PTDA members see better 2003

Results from a member survey by the Power Transmission Distributors Assn. show hope for a steady, albeit small increase in business for 2003. Of 51 responding distributors, 80 percent expect sales increases over the figures for 2002. Their main concern is the struggling economy, followed by repercussions of war in the Middle East.

Additionally, two-thirds of distributor respondents think the economic downturn will end by late fall, and 59 percent put the sales growth figure between two and 7.9 percent. For more information, contact PTDA at (312) 876-9461.

NEFDA holds membership meeting

The New England Fastener Distributors Assn. will hold its annual membership meeting Thursday, April 24, at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, Mass. Registration deadline is Friday, April 11.

The featured speaker is Bruce Darling of Porteous Fastener Co. He will discuss various aspects of the fastener business, focusing on the evolution of Chinese and Taiwanese factories and steel price trends for the immediate future.

The association will elect a new board at the meeting, which begins with dinner at 6 p.m. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call NEFDA at (508) 842-9770.

SEDA announces Annual Conference

The Safety Equipment Distributors Assn., in conjunction with other safety organizations, will hold its 2003 Annual Conference at the Westin Harbor Castle Hotel in Toronto, Canada, July 26-29. The meeting, Safety Week 2003, is designed as an educational and networking event for distributors, manufacturers and manufacturers' representatives. Joining SEDA will be the International Glove Assn., the International Hand Protection Assn., the Safety Equipment Manufacturers Agents Assn. and the Canadian Glove Manufacturers Assn. For more information, contact SEDA at (443) 640-1065 x105.

NAED to host annual meeting

The National Assn. of Electrical Distributors will hold their Annual Meeting, Roadmap to Leadership , at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, May 17-21. Keynote speakers are Andrew Cuomo, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Ken Schmidt, former communications director for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.

Manufacturer peer networking groups meet Saturday, May 17, and distributors groups meet Sunday. Other highlights include a program for women in the industry on Sunday, an NAED Education Foundation raffle and silent auction on Monday and a marketing awards presentation on Wednesday. For more information, contact NAED at (888) 791-2512.

NAW begins compensation project

The National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors' Distribution Research and Education Foundation is sponsoring a study of salesforce compensation, to be authored by J. Michael Marks and Mike Emerson of the Indian River Consulting Group. The group posted an online survey and will conduct interviews with distribution executives.

Marks and Emerson plan to illustrate how choice of plans directly affects a company's financial performance. To take part, go to www.ircg.com/comp_survey. For more information, contact NAW/DREF at (202) 872-0885.

NFDA launches excess inventory site

The National Fastener Distributors Assn. recently launched an excess inventory listing and sales site for members at www.1stfastener.com. The site has a database of over 6,000 companies buying and selling inventory. Members can order and bid online, participate in reverse auctions, and send and receive quotes. Fees are required.

According to Dave Merrifield, NFDA's executive vice president, income generated from the Web site will be used to fund education and technical training programs, and other programs that benefit members. For more information, contact NFDA at (216) 579-1571.

NIBA launches scholarship NIBA – The Belting Assn. instituted a new scholarship award recently, the Employee Education Scholarship, available to employees of distributor/fabricator members. Three scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded annually to assist employees in business-related education.

Professional seminars and university courses, and others, will be eligible for use of the funds. Applications will be sent to member contacts in May.

For more information, contact NIBA at (262) 523-9090. 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.