victoria.kickham@reedbusiness.com

In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, NAHAD—The Assn. for Hose & Accessories Distribution is one of many business groups forced to find a new host for its upcoming New Orleans—based annual convention. The association announced in early October that the meeting, originally planned for April 1–5 at the Fairmont New Orleans, will now be held one week later, April 8–12, at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Further complicating the issue for NAHAD, two of its smaller meetings—the Manufacturer and Associate Council and the fall meeting of the board of directors—were slated to be held in New Orleans this year. NAHAD's board meeting was moved to Washington, D.C., and was held October 28–30. The Manufacturer and Associate Council meeting was cancelled.

Despite the quick change, NAHAD said it's pleased with the new convention venue. The group held its 1996 convention at the same location. In a written statement, the association described the Broadmoor as, "an absolutely first-class property, with five-star service and incredible resort facilities."

Located at the base of Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor dates back to 1891, when it opened as a casino. Members can begin making room reservations this month, and will receive a convention brochure by mail in early December.

Tower Fasteners Co., Inc. expanded its coverage in the Southwest with a new distribution center in Arlington, Texas. Headquartered in Holtsville, N.Y., Tower Fasteners sells fasteners and electronic hardware...Buying group NetPlus Alliance announced plans to expand its service into Canada. NetPlus has 242 industrial and contractor supplies distributors, as well as 145 manufacturers and wholesalers, as members in the United States... Ironcald Performance Wear announced in September plans to move to a new, larger headquarters building in Los Angeles. The new facility will cover 15,000 square feet of space, and will allow the company to consolidate all of its West Coast operations under one roof...Electric motor manufacturer Bodine Electric Co. donated 40 motors to the University of California at Santa Cruz. The motors were used in the final project of a mechatronics class, where students designed robots capable of shooting targets sighted with infrared LED sensors...Cleaning chemicals manufacturer Enviro-Solutions added two distributors to its network: Custom Enterprises, of Tell City, Idaho, and Da Soluciones of the Dominican Republic... Osborn International opened a new brush manufacturing and distribution facility in Richmond, Ind...Independent Distributors Cooperative-USA added sprockets to its line of private brand products...H&C Tool Supply Corp. celebrated its 50th anniversary in September. Headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., the company sells metal-cutting tools and fasteners...Northern Tool & Equipment added a retail store location in Lewisville, Texas. The company sells power tools, equipment and accessories in 50 stores throughout the United States.

Fluke Electronics Corp. announced plans to purchase Infrared Solutions, a maker of portable thermography products. The deal was expected to close in the fourth quarter...The Timken Co. acquired Bearing Inspection, Inc., a provider of bearing inspection and reconditioning services... Parker Hannifin Corp. acquired Texloc and Page International. Texloc makes industrial tubing, and Page International makes hose and tubing products.

Hose and accessories distributor TIPCO Technologies honored Titan Industries with its Premier Supplier of the Year award for 2005.

BoschTools.com was named to BtoB magazine's 10 Great Web Sites list.