Tim Russert will address STAFDA convention. Tim Russert, moderator of NBC's Meet the Press and analyst for various network news programs, will present the keynote address at the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Assn. Annual Convention and Trade Show, November 10-12, 2002. The speech highlights the general session on Monday, Nov. 11, at the convention site in Anaheim, Calif.

Russert has anchored Meet the Press since 1991. He also heads the Tim Russert Show, a weekly interview show on CNBC. Russert is a network vice president and Washington bureau chief of NBC News.

According to STAFDA officials, Russert's speech, coming one week after congressional and gubernatorial elections, may include his thoughts about the impact newly elected representatives will have on American policies.

For more information, contact STAFDA at (262) 784-4774.

NAW/DREF issues audio leadership series. The National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors' Distribution Research and Education Foundation is offering a multi-volume CD series, Profiles in Wholesale Distribution Leadership. The series uses an "oral history" approach, bringing listeners into the offices of leaders of the industry for candid conversations, according to NAW.

The first CD focuses on Stephen Kaufman, retired CEO, now chairman, of Arrow Electronics. The second CD features Chuck Steiner, retired CEO of Rexel Branch Electric Supply; the third features John Woodhouse, retired chairman of Sysco Foods.

The second and third CDs are due in the spring and summer of 2002, respectively.

For more information, contact NAW at (202) 872-0885.

NAED names Jaworowski vice president. The National Assn. of Electrical Distributors recently named Michelle Jaworowski vice president. She joined NAED in 1998 and was promoted to director of the NAED Education Foundation in 2000.

In her new position, Jaworowski will take on added responsibilities, representing NAED at industry functions and leading the association's staff.

The association also announced new university alliance affiliate members: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.; Clarkson University, Potsdam, N.Y.; Minnesota State University Moorhead; and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Students at the schools enjoy many benefits through the alliance, including invitations to meetings and conferences.

CBNSA hosts Chicago Fastener Show.

The Chicago Bolt, Nut & Screw Assn. will host the 2002 Chicago Fastener Show June 19 in Bloomingdale, Ill., followed June 20 by the annual golf/tennis outing. The show, held from noon to 8 p.m. at Indian Lakes Resort, features a reception sponsored by exhibitors and member companies.

For more information, contact CBNSA at (847) 438-8338.

NAW chooses insurance vendor. Through the National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors' Insurelink program, distributors across the country have an opportunity to save on health insurance premiums, according to NAW president Dirk Van Dongen.

Flexible Benefit Service Corp. of Des Plaines, Ill. will be the exclusive Insurelink healthcare provider.

"FBSC can help wholesaler-distributors gain significant savings in group health plan costs through the power of plan design and special agreements with some of America's leading insurance companies," Van Dongen said.

For more information, contact NAW at (202) 872-0885.

MHEF elects McLaughlin president. At its 2002 annual meeting in January, the Material Handling Education Foundation elected J. Sherman McLaughlin president for 2002-2003. He is Emeritus General Counsel for the Material Handling Industry of America.

McLaughlin is a founder of MHEF, established in 1976. In January 2000, he won the Norman L. Cahners Award for recognition of distinguished activities in the material handling industry and in support of the mission of MHEF.

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.