Palm Springs, Calif. —The 18^th Annual Meeting and Convention of the National Assn. of Hose & Accessories Distributors focuses on one thing: success in 2002. By the time members meet here May 8-12, some of the economic challenges of the past two years may be on the wane. But there will be a long way to go.

Last year was a challenging one, according to NAHAD president John Mork, who wants members to forge ahead into a "more prosperous future." A lot of questions remain about an economic upswing, depending on your main business and region of the country, he said.

"There have been economic struggles and logistical challenges. I imagine that there is not a member company in our association that has not had to make adjustments and surmount obstacles in the past few months," Mork said.

Attending the convention this year will give distributors the tools they need to sell in a still-questionable economy, Mork said.

"I can't speak for distributors around the country, but we are tied heavily to steel and coal," said Mork, president of Gooding Rubber Co. in Woodridge, Ill. "The shakeout is still coming, and everyone is cautious, but at the same time they need to be prepared. We had a pretty decent February and would like to believe all the numbers coming out and that a recovery is on the way sooner, rather than later."

Features of the annual meeting include the manufacturer and associate hospitality suites and the contact table program. The Hospitality Evening will take place Thursday, May 9, and the Contact Table Exhibits will be held on Friday, May 10.

"NAHAD Presents — Tools for Success," is a program running Friday, May 10, at 8:30 a.m. that offers members more practical tools to be successful, said Joseph Thompson, NAHAD's executive director.

"The convention will hopefully present scenarios for success, one of the themes this year," Thompson said. "We have Facing the Forces of Change , by Adam Fein and Pembroke Consulting, and we have Bob Treadway, who presents future scenarios, as well. That's part of the 'scenarios' theme."

Thompson expects a good turnout at the annual meeting this year despite economic woes.

"Registrations are ahead of last year and have come in ahead at every stage that we measure from year to year," he said.

The economy is starting to turn slightly for the better, according to the calls Thompson is getting from members.

"While it's very difficult to say because our members service such diverse industries — from maritime to mining to agriculture — I think there's some momentum," he said. "I've heard folks in MRO say stock is starting to move. I've heard it's picked up a little to a lot."