FPDA Snapshot Survey available. The Fluid Power Distributors Assn. reported the success of their Snapshot Survey Internet tool, which allows distributors to track their sales dollars against the previous year and against the average of other FPDA members. Distributors can sign up by sending an email with company name and contact to snapshot@fpda.org.

Initial input takes about one hour, but after that updates take about five minutes. The site calculates comparisons by company size, product mix or coverage region.

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

NIFS pace picks up. Over 400 companies have reserved nearly 500 booths at the National Industrial Fasteners Show/West, marking a sharp increase over booth purchases last year. NIFS officials reserved 30 booths for large exhibits from Korea and the People's Republic of China.

The Las Vegas show, held November 20-22 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel, features conference programs sponsored by the Los Angeles Fastener Assn. and the Western Fastener Distributors Assn. Also on the docket are the "Bolt Bash" reception and "Hall of Fame" luncheon.

For more information, contact NIFS at (614) 895-8348.

ISM offers program to Canadian professionals. The Institute for Supply Management strengthened its ties to the North with a two-year program to certify Canadian supply management professionals who have earned the Certified Professional Purchaser designation.

During the initial two years, CPPs need not take the CPM exam, according to ISM. However, after Jan. 31, 2004, CPPs will be required to take the standard four-part exam. Current CPPs need only to fill out the application available at www.ism.ws.

NEDA introduces channel awards. The National Electronic Distributors Assn. will present the first annual Channel Marketing Awards at the NEDA Executive Conference Oct. 28 in Chicago. The awards honor firms that excel in corporate marketing. NEDA will present Gold Achievement and Platinum Excellence awards.

Also, NEDA's executive vice president Robin Gray, Jr., reported recently that the pattern of shipments of electrical products has followed a "one-month-up-and-two-months-down" pattern since April 2001. If the pattern breaks with July and August reports, he says it's a sign of recovery in the industry in the fall.

For more information, contact NEDA at (678) 393-9990.

ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2002 has new two-tiered format. The largest show of its kind, ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2002 heads to Las Vegas October 15-18, with over 700 exhibitors signed on to put up displays for an estimated 17,000 attendees.

A new format features educational sessions the first day on the main floor, before set-up of the tradeshow, aimed at distributors, manufacturers and reps. The second day features seminars for building service contractors and in-house professionals. All segments of the cleaning industry converge the next two days.

ISSA/INTERCLEAN is an international event, playing host to visitors from 65 countries. Seminars are divided into seven tracks: general management, sales, technology, legislative/regulatory, building service contractor, in-house professional and motivational.

For more information, contact ISSA at (847) 982-0800.

I.D.A. offers rewards for references. The Industrial Distribution Assn. is making an offer it hopes members can't refuse. Members who go to www.idarewards.org and submit a colleague's contact information for membership will earn entries into prize drawings that include cash and trips. Information is held strictly confidential and will be used only for membership recruitment, according to I.D.A.

The Web site includes membership applications, description of benefits and a list of current members. Those who recommend prospects can get discounts on I.D.A. products, and are eligible for prizes whether or not the prospect joins.

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

SMMA hosts autumn conference. SMMA-The Motor & Motion Assn. will present the SMMA Fall Technical Conference Nov. 6-8 at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis, Mo. Categories of topics include applications, design, drives, materials, motors, manufacturing and trends. Specific topics for discussion are: improving motor efficiency, motor and drive design software, new insulation systems, developments in nano materials, 42-volt automotive systems, magnetic materials and more.

For more information, contact SMMA at (508) 655-4409.

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@reedbusiness.com.