organizations capable of influencing this industry.
Your involvement with our respective organizations is wanted and needed. Volunteer for committees if you can. You will find it beneficial and rewarding to yourself and your company. I can personally say that I have been blessed by meeting and working with some of the best people in distribution and manufacturing because of my involvement with ASMMA and I.D.A. Participate in the surveys and read and use all the various tools that are offered by both associations. The benefits are immeasurable.
What better city than San Francisco to have our last Spring Convention of the 20th century? As I accept the position of millennium president of ASMMA, I can only emphasize that we, as two leading industry associations, need to continue to strive for the technical excellence needed to carry us into the 21st century. In doing so, we will find ourselves more informed, more efficient, and more profitable than we ever imagined.
Terry Piper is president and general manager of Precision Brand Products.
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