The National Fluid Power Assn.'s annual Economic Outlook Conference will be held Aug. 19-20 at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio. Speaker presentations will include forecasts for the U.S. and world economies as well as analyses of domestic and international markets. According to reports, the information presented will be of great interest to fluid power manufacturers, distributors, market analysts and investors.

Speakers will include Larry Chimerine, with the North American macroeconomic forecast; Eli Lustgarten, with a broad overview of the industry's markets; industry expert Jim Meil, with forecasts for the hydraulic and pneumatic industries; and Alan Beaulieu, who will provide an international market forecast.

For more information, call (414) 778-3372 or visit www.nfpa.com.

The National Electronic Distributors Assn. has released the findings from its study that quantifies the true costs, savings and value of authorized distribution. Conducted in conjunction with Texas A&M University, the study outlines the value suppliers and customers receive from using an authorized distributor versus alternative channels.

"The study finally and completely puts to rest the myth that distributors add cost to the channel," says Robin B. Gray, Jr., executive vice president of NEDA.

NEDA members receive one complimentary copy. Non-members may purchase it.

For more information, call (678) 393-9990 or visit www.nedassoc.org.

The International Sanitary Supply Assn. has redesigned its Web site, located at www.issa.com, to provide industry professionals easier access to information in the cleaning and maintenance industry.

ISSA's site now offers a knowledge base for the entire industry, where users register at the site, identify their company type, and then gain access to a customized web resource providing information to fit their needs. Features include: the online member directory and Buyer's Guide search function; the Knowledge Center, a page filled with information on sales and marketing, industry trends, new legislation and regulations, cleaning methods and more; access to local, national and international industry seminars and trade shows; ISSA/INTERCLEAN tradeshow planning tools; and "Ask ISSA," a place to ask questions of industry experts.

For more information, visit www.issa.com.

The National Assn. of Electrical Distributors has announced the organization's new Board of Directors for 2003–04. The group includes Tom Cloud of United Electric Supply in Wilmington, Del. as chairman of the board; Peter de Steiger of Raymond de Steiger, Inc. in Sterling Heights, Mich. as chair-elect; and Ben Herr of Dakota Supply Group in Fargo, N.D. as past chair.

Other officers include Mike Lockard, Randy Germeraad, Rick Smith, Barry McEachern, Sam McCamy, III, John Spoor, Robert Reynolds, David Beattie, Bruce Pockey, Sandra Rosecrans, Richard Worthy, Tammy Miller, Bill Elliott, Burt Schraga, Cora Williams, Stuart Irby and Lou Fromm.

For more information, call (314) 991-9000 or visit www.naed.org.