Pasadena, Calif. — "Adding value to your business relationships" will be the theme of the Bearing Specialists Assn.'s 37th annual convention April 26-30 at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa.

As part of this year's program, BSA has invited three leading experts to focus on the economy, ethics and leadership.

On Sunday, April 27th, economist Gene Stanaland will open the convention by detailing the country's economic health and giving an outlook for 2003.

The next day, author Frank Bucaro will describe how ethics and value work to ensure long-term business success. Another speaker, Jim Tunney, who has 28 years experience as an educator and 31 years as a referee in the National Football League, will share his knowledge on team building, leadership, performance, motivation, customer service and wellness.

Sten Malstrom, president of SKF USA, will present an update on activities at the American Bearings Manufacturers Assn. Attendees will also hear from representatives of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is now part of NASA, a major buyer of bearings. The JPL, founded at CalTech in the 1930s, launched its first rocket on Oct. 31, 1936. Tours of the Jet Propulsion Lab will also be offered.

In addition to the workshops, attendees will participate in a number of social activities, including tours of Universal Studios, Warner Brothers and a visit to the J. Paul Getty Center, a 110-acre, six building art complex in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Conference table sessions will be held for manufacturers and distributors and a dinner dance will close the meeting.