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New England Fastener Distributors Association
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NEFDA News
NEFDA HELD ITS THIRD BI-ANNUAL TABLE TOP SHOW
ON OCTOBER 3, 2011By Joe Soja and John Wolz
NEFDA held its third bi-annual table top show on October 3, 2011 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center in Sturbridge, MA. All 85 tables were sold out to exhibiting companies with a very diverse range of products and services. Total attendance exceeded 250 exhibitors and distributors. Distributor registrations were slightly lower than the previous show held in 2009. A contributing factor was the National Industrial Fastener and Mill Supply Expo moved their show into October from November allowing only 2 weeks between shows. NEFDA will consider other date options for 2013.
Nine technical seminars were provided followed by a panel discussion on "How to Buy Fasteners". NEFDA would like to thank the following companies that presented:
Crescent Manufacturing
Continental-Aero
Distribution One, Inc.
ND Industries
Pilgrim Screw
Powers Fasteners, Inc.
REMINC
Rivet & Eyelet Technologies, LLC
Safety Socket, LLC
The seminars were well attended and received by attendees. We received many favorable comments from the attendees on the subjects presented.
A panel discussion followed on "How to Buy Fasteners". John Wolz, Editor / Publisher – Global Fastener News moderated the discussion.
Panelists included:
Skip Gallo, Executive VP Business Development, Next Level Partners
Joel Roseman, Executive VP - Arnold Industries, Inc.
Bill Vodicka, Sales Manager - Allstar Fasteners, Inc.Here is a summary of the discussion as written by John Wolz, who moderated:
In a conference on "How to Buy Fasteners," sponsored by Global Fastener News.com, three fastener industry leaders offered tips to buyers for distributorships.
The first step in training fastener buyers is the distributorship must establish a purchasing philosophy so "everyone is on the same page," Joel Roseman of Arnold Industries, Inc. said. He recommended dealing with suppliers "who understand your needs."
Keep focused on "total cost," Roseman advised. A supplier who can ship 35 lb boxes needed by your customer reduces the cost of repacking, he pointed out.
"Don't be wooed by small incremental price differences," Skip Gallo, executive VP of Next Level Partners, advised. Distributors need to establish strategic thresholds on what percentage they need to save to change suppliers. Gallo suggested 18% to 22% at a minimum, and they should be looking for 25%. "Increase your thresholds," he advised.
"Ask questions," Allstar Fasteners Inc. sales manager Bill Vodicka urged.
Don't just ask questions of your vendors - also talk to your customers, manufacturer Vodicka added. One buyer discovered an order of one-inch screws was penetrating out the back of the actual application. By finding that out before the next order, Allstar then produced 15/16s-inch screws. "Problem Solved," Vodicka declared.
Letting vendors know anticipated usage is especially important now, as all stages in the supply chain have lower inventories. "Everyone is out of stock," Vodicka said of the entire supply chain, from steel to packaging.
NEFDA would like to thank all the companies that contributed raffle prizes at the show. The raffle was a big hit. Rick Rudolph, Lehigh-Armstrong, Inc. did an outstanding job announcing the winners.
Cocktails and a dinner buffet followed the show. Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center served an Italian Feast along with some traditional New England dishes.
NEFDA would like to thank the following hospitality sponsors:
Alltech Specialty Fasteners, LLC
B & B Threaded Components, Inc.
Fall River Manufacturing
Kanebridge Corporation
JM Lawson Associates
ND Industries
North East Fasteners Corporation
Steve Wilson, President of NEFDA, thanked everyone for coming and participating in the show activities. He then called Bill and Pat Lang to the podium to be inducted into NEFDA's Hall of Fame. The Langs have worked tirelessly for many years on behalf of not only New England Fastener Distributors Association but also the Metropolitan Fastener Distributors Association.
NEFDA's next event is scheduled for January 12, 2012. Due to an unexpected snow storm in October the education seminar scheduled for Nov. 3rd was cancelled and moved to Jan. 12, 2012. The topic is "Reshoring" (Manufacturing Returning to the United States). Harry Mosher, Chairman Emeritus Agie Charmilles will present along with Skip Gallo, Executive VP Business Development, Next Level Partners.
For NEFDA information contact executive director, Joe Soja
Tel: 860-436-4652 email: jfs3@cox.net Web: www.nefda.com
NEFDA Elects Officers and Appoints Committee Chairs for 2011-2012
By Joe Soja
NEFDA held its Board and Committee Chair Meeting on Thursday June 23, 2011 at the
Whistling Swan Restaurant in Sturbridge, MA. The following Officers were elected:Chairman: Barry Carpe, All-Tech Specialty Fasteners
President: Steve Wilson, Crescent Manufacturing
Vice President: Pat Lang, Kanebridge Corp.
Treasurer: Rick Rudolph, Lehigh-Armstrong, IncCommittee Chairs:
Education: Jay Queenin, Specialty Bolt & Screw
Hall Of Fame: Rick Ferenchick, Arnold Industries, Inc.
Scholarship Committee: Rich Gower, Eckart & Finard
Scholarship Golf Outing: John Conte, Fall River Mfg.
Table Top Committee: Dan Bielefield, Smith Associates
NEFDA Holds Scholarship Golf Outing on June 2, 2011
At Oak Ridge Golf Club in Feeding Hills, MABy Joe Soja
The golf outing was only 5 miles from cancellation which was approximately the distance the tornado touched down from in Springfield, MA. The staff at Oak Ridge Golf Club told me they could see the tornado from the club house and thought they might be hit. Fortunately for them and NEFDA the tornado touched down in Springfield and NEFDA was able to conduct its golf outing the next day.
The people of Springfield, MA are still recovering and rebuilding from the devastation. The good news is although there is damage to houses and buildings the loss of life by many was sparred.
Our event went on as scheduled and the sun came out to give us a sparkling day. I always love to see the flowering trees there. Over 100 people participated in the outing. We were treated to a hot dog and Hamburg lunch with all the trimmings. The shotgun started promptly at 12 noon. The course was in great shape. The staff at Oak Ridge does a wonderful job.We had contest holes that everyone participated in. Here are the results:
Closest to the Pin: Pat Lang, Kanebridge Corp.; Jason Webster, North East Fasteners Corp. and Ted Grove, Pilgrim Screw
Most Accurate Tee Shot: Tim Cleary, Arnold Supply, Inc. and Carrie Cirillo, Specialty Bolt & Screw
Longest Drive: Ted Grover, Pilgrim Screw and Carrie Ingham, Specialty Bolt & ScrewNow we come to the serious golfers. Here are the results:
1st Gross - John Varrone, Tower Fasteners. John Hutson, MacInnis Company, Dave Graef and Jack Derewonko, Tower Fasteners
2nd Gross - Jim Contangelo, Jim Graziosi, Mike Velardi and Phil Hood all from Electronic Fasteners
1st Net - Bruce Quittenton, XL Screw Corp., Dave and Steve Daddona both from Production Fasteners
2nd Net - Wayne Wishnew, XL Screw Corp., Tim Cleary, Arnold Supply, Inc. Skip and Harrison Maxfield from NEFCOA delicious birdie buffet followed golf and the terrific raffle with over $2500 in prizes. Most people walked home with a prize. The outing netted over $10,000 for the Scholarship/ Education Fund.
Dr. Jeff Dietrich, Senior Analyst
For The Institute for Trend Research
Addressed NEFDA Membership
February 3, 2011
Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, Sturbridge, MA
By Joe Soja
As part of its purpose to provide a forum for continuing education of the members NEFDA hired Dr. Jeff Dietrich a national economist to speak on the status of the economy and how it relates to the fastener industry and New England. Dr. Dietrich has spoken to NEFDA members before and was spot on with his predictions.
The seminar was held at the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center in historic Sturbridge, Mass. A traditional New England Buffet was served with butternut squash bisque soup and Boston baked pie two New England favorites. Over 50 members attended this important event.
The news Dr Dietrich told us this time was more favorable than in 2008. Although that is not to say we do not have issues to be concerned about. Here is some of the good news:
1. Leading Indicators are up as well as capital goods orders.
2. Interest rates are low and consumer spending is up.
3. Company profits are up and global economies are growing.
4. Stimulus has been extended for 2011.
Some of the bad news:
1. The housing market continues to decline and foreclosures are up.
2. Credit is still tight with small businesses and pricing pressures continue both from the purchasing and selling side.
3. The cost of doing business continues to go up with health insurance and taxes.The US total industrial production index increased 5.9% in 2010. The US industrial production to fasteners & bolt production was up 13.5 % in 2010 and expected to rise 8.8% in 2011. As talked about above the leading indicators are up. Consumer debt is declining and personal savings is on the rise. It is my hope this all points to a growing economy and creation of more jobs. From a demographics point of view our population is growing and expected to reach 500 million. Whereas China, Europe, Japan and Russia are having negative demographics. The above is paraphrased from Dr. Dietrich's manuscript.
NEFDA has three important events coming up this year:
1. Annual Meeting & Education Seminar - April 28th - Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center
2. Scholarship Golf Outing - June 2nd - Oak Ridge Golf Club - Feeding Hills, MA
3. Table Top Show - Oct 3rd - Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center
NEFDA Held Education Seminar on October 14, 2010
by Joe Soja
Topic: “Government Contact Regulations of Foreign Sourcing”
Joyce L. Tong, Attorney at Law, from Bryan Cave LLP out of Washington, D.C. discussed:
1. Buy American Act
2. Trade Agreements Act
3. Specialty Metals
4. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Buy American Restrictions
5. ITAR and Mil-SpecThe BAA restricts government purchase of items to primarily domestic end products. What is “American?” is determined in a two part test: Manufacture in the U.S. and the cost of components which are not the cost of manufacture or acquisition. It applies to small businesses and set-asides.
The TAA waives the BAA requirements for U.S. supplies for eligible products in acquisitions covered by the WTO GPA. The Government may not purchase products from non-designated countries.
Specialty Metals is covered under the Berry Amendment which restricts the purchase of specialty metals used, for example, in space programs, ships, tanks etc. that were not melted or produced in the US. Specialty Metal Regulations are defined under Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 225.7003 Restrictions on Acquisition of Specialty Metals.
The ARRA states that no funds appropriated by the Act may be used for a public building/works project unless all manufactured goods used are produced in the U.S. which includes fasteners made out of iron or steel.
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restricts the export of a good or service that is specifically designed for the military, commercial satellite or space related application. The Government is looking to move away from military specifications to more commercial standards and performance based procurement.
The above information is paraphrased from Joyce L. Tong's power point presentation. Joyce gave NEFDA permission to distribute this information to its members.
NEFDA Held Panel Discussion On
“State of the Fastener Industry” on October 14, 2010By Joe Soja
The panelists selected were:
Jay Queenin, COO, Specialty Bolt and Screw
O.J. Simpson, Sales Manager, Heads and Threads International
Joyce L. Tong, Attorney at Law, Bryan Cave LL,
Steve Wilson, CEO, Crescent Manufacturing Co.Moderator: Rick Rudolph, Sales Manager, Lehigh-Armstrong, Inc.
Each of the panelists gave an overview of their company and their background in the fastener industry. Topics included the following:
Business levels the last two years - The slowdowns started in 09 which for some companies were abrupt. Others, the slowdowns came later but they did not recover until later. Business is better but a new normal has been established.
Different ways of doing business - Most companies are working with less people. They are finding ways of working more efficiently taking advantage of technology.
Relative backlog a year ago and now - Backlog has increased as more distributors are buying locally rather than tie up their money buying overseas.
Raw material pricing during the recession - The price of raw materials varies by the commodity. It has been up and down depending on the demand and supply of the commodity. China is raising its prices and the cost of freight has risen.
Health care cost- The cost of health care is impacting all companies whether you are a manufacturer, distributor or importer. Federal and State mandates are becoming a large cost of doing business.
Impact of industry consolidation - The distributor base continues to consolidate and subside with few or no upstarts.
Are any changes occurring in offshore vs. domestic sources of supply? - The Chinese are becoming more and more aggressive in capturing larger market share in the U.S. Domestic suppliers during the recession are doing better because companies do not want to tie up their capital purchasing large quantities from overseas.
What is the future and what does the future hold for NEFDA members? The panelists do not see a double dip. They see a gradual increase in business but do not anticipate hiring more people.
NEFDA Held Holiday Luncheon Meeting For
Board & Committee Chairs and Past Presidents On December 2, 2010by Joe Soja
What has become an NEFDA tradition, past presidents and past board members were invited to attend this meeting. Past presidents attending this year: Tim Cleary, Bill Donahue, Sr., Rick Ferenchick, Ed Otto, Carol Peters, Rick Rudolph, John Sutherland and Bill Wisk.
The past presidents are always interested in learning what is going on within the association as well as the fastener industry. The board conducted its regular meeting and discussed events for 2011. Two educational seminars are scheduled, as well as golf outing and table top show.
At the conclusion of the meeting everyone had a chance to network and reminisce. The tradition lives on for another year.
NEFDA Calendar of Events for 2011
April 28, 2011
Topic
“Doing Business”
Presenter: John Graham, John Graham Sales AssociatesScholarship Golf Outing
June 2, 2011
Oak Ridge Golf Club, Feeding Hills, MA
This is our most popular event. Fantastic door prizes will be raffled off.Table Top Show
October 3, 2011
Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, Sturbridge, MA
The show will offer technical seminars in the morning by exhibitors. Exhibitors are encouraged to get their requests in early as it will be first come first serve. The seminars will take place from 9:00 AM until 12 noon. The exhibits will open at 1:00 PM -5:30 PM. followed by a cocktail hour and dinner. NEFDA is looking for cocktail sponsors as well as prizes for the raffle which will be conducted all afternoon. Download registration information at this link.
Andrew Vu
Ashley DeMarco
Caroline Wilson
Kelly Amoresano
Rita Faustino
Rocio Olivares
2010 NEFDA Scholarship Recipients
By Joe SojaThe Scholarship Committee awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships to the following students:
Kelly Amoresano, from Hawthorne, NJ, is sponsored by The Kanebridge Corporation. Kelly is attending Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. She is majoring in Mathematics for Secondary Education. Her hobbies are: volunteering with the Hawthorne Boys and Girls Club and Church Group. She likes snow tubing, co-ed dodge ball and just hanging out with friends and shopping.
Ashley DeMarco, from Berlin, Connecticut, is sponsored by Eckart and Finard. Ashley is attending Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut. She will be majoring in Spanish Education. Her hobbies include musical theater, singing and playing the piano. Sports have always been a favorite pastime for her as well both watching and playing them.
Rita Faustino, from Prospect Park, PA, is sponsored by Stelfast, Inc. Rita is attending West Chester University in West Chester, PA. She would like to become an early childhood education teacher. She is involved in the Future Business Leaders of America, and member of the National Honors Society. Rita loves being with her friends, especially young children, and family.
Rocio Olivares, from Meriden, Connecticut, is sponsored by Arnold Supply, Inc. Rocio is attending St. Joseph College in West Hartford, Connecticut. She plans on going into nursing. She likes to read, and enjoys going to church with her family. Soccer is her favorite sport. She is from Argentina.
Andrew Vu, from Lawrenceville, GA, is sponsored by Brighton-Best International, Inc.
Andrew is a second year student at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, studying Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology to prepare himself for medical school. He enjoys reading science fiction, long distance running, casual computer programming in his free time, friendly tennis matches with friends, reading up on current news on health, politics, and Astrology.Caroline Wilson, from Avon, Connecticut, is sponsored by Crescent Manufacturing. Caroline is a second year student at The University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, studying Textile and Apparel Design. She loves to volunteer and during her freshman year participated in raising money for cancer at Relay for Life, worked at a local soup kitchen; a cheerleader for Special Olympics, and participated in “Love Madison” works project.
NEFDA ANNOUNCES OFFICERS FOR 2010-2011
By Joe SojaOn May 13, 2010 NEFDA Board of Directors selected the following officers to lead the association:
Chairman of the Board: Rick Ferenchick, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Arnold Industries, Inc.
President: Barry Carpe, Owner, All-Tech Specialty Fasteners, LLC
Vice President: Mike Lentini, Sales Manager, Spirol Distribution
Treasurer: Jay Queenin, Chief Operating Officer, Specialty Bolt and Screw
Membership Chair: Bill Lang, General Manager, ND Industries
The newly elected officers come with a variety of experiences, backgrounds and years of service in the fastener industry. They are committed to increasing the membership and adding value for the members.
22nd Annual NEFDA Scholarship Golf Outing
By Joe SojaOn June 3rd at beautiful Oak Ridge Golf Club in Feeding Hills, MA, NEFDA held its 22nd Annual Scholarship Golf Outing. Over $10,000 was raised for scholarships and member education. NEFDA has awarded over two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) in scholarships over the past 22 years. Eighty seven (87) golfers participated along with twenty (20) participants for dinner only for a total participation of one hundred seven (107).
The day started with a barbeque lunch at 11 AM. At noon everyone proceeded to their designated holes to begin the tournament started by the firing of a shotgun. The course is in terrific condition with improvements done to it each year. The flowers and flowering trees were absolutely spectacular. Contest holes were set up throughout the course to make the play more fun. Here are the winners:
Longest Drive
Dave Monty - Fall River Manufacturing
Carrie Ingham - Specialty Bolt & ScrewAccurate Tee Shot
John Conte - Fall River Manufacturing
Gretchen Grove - Pilgrim Screw CorpClosest to the Pin
Mike Londergan - Autofast Inc.
Gretchen Grove - Pilgrim Screw CorpLongest Drive in Fairway
Dave Graef
Carrie Ingham - Specialty Bolt & ScrewFollowing the contest holes are the team winners:
Low Gross 1st:
Paul Blanchette - The Coating House
Mike LaCroix - The Coating House
Bruce Mackenchnie - The Coating House
Don Moran - The Coating HouseLow Gross 2nd:
Skip Maxfield - NEFCO Corp.
Harrison Maxfield - NEFCO Corp.
Alex Maxfield - NEFCO Corp
John Moynihan - Callahan & Moynihan AssociatesLow Net 1st
John Varrone - Tower Fasteners
Walter Ford - Tower Fasteners
Ron MacInnis - The MacInnis Co
John Hutson - The MacInnis CoLow Net 2nd
Bill Lang - ND Industries
Jeff Sands - ND Industries
Bob Jones - ND Industries
Gretchen Grove - Pilgrim Screw Corp.After golf everyone assembled at the bar for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The cocktails were sponsored by All-Tech Specialty Fasteners, ND Industries and Star Stainless. Dinner followed with a grand buffet.
The raffle concluded the event and nobody left the event as over twenty five hundred Dollars ($2,500) of prizes was raffled off. The prizes ranged from golf items to high tech gadgets to wine and beer.
Chair, John Conti of Fall River Manufacturing, and his committee (John Moynihan, Callahan & Moynihan Associates, Joel Roseman, Arnold Industries and Jay Queenin, Specialty Bolt & Screw) continue to raise the bar for this most popular event. I hear they may have fireworks next year. Mark your calendar for the first Thursday of June in 2011 which will be our 23rd Annual Scholarship Golf Outing and not to be missed!
Eckart & Finard Inc., Achieves a Perfect Audit Score in Earning AS-9120 Certification
Upgraded their existing ISO Certification to ISO 9001:2008, with a scope that includes the distribution of Industrial & Aerospace fasteners and custom engineered components.
Eckart & Finard Inc. (E&F) is pleased to announce that it has earned AS-9120 Certification, and upgraded its existing ISO certification from ISO 9000:2000 to the latest standard, ISO 9001:2008, achieving a “perfect score” in the process. These certifications ensure that E&F consistently provides products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations and applicable legal, regulatory and industry required accreditations.
E&F provides products and supply chain management services, including sophisticated “KanBan Inventory Management” programs, to a wide range of customers and market segments including OEM's in the general-industrial, marine, automotive, military and aerospace industries. E&F seeks to be our customers' one-stop source for standard & special-make-to-print fasteners, and inventory management programs. E&F also provides custom machined and fabricated parts to print specifications, including forgings, stampings, castings, injected molded and machined components. This is accomplished via “state-of-the-art” bar-coded warehouse facilities, and factory-trained staff dedicated to lean-manufacturing and continuous improvement concepts. Every supplier is held to the highest ethical and quality standards, using the latest manufacturing technology at each stage of their manufacturing and distribution process.
Earning AS-9120 and ISO 9001:2008 Certifications attests to E&F's commitment to operating at the highest standards of quality, continuous improvement and total customer satisfaction.
E&F is a privately held Corporation with offices and warehouse facilities located in Hartford, CT.
Company Information:
Eckart & Finard Inc., 80 Weston Street, Hartford, CT 06120 USA
Phone 860 246-7411 Fax 860 247-1649
www.eckart-finard.com
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