They say records are made to be broken, and that was proven true at the IDC-USA meeting in Indianapolis May 1-3.

The industry co-operative set records for attendance, sales and rebate volume during 2006.

“We had a terrific year and we're having a good year in 2007, and needless to say we're thrilled and excited about it,” said Jack Bailey, president of IDC-USA.

Especially important was the amount of money members received in rebates this year from suppliers. This year's total came to more than $730,000, almost $200,000 more than last year and $400,000 more than two years ago.

Sales of IDC's private-label products—its IDC select brand—were up nearly 23 percent over last year's numbers.

IDC's national sales manager Todd Carroll said the group recruited four new members last year, with a total of 24 locations, and introduced six new programs. He said the group expects to add eight to 10 new members this year. Five new owner-members have signed on with IDC already, yielding a total of 76 member-owners.

The meeting included presentations by key suppliers to IDC as well as a one-day trade fair at the group's executive headquarters; several manufacturers had products on display.

At the annual dinner meeting concluding the conference, the group honored Bailey with a video presentation highlighting his career at IDC. Bailey is celebrating his 10th year at the helm of the co-op.

“Jack has done an outstanding job and has really moved us in the right direction,” said IDC chairman Dan Kazmierczak.

The power transmission/industrial supply co-operative's strategic plan calls for expansion into the hose and rubber sector, new programs and a continuation of its double-digit sales growth for the seventh consecutive year.

IDC is now in 42 states, with sales of more than $1 billion flowing through its distributor members.

Several awards were presented at the meeting. For the ninth time in 10 years, Bando USA was named Supplier of the Year. Dichtomatik Americas received the Direct Supplier of the Year Award, and Climax Metal Products was named Select Supplier of the Year. The Top Dog Award for the largest sales through the IDC distribution center went to Akron Bearings, and the Leader of the Pack Award was given to Weimer Bearing and Transmission.

Bearing Engineering Co. was named Rookie of the Year, and the Ground Gainer Award went to Varicraft Power Systems.