Near-record crowd gathers for STAFDA's 23rd
Dutton Miller told STAFDA attendees they need to value their customers more than ever.
By Industrial Distribution Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 12/1/1999
Denver, Colo.--Just under 4,000 attendees turned out for the 23rd annual convention of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Assn. last month, falling just short of a record attendance. Focusing on e-commerce and the Internet, consolidation, and a construction economy that just won't quit, attendees were also treated to a keynote address by Senator Bob Dole.Nineteen of STAFDA's 23 past presidents attended to honor retiring executive director Morrie Halvorsen, 68. Halvorsen, who led the group for its first 23 years, received a 16-day trip for two to Europe. STAFDA had previously announced that Halvorsen's daughter, Georgia Foley, would succeed him as executive director. Prior to joining STAFDA six years ago, she spent seven years with the Exhibit Designers & Producers Assn.
Following the ceremony, outgoing STAFDA president Dutton Miller told attendees that they were enjoying a record eighth straight year of economic growth, and that the economy should remain strong in 2000. He noted that a recent STAFDA survey showed that 85 percent of respondents are Y2K compliant. However, "the real fear is that the international community is unprepared, and that their problems could eventually become our problems," said Miller.
Miller, who passed the STAFDA presidency to Marc Berman of Beerman Precision, concluded by saying that while the Internet and consolidation are beyond control, the one thing you can control is the culture of your business and how you value customers.
Dan Perry, president of Milwaukee Electric Tool, gave the state of the industry address, again focusing on embracing technology.
Dole, who spoke for a little over an hour, urged attendees to get involved in the voting process, noting that there were enough people at the general session to affect 10 or so Congressional races. Dole then focused on the need to recognize and learn from your failures, emphasizing that great leaders accept responsibility for their decisions -- good or bad.
The Technology Fair was well attended. Consultant Steve Epner, leading one breakout session, urged attendees to form a Web presence. While attendance was just below record levels, the 695 booths at the trade show represented an all-time high.
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