The Power Transmission Distributors Assn. offers a multimedia computer-based training program, Power Transmission Interactive, to distributor sales forces.

Using text, graphics, video, animation and voice prompts, the two-disc CD-ROM program teaches employees the basics of 14 power transmission/ motion control product categories. Materials include maintenance and diagnostic tips, application and selection criteria and quizzes. Distributors can base all their training on the CD-ROM set, or incorporate it into their current training.

For information, contact PTDA at (312) 876-9461.

The Fluid Power Distributors Assn. is again working with For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a non-profit organization generating interest in science and engineering among youth. FPDA calls the initiative "Kids to Customers."

The program aims to interest students in fluid power and motion technology by promoting involvement by local distributors. FPDA supports the annual FIRST Robotics Competition by distributing marketing kits and informational videos to members.

Students work closely with engineers to design and build a robot. The competition kicks off Jan. 5, 2002 in Manchester, N.H., where students learn the objective of next year's competition.

For information, contact FPDA at (856) 424-8998.

The Industrial Supply Manufacturers Assn. and the Industrial Distribution Assn. will sponsor a series of sales seminars presented by Dave Kahle, president of the DaCo Corp. The series is titled, "How to Survive and Thrive in the Information Age Economy."

The program is a two-day event held October 16-17 in Chicago, November 6-7 in Atlanta and November 13-14 in Dallas. There is a main session and side sessions for manufacturers representatives, distributor salespeople and sales managers.

For information, contact I.D.A. at (877) 591- 6210.

The Electrical Apparatus Service Assn. elected international officers for 2001-2002: Michael, J. Stewart, Stewart's Electric Motor Works, Orlando, Fla., chairman of the board; Woodrow, S. McClure, Jr., Dixie Electric Motor Service, Inc., Charlotte, N.C., vice-chairman; and Les Parsons, Arlington, P/L, Inverell, New South Wales, Australia, secretary/treasurer.

Also elected to the Executive Board were: Bill Nielsen, Flanders Electric Motor Service of Illinois, Inc., Marion, Ill.; and Brian Gibbon, Dowding & Mills PLC, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK.

The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Assn. released its Quarterly Trend Report showing lower sales in seven of 10 regions, with business down 1.5 percent overall. Reports had the northwest region dropping the most at 10.8 percent lower than the previous quarter.

The mid-Atlantic, south-central and Pacific areas showed gains, with Pacific sales on top at 6.7 percent. The report also shows distributors treading water, with flat sales and expectations of only a 0.4 percent gain for the coming third quarter. According to STAFDA, members participating in the survey averaged $12 million in annualized sales.

The Bearing Specialists Assn. offers a Certified Bearing Specialist program that can add the value of industry knowledge to every customer transaction. The CBS program offers targeted training on a self-study basis, and is designed for individuals or groups.

The program's purpose is worldwide certification through a comprehensive exam that tests and rates a candidate's mastery of critical skills. Candidates include inside and outside distribution personnel, service engineers, applications engineers, field service technicians, bearing technical support specialists and account managers.

To be eligible, candidates must be employed in the industry and have two years experience.

For information, contact BSA at (630) 858-3838.

The World of Concrete and World of Masonry meeting will be held January 8-12, 2002, at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La. During the five days, 85 educational sessions will be presented.

Seminars begin Tuesday, January 8. Exhibits, Test Track and Concrete Alley are open January 9-12. Organizers expect 60,000 attendees and over 1,600 manufacturers and service providers showing products.

For information, contact World of Concrete at (800) 837-0870.

Send Association News to associate editor Al Tuttle, 275 Washington St., Newton, Mass., 02458; call (617) 558-4770; fax to (617) 558-4327; or e-mail to atuttle@cahners.com.