Denver — The Industrial Distribution Assn. marked its 100^th anniversary during a three-day Spring Convention held in conjunction with the Industrial Supply Manufacturer's Assn. The convention took place at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Denver, Colo., May 4-6.

I.D.A. traces its roots back to the formation of the Southern Supply & Machinery Dealers Assn., founded in April 1902. SSDA eventually became part of the present-day I.D.A.

A special video detailing the industry's 100-year history was presented during the convention's Opening Ceremony on Sunday, May 5. I.D.A. president Scott Parrish of Turner Supply in Nashville, Tenn., introduced the video, presented under the theme "Our Rock-Solid Industry, Built on 100 Years of Relationships."

The video featured prominent industry figures such as Ray Martino, president and CEO of Simonds Industries; Jim Warren, COO of Cameron & Barkley Co./Hagemeyer NA; Fritz Butts of Kaufman Co.; and Industrial Distribution's chief editor and associate publisher, Jack Keough. Gary Buffington, I.D.A.'s executive vice president, and Bob Clifton, former director of the Southern Industrial Distributors' Assn., also appeared in the video.

"The foundation of our industry's past prepares us for our industry's future," Parrish told attendees during his opening remarks, continuing the historic theme. He also noted the many industry leaders who have influenced him over the years and acknowledged the longtime members and volunteers who continue to support the industry by participating in ISMA/I.D.A. events.

ISMA honored I.D.A. for its centennial with a special plaque, presented to Parrish by ISMA president David Thompson of Kennedy Manufacturing, Van Wert, Ohio.

Thompson acknowledged the difficult economic times the industry has been facing during his opening remarks. He emphasized the importance of building relationships with trading partners through ISMA/ I.D.A. and gave special thanks to everyone who turned out for the Spring Convention.

"We thank you for making the effort to be here," Thompson said.

Over 1,500 executives and guests attended the convention. Attendance was up dramatically from last year's meeting in Hawaii and was just short of the turnout for the meeting in Dallas two years ago, according to I.D.A. and ISMA leaders.

Several awards were given out during the course of the convention, including ISMA's annual American Eagle Awards , I.D.A.'s Distributor of the Year Award, and a special, one-time Patriotism Award honoring companies that helped with the rescue and recovery efforts following the September 11^th terrorist attacks.

Nine companies and one individual were honored with the American Eagle Awards, which recognize companies that demonstrate the benefits of a free enterprise system to their communities and/or employees. Top honors went to Milwaukee Electric Tool, Brookfield, Wis., for overall achievement, and to William Ziegler, Sr., founder of Ziegler Tools in Atlanta, for individual achievement. Ziegler, a 50 -year industry veteran, received a standing ovation as he accepted his award.

I.D.A.'s Distributor of the Year award, presented by Industrial Distribution , went to Tom Berger of Fuchs Machinery, Omaha, Neb. Keough presented the award to Berger during I.D.A.'s annual membership meeting, Monday, May 6.

Patriotism Awards were given to The C.H. Hanson Co., Franklin Park, Ill; 3M Co., St. Paul, Minn.; and Ferguson Enterprises, Inc., Integrated Systems Division, Cincinnati, Ohio.

All three companies donated money and much-needed supplies to help in the rescue and recovery efforts in New York and Washington. Sixteen other member companies were honored with Patriotism Awards of Merit for similar efforts.