Miami proved to be an attractive location for NAHAD—the Assn. for Hose and Accessories Distribution, and its record-setting attendance of 925, including spouses, guests and children, in April.

"This year we have more than 220 distributor companies attending, the highest number of distributors we've ever had," said Joe Thompson, executive vice president of NAHAD. Thompson credited the Hose Assembly Guidelines, a good economy and the Miami location for the strong turnout.

On Monday, after almost a decade, NAHAD presented the published Hose Assembly Guidelines for five different product groups to its membership. Attendees were given free copies of each. The guidelines provide comprehensive minimal performance recommendations for specifying, designing and fabricating hose assemblies for industrial, hydraulic, fluoropolymer, metal and composite hose.

One popular presentation was led by Jonathan Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels and author of the book, The Power of We, who has extensive experience in the art of partnerships. In his book, as well as his presentation, he focused on aspects important to business, including putting aside individual concerns and working towards the greater good of a company, in a phrase, extolling the power of partnerships.

Monday's 21st Annual Meeting of Members drew a full house, and the proceedings, presided over by outgoing NAHAD president Thomas von Hillebrandt, gave members a full account of the last year in the life of NAHAD. Thompson gave progress reports on association programs and activities.

Von Hillebrandt, president of Industrial Rubber & Mechanics, Inc. in San Juan, Puerto Rico, passed on the presidential gavel to incoming president Daniel Ahuero. president of GHX. Inc. in Houston.

New association officers and Board members were welcomed, and in Ahuero's presidential address, he outlined NAHAD's objectives for the next three years, including: complete and promote the HAG; position NAHAD as an important organization for end users and government; strengthen the convention; improve the marketability of its products and programs; and extend its international reach and visibility.

"It is a sincere honor and a deep privilege to stand as NAHAD's new president," said Ahuero.

Concluding his remarks, Ahuero reminded attendees that next year's convention, held from April 1–6, will be in New Orleans.