ATLANTA When the Industrial Distribution Assn. and the Industrial Supply Manufacturer's Assn. divided management control of their jointly sponsored events earlier this year, the twice yearly ISMA/I.D.A. conventions weren't the only things changed. The Young Executives Forum, an ISMA/I.D.A. networking and education group for members 40 and under, has been divided in two, with each association managing its own YEF.

The split allows each group to focus on the needs of its respective members, though they will continue to work together to promote networking and interaction among the industry's younger leaders.

One notable change is that membership in their respective YEF is free for I.D.A. and ISMA members. Membership in the joint YEF was $50 per year.

"Younger managers are the future of our industry," said Scott Heller of New Jersey-based distributor Madsen & Howell and chairman of I.D.A.'s YEF Steering Committee. "YEF provides a vehicle for younger managers to become involved in industry activities and to establish key relationships through peer-to-peer networking."

YEF hosts social events and workshops, publishes a biannual newsletter and runs scholarship programs for young executives. While you must be 40 or younger to join the group, members can participate until age 45. There are two joint YEF activities at the I.D.A./ISMA Fall Convention in Chicago next month: a networking social on Saturday, November 23, and a roundtable "rap session" breakfast prior to the Supplier Booth Program on Sunday, November 24. The convention will take place at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, November 23-25.