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New England Fastener Distributors Association
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FALL FLING GOLF OUTING
The annual “Fall Fling Golf Outing” is the next major NEFDA event. Once again this popular event is being held at the Putnam Country Club in Putnam, Connecticut. Thursday, October 2, 2008 is the date. Get that foursome together and sign up for this great event. Chairman Gene Hendrickson again promises you great weather, great golf, and great food.
Download your registration form at this link.
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EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR
Please also mark your calendar for October 14, 2008, when Joel Roseman of Arnold Industries Inc. will present a seminar entitled, “How to specify and order fasteners”.
Download your registration form at this link.
Stephen J. DiDomenico
Melanie Graham
Brad M. Beaudoin
Brianna Walters
Amanda Marello
Christie Hackett
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
By: Bill Wisk
2008 marks the 21st year of the NEFDA’s very successful Scholarship Program; Successful only due to our members generous contributions, and enthusiastic support of our Annual Scholarship Golf Outing. Because of this support, the Scholarship Committee was able to award a total of $8,000.00 to seven worthy applicants.
This year the committee, Gene Hendrickson, Bill Lang, Rich Gower and Pete Wisk chose to include a special “John Morton Scholarship” to honor our friend and loyal NEFDA supporter, John Morton, who passed away this past year. Recipient of the first “John Morton Scholarship” is Christine Fellows, who will be attending Springfield Community College to major in Web Programming. Among Christine’s hobbies are classic films, music, web design and computer graphics.
Christine Fellows
Also receiving scholarship awards are:
Stephen J. DiDomenico: Will be majoring in Business Administration at Assumption College. Stephen has been recruited to play Ice Hockey at Assumption and hopes to play varsity this year.
Melanie Graham: Keene State College in New Hampshire will have Melanie majoring in Secondary English Education. Future plans are to teach English in middle school. Melanie enjoys running, skiing and reading.
Brad M. Beaudoin: Brad has been attending Bridgewater State College and expects to obtain his Bachelor’s degree this year in both Elementary Education and English. His plans include earning a Master’s and PhD in English. Basketball, music and writing consume his time.
Brianna Walters: The University of Nebraska will be Brianna’s home for the next few years where she will be studying Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences. She plans to use her education as a personal trainer or nutritionist. Brianna plays the violin, loves to travel, jog and practice her French language skills.
Amanda Marello: Amanda is a Biology major in the Pre-medical sequence at the College pf the Holy Cross. Hobbies include ballet, scrap-booking, reading and writing. In the past Amanda has helped her community by teaching religious education and was a member of her high school’s community service organization.
Christie Hackett: Christie is a junior at Texas A & M University in Corpus Christi. Art education is her major and her interests include photography and painting. She is currently working for the university’s marketing department as a photographer. Christie also enjoys reading, history and keeping up with current events.
All recipients expressed their sincere thanks to the NEFDA, not only for their monetary awards, but for the honor bestowed on them by the committee.
MEMBER NEWS
Vertex Moves to New, Expanded Facility,
Combines Two Locations, Unites Entire Product LineAttleboro, Massachusetts - June 10, 2008 - After 126 years, Vertex Distribution has moved its corporate headquarters from Pawtucket, RI, to a newly renovated 180,000 square foot facility located at 523 Pleasant Street in Attleboro, MA. The new telephone number is 508-431-1120 and the new fax number is 508-431-1114.
By moving to this new and larger location, Vertex has merged its two New England Distribution Centers. The Pawtucket facility stocked American Inch Fasteners, Rivets and Worm-Drive Hose Clamps. The Taunton, MA facility stocked Stainless Steel and Alloy Steel Metric Fasteners.
"This will benefit our customers, in that we will now be able to ship our entire product line from one location", said Mark Klosek, Executive V.P. of Sales."Our valued customers will realize cost savings by lowering their transaction costs. By stocking all of our products in one location, our Northeast customers will be able to consolidate vendors, lower freight charges, and save time by buying from one source - Vertex." said Mark Alperin, President of Vertex.
Vertex has continued to expand its Worm-Drive Hose Clamp offering by adding a line of 9/16" wide Heavy-Duty Hose Clamps in all 300 grade stainless steel.
"By expanding our space, we have also added several new product lines," said Don Smith, New Product Manager. "We have added a complete line of Large Diameter Hex Head Cap Screws in 316 Stainless Steel, ASTM A194 Heavy Hex Nuts in 304 and 316 Stainless Steel, Bonded Sealing Washers, Socket Set Screws in 316 Stainless Steel, Nylon Insert Lock Nuts in 316 Stainless Steel, Sem Screws in 18-8 Stainless and Zinc-plated Steel."
For more information regarding Vertex Distribution and a listing of their nine locations, please visit their website at www.vertexdistribution.com.
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EFC International – Additional Sales Engineer for MI & W. Ontario
St. Louis, Missouri - June 18, 2008. EFC International is pleased to announce the addition of GREG BEHLER to its growing Detroit-based technical team. Greg has been hired as an Outside Sales Engineer, and will be responsible for application development and account management for key automotive and commercial accounts in Michigan and Western Ontario, Canada.
Greg comes to EFC with over 20 years of consultative sales experience in both metal and plastic component technologies, with extensive experience servicing OE automotive accounts, Tier 1’s, and new domestic/transplant accounts. Previously, Greg held the position of Sr. Sales Engineer with Tinnerman Palnut Engineered Products, and Sales Engineer for TRW Fasteners.
Reno Fricano, General Manager states "Greg will be a tremendous asset to Team EFC! His experience in the automotive market will help develop and support our rapidly growing Michigan and Ontario based customers."
EFC International is a leading provider of specialty metal, plastic, electrical and assembled component parts to the OEM and Distribution marketplaces. The company is celebrating its 25th year of providing its customers with a “One Source Solution” for specialty components, technical support, and engineering assistance.
For more information on EFC International, contact Jim Laarman, President.
EFC International: Visit them on-line at www.efc-intl.com
St. Louis (Corporate) 800-888-3326 fax: 314-434-2902
Chicago 800-727-8466 fax: 630-539-7070
Atlanta 800-541-9019 fax: 770-663-8484
NEFDA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING 2008
By: Bill Wisk
When I sat down to write this article it occurred to me that this was the New England Fastener Distributor's twentieth Scholarship Golf Outing. Same place, Oak Ridge Country Club, Feeding Hills, Massachusetts and so many of the same participants. In fact when preparing the pictures, I thought why bother taking any, one year looks the same as so many others, but not quite. This year there is no picture of John Morton. John passed away this past year and will be missed. He was a fixture at these outings and a loyal NEFDA supporter. A moment of silence in his honor was held during dinner.
What is an Outing article without a picture of Dennis Condry at the Brighton Sponsored Hole-in-One eighth hole. Twenty years and two thousand shots but no hole in one…..maybe next year. This year I was able to actually witness the best effort. I watched Bill Wisk Jr. and the rest of our foursome get very excited as his ball came to rest a couple of feet from the hole…..and yes, we did make the birdie. Again, we thank Dennis and Brighton Best Socket Screw for their support these past twenty years.
This year 73 golfers, 22 dinner guests and the following generous hole sponsors, platinum, gold, silver sponsors and other contributors made this the most successful Scholarship Golf Outing. Along with our Raffle, in excess of $10,000.00 was added to the NEFDA's scholarship fund.
After cocktail and dinner, golf prizes were awarded. First place low gross winners were the foursome of Ned Whalen, Ed Breck, Mike Londergan and Steve Ring of AutoFast Inc. Second place went to Dave Monti, John Conti - Fall River Mfg., John Moynihan of Callahan & Moynihan and Joel Roseman - Arnold Industries.
First low net was captured by Carrie Ingham and Jay Queenin of Specialty Bolt, OJ Simpson and Fred Barr from Heads & Threads.
Second low net went to Kevin Queenin - Specialty Bolt, Sara Mallo-Rotor Clip Co., Pat Lang - Kanebridge Corp, and Barry Carpe - All-Tech Specialty Fasteners.
Prizes donated by Star Stainless were awarded to long drive, closest to the line and closest to the pin winners.
Added to the success of this twentieth outing was a spectacular raffle featuring a giant table full of prizes donated by this year's participants.
Remember that more golf is on the calendar. October 2, 2008 is the date for the annual "Fall Fling" outing at the Putnam Country Club in Putnam, Connecticut.
NEFDA BOARD MEETINGBy: Bill Wisk
The initial Board Meeting of the 2008 – 2009 year took place at the Whistling Swan restaurant in Sturbridge, Massachusetts this past May 8th 2008. President Rick Rudolph welcomed the two new board members, Rich Gower and Barry Carpe who were present at this meeting. New members absent due to prior commitments were Jay Queenin and Mike Lentini.
The Board then voted to have the current officers remain in their position for the coming 2008-2009 NEFDA year.
Chairman of the Board - Bill Wisk
President - Rick Rudolph
Vice-President - Rick Ferenchick
Treasurer - Bill LangManaging Consultant Joe Soja, reported that the new WEB AD campaign has been a great success. Eleven advertisers were the recipients of over one thousand web hits since the program began. Joe also announced that in the very near future members will have the option to use a credit card for payment of dues and event registrations.
He also reported that the Association's current membership stands at 93. Joe will continue his fine efforts in signing new members by again attending the Industrial Fastener Show East on May 21st.
In recognition of Joe's fine work as Consultant the Board renewed his contract for the coming NEFDA year.
Our very important Education Committee will have a new Chairman this year. New Board member Barry Carpe has agreed to chair the committee and will be assisted by Rick Rudolph and Rick Ferenchick. We look for an exciting educational year, beginning with “How to Specify and Order Fasteners”, presented by Joel Roseman on October 14th.
Dan Bielefield, Chairman of the 2009 Table Top Show announced that the show is scheduled for September 21, 2009 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel. Ray Mackenzie and Gene Hendrickson have agreed to serve on Dan's committee.
Next on tap for the NEFDA is the Annual Scholarship Golf Outing this coming June 5th. With nearly a third of the membership already signed up, John Conte's committee is looking forward to the best ever outing.
This is good news for Gene Hendrickson's Scholarship Committee which is already receiving applications for this year's awards.
NEFDA ANNUAL MEETING
By: Bill Wisk
The 29th Annual Meeting of the NEFDA held this past April 17, 2008 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel in Sturbridge, Mass. The meeting and educational seminar was attended by 72 members and guests.
In the NEFDA's continued effort to provide its members educational seminars on subjects relevant to the fastener industry Bill Roeder, President of Star Plating Co. gave a talk on Zinc Electroplating prior to the Annual Meeting. Specializing in barrel zinc electroplating Star Plating services customers in CT, MA, NH, and RI. Bill displayed an extensive knowledge of the plating business and discussed hexavalent and trivalent chromate plating, color coding and the various fastener finishes. Hydrogen embrittlement was also addressed along with other important issues like RoHS Compliance.
The NEFDA's next seminar on" How to Specify and Order Fasteners" is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2008. Joel Roseman of Arnold Industries will be the presenter. In Jan. 2009 another seminar on "Lean Thinking" will take place.
As is customary at this Annual Meeting, plaques are awarded to members of the Board who completed their three year term. This years recipients were: John Conte, Fall River Mfg, Co. Inc.; Bill Donahue Jr., Arnold Supply, Inc.; Joel Roseman, Arnold Industries; and Skip Maxfield, NEFCO Corporation.
New distributor members voted to the Board for a three year term were: Rich Gower of Eckart and Finard, Barry Carpe of All-Tech Specialty Fasteners, LLC. Jay Queenin of Specialty Bolt and Screw. Our new associate member is Mike Lentini of Spirol International.
The following NEFDA Annual report prepared by President, Rick Rudolph and Managing Consultant, Joe Soja was presented to the attendees. Please note:
NEFDA Annual Report - April 15, 2008
The New England Fastener Distributors Association continues to grow in membership attracting: manufacturers, importers, master distributors, manufacturer's reps, and a management consulting firm. We are currently at ninety two (92) member companies.
The membership is growing for a variety of reasons:1. Our table top show was successful which brought national attention to our association as well as local interest.
2. Our exhibiting at the National Industrial Fastener Distributor Shows put us on a national stage and gave us a presence in the fastener industry.
3. Our education seminars have provided a wealth of information and knowledge for our members.
As a result of the above plus web advertising our checking balance has increased. We now have a stable cash flow and reserve to help us fund the future.
We can use the proceeds to finance more events and expand services to our members. Our table top chair, Dan Bielefeld is looking to expand upon our Table Top Show for 2009 by increasing the number of exhibitors and attendees. He is looking at larger facilities more central to our sister association the MFDA.
This year we added web advertising to our web site which already is producing results for our advertisers. Our web site is no longer static, it is alive! We are the only fastener association offering this service to our members.
Our Scholarship Golf Committee headed up by John Conte of Fall River Manufacturing, Joel Roseman of Arnold Industries and John Moynihan of Callahan & Moynihan Associates are planning our best ever golf outing this June 5th. We are in a position to offer more scholarships to worthy students.
In summary, our goal as an association is to promote the distribution of fasteners. We will do this by providing our membership with the tools necessary to compete in the marketplace. The year 2008 could prove to be a challenging one for our industry. We will do what ever it takes to help our members during these volatile times!
NEFDA 2008 FACTORY TOUR
By: Bill Wisk
Twenty eight member employees and owners took advantage of an NEFDA Factory Tour hosted by Avanti Screw of the Metallics Group, Bristol, Connecticut and Crescent Manufacturing of Burlington. The day began with a morning tour of Avanti Screwn Inc. Avanti along with its sister company Metallics, Inc. is housed in a neat 100,000 square foot building in an Industrial Park in Bristol, CT. This forty year old company, like Crescent, specializes in the manufacture if small diameter screws. Avanti's range is from #2 to 5/16". Many who joined us on the tour spend their days selling these screws but had never had the opportunity to see them made. I don't know about the rest of the participants, but I was certainly impressed seeing these large lumbering machines put out those tiny screws and actually have machines put threads on them. I found it even more intriguing then watching a big bolt maker.
After seeing the manufacturing end we were shown the Metallic's distribution operation. Metallics services the electrical and plumbing distributor market with some very unique packaging concepts. Their impressive warehouse operation was our last stop before being treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch.
The Metallics Group-Avanti Screw, Inc.
Screw making education begins
A very interested group
We even take notes
Real first hand information
Where in the world do they all go?
Metallics and Avanti finished product
Andrew Maleto explains Metallics
Packaging at Metallics
Filling a package unique to Metallics
Finished goods storage
A sumptuous lunch for the tour participantsThen it was off to the country. After ten mile trip through the Connecticut countryside we arrived in the little town of Burlington, CT and Crescent Manufacturing . Crescent had its beginning back in 1960 in a two car garage in Southington, CT. Since moving to Burlington it has grown to 18,000 square feet filled with headers, slotters, thread rollers and a staff ten times what it began with. While both Crescent and Avanti are small diameter specialists, Crescent goes the extreme by starting with #0 thread size. It is really amazing to see what they make those machines do. When Crescent advertises “No job too small, no job too large”, they mean it. Crescent's minimum order requirement is only 1,000 pieces. Truly amazing when you look at how small some of this product is. Your entire order can fit in the palm of your hand.
Without question, all 28 tour participants came away knowing a great deal about the manufacture of the small screw that their sales people are selling. The NEFDA is proud to have these two fine fastener manufacturers in our own back yards.
Off to the country to visit Crescent Mfg
Bruce prepares us for the tour.
A lot of machine for a tiny screw
And more machines
How do they do that?
How can that machine make this tiny thing?
Chairman Steve Wilson explains Crescent
An attentive bunch
Sales is where it begins says Kim Guerrette
NEFDA TABLE TOP
We're pleased to announce that Mr. Dan Bielfield of Smith Associates has agreed to Chair our second Table Top Show which will be held in 2009.
"What's New"
This addition to the NEFDA website offers the opportunity to present more current information to our members and other visitors to our site. It also provides all members the opportunity to report information about their company such as promotions, new employees, address changes etc.
To get this data into the next "What's New" update please email Bill Wisk at: rhino276@cox.net
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NEFDA, 30 Hedgerow, Wethersfield, CT 06109 / Phone: 860-436-4652 / Fax: 860-436-4113 / E-mail: jfs3@cox.net