PONTE VEDRA, FLA. — Focusing on ways to increase profitability and reduce costs, members of the Independent Sealing Distributors met here Oct. 10-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort for their 11th annual convention.

Despite the down economy there was a strong turnout at the meeting, with 21 new members in attendance. Speakers at the three-day event included consultant James Ambrose, who described ways for distributors to improve management and sales techniques. He also identified strategies for distributors to improve their team-building and problem-solving techniques.

Adam Fein of Pembroke Consulting detailed the results of the latest Facing the Forces of Change study and told members how to use scenario planning as a management tool to improve operations.

For the first time, ISD attendees had the opportunity to listen to a dozen manufacturers and suppliers spotlight their products and services. Each supplier had 20 minutes to give information related to fluid sealing products. Distributors rated the sessions a huge success.

Susan Pyle of Essential Sealing Products Inc. is the 2002-2003 president of ISD. She succeeds Don Bybee of Gasket & Packings Inc. in Borger, Texas.