New England Fastener Distributors Association

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Celebrating 30 Years!

NEFDA News

NEFDA DECEMBER BOARD MEETING

By Bill Wisk

It was business, but not as usual when the NEFDA held their December Board Meeting at the Whistling Swan in Sturbridge, MA this past December 2nd. In keeping with what has become an NEFDA tradition, past presidents and past board members are invited to attend this meeting. Invitee past presidents this year included: Peter Tamis, John Sutherland, Bill Wisk, Ed Otto and Barry Carpe. Rick Ferenchick, our current President, also held that office during the early years of the Association. Rick Rudolph and Ray MacKenzie are also serving on this year’s board in addition to having held the office of President in the past. Their attendance gives them the opportunity to not only renew acquaintances but to meet the new board members who are carrying the torch. At this meeting, the Board conducts its regular business agenda, with the only difference being access to the years of experience of the invited guests during the course of discussions. A great tradition which has carried on these past thirty years.

NEFDA Year in Review 2009

January / February, 2009 - Web Advertising

This program has proven to be successful for both our members and the association. We currently have 9 advertisers: Fall River Mfg., Fascomp Electric Hardware, Kanebridge Corp., Lehigh-Armstrong, Metric & Multistandard Components Corp., ND Industries, Northeast Fasteners Co., Inc., RAF Electronic Hardware, and Sutherland Industrial Sales.

March 5, 2009 - Education Seminar - “Where the Economy is headed and what that Direction means for your Business”

Jeff Dietrich, Senior Analyst for the Institute for Trend Research did an outstanding job analyzing the current economy and pointing out what sectors were in trouble and where to focus your business. He used graphs and charts to illustrate his points. His predictions were on the mark as we soon learned going forward.

April 2, 2009 - Education Seminar - “How Distributors are coping with the Lengthening Recession”

Jack Keough, Editor / Associate Publisher of Industrial Distribution gave a follow up to the March 5th seminar. Jack drilled down in telling our members what they had to do to get through this down turn in the economy. Some companies will have to take drastic actions to survive, such as letting people go.

June 4, 2009 - Scholarship Golf Outing

We had another successful golf outing raising $8,000 for scholarships. We also gave away terrific prizes.

August 1, 2009 - Scholarship Committee

The Scholarship Committee headed up by Gene Hendrickson awarded $8,000 in scholarships to 6 students. Rich Gower will head up the scholarship committee in 2010.

September 24, 2009 - Table Top Show

The Table Top Show headed up by Dan Bielefield exceeded expectations in a down economy surpassing 07’s show by approximately $300. We had over 80 exhibitors from around the country. Our distributor members fully supported the show. We had many new non members who attended. The advertising and mailings paid off.

The technical seminars were well attended and received by members.

2009 NEFDA Scholarship Recipients

By Joe Soja

As usual the caliber of applicants was very high this year. We awarded six scholarships totaling $8,000 to the following students:

Edward J. Duggan, sponsored by NEFCO was awarded $2,000. Ed is attending the University of Connecticut and enrolled in the School of Business. He is an avid sports fan. Hockey is his favorite sport.

Samantha Quintanar, sponsored by Kanebridge Corporation was awarded $2,000. Samantha is attending Whittier College. She is a well rounded student who balances herself well in academics and extra- curricular activities.

Mathew Charles LaBove, sponsored by Holo-Krome was awarded $1,000. Mathew is attending Dartmouth College and is a Pre-Med student. He is a talented athlete and a member of the basketball team.

Caroline Elizabeth Wilson, sponsored by Crescent Manufacturing was awarded $1,000. Caroline is attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison and enrolled in the School of Human Ecology’s Textile and Apparel Design Dept. She enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and visiting museums.

Michelle Fellows, sponsored by Atlantic Fasteners was awarded $1,000 is attending Asnuntuck Community College and is studying Liberal Arts with a Fine Arts Option. Her main interest are drawing and working with clay.

Rebecca Rollinson, sponsored by Rollinson & Associates was awarded $1,000 is attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Her favorite studies include Mathematics, the Sciences, French and Choral Music. Rebecca is a serious dancer.

IT’S HOT!!! HEAT SHRINK AT CABLE TIE EXPRESS

What’s HOT at Cable Tie Express? Sizzling on the front burner at Cable Tie Express, a leader in the cable tie and wire management arena, is the newest addition to its menu of product offerings - Heat Shrink Tubing.

Cable Tie Express Heat Shrink Tube Products are UL Certified and conform to Military Specifications. They are available in a wide variety of packages from standard and miniature spools to cut-to-length pieces to special packaging requirements. Cable Tie Express offers a complete line of sizes, colors, materials, and types to meet the customer demands. These products are widely used in the electrical, electronic, communication, power generation, automotive and ship building industries.

Char Cooper, President of Cable Tie Express, comments on this newest product offering, “As we are eager to bring more and more products to our customers, Heat Shrink Tubing is the perfect compliment to our line of cable ties and wire management items. We are pleased to offer another high quality product line with our continued commitment for unparalleled service for our customers – all helping them achieve success in the marketplace.”

For additional information about Heat Shrink Tubing or any of the other products available at Cable Tie Express, contact them via phone 888-603-1233; fax 800-395-1233; e-mail HYPERLINK "mailto:sales@cabletieexpress.com" sales@cabletieexpress.com; or visit the Cable Tie Express website at www.cabletieexpress.com.

Scholarship Golf Outing

The Annual NEFDA Scholarship Golf Outing was held at the Oakridge Country Club in Agawam, MA on June 4, 2009 with eighty participants. This year's tournament netted over $8,000 for scholarships and member education. Hats off to the Golf Committee consisting of John Conti, Joel Roseman, and John Moynihan for a job well done in this difficult economy.

There's an old saying in New England, "if you don't like the weather wait a minute, and it will change".

Well sure enough, that was never more true then during this event. The day started out cloudy and cool, with a steady light rain falling. But sure enough, by the time the outing started, it was a beautiful, bright, sunny, New England day. Sixty-one eager golfers enjoyed a pre-game outdoor luncheon, then headed to their carts to enjoy a fun day of golf and renew old friendships.

The winners of Team Gross and Net are as follows:

1st Team Gross: Steve Cinnante of Star Stainless, Scott Graham of Tri-State Fasteners, Bill Donahue Jr. of Arnold Supply Inc. and Rich Gower of Eckart & Finard

2nd Team Gross: The Autofast Inc. Team of Steve Ring, Ed Breck, Mike Londergan and Ned Whalen.

1st Team Net: Bruce Quittenton of XL Screw Corp., Dave Daddona and Steve Daddona of Production Fasteners, and Skip Maxfield of NEFCO

2nd Team Net: The ND Industries Team of Bill Lang of ND, Jeff Sands, Bob Jonis, and Steve Boosh of Hardware Specialties

A special thanks to the thirty-five companies who sponsored the event!

Thank you to all who participated in this years event, we look forward to seeing you all again next year.

NEFDA Holds Economic Forecast and Coping with the Lengthening Recession Meetings

By John Phalen and Joe Soja

The NEFDA's Economic Forecast Meeting was held on March 5, 2009 was well attended. Dr. Jeff Dietrich of Institute for Trend Research was the presenter. Jeff gave an excellent report on the state of the economy and where we are headed and why. He took a series of questions from the audience and provided valuable information.

After hearing Jeff's predictions for a difficult economy NEFDA hired Jack Keough, Editor/Associate Publisher of Industrial Distribution to talk to us about what we need to do to get through this difficult period. Jack like Jeff used statistical data to explain his reasoning and gave examples of how to preserve cash.

NEFDA Elects New Board of Directors

The NEFDA has elected new directors to carry the association through the next fiscal year. It is obvious the board decided to fall back on the experience, and proven leadership to guide us through the year. All of this year's directors have served as board members and directors in the past. Here is the slate:

Chairman-Rick Rudolph, Lehigh-Armstrong, Inc.
President- Rick Ferenchick, Arnold Industries, Inc.
Vice President- Barre Carpe, All-Tech Specialty Fasteners, LLC
Treasurer-Bill Lang, ND Industries

Husband and Wife Team Elected to NEFDA Board

We are happy to announce Pat Lang of Kanebridge Corp. will be joining her husband, Bill on the board. Bill is presently serving as treasurer.

We believe this is the first time a husband and wife have served together on the board. We look forward to working with these two fastener industry professionals. Lets all congratulate them, and wish them well in their service to the NEFDA.

NEFDA Announces Two New Members

We are pleased to announce the addition of two new members:

REMINC
55 Hammarlund Way II
Middletown RI 02842
www.taptite.net
Email dfosmoen@reninc.net
Don Fosmoen
Reminc is an international company and famous for Taptite 2000(R) Thread forming technology.

JM Lawson Associates, LLC
225 W. Granby Road
Granby Ct. 06035
www.jmlassociates.net
Email jlawson@jmlassociates.net
James Lawson
JM Lawson Associates is a Manufacturer's Representative of Industrial
and Construction products. John Phalen our publicity chairman will visit both of theses companies shortly and report on the valuable service they offer to the NEFDA, and the Fastener Industry.

John Phalen Publicity Chair

John Phalen of John Phalen Associates has been appointed Publicity Chair for NEFDA. John is well known in the fastener industry and served in many positions with NEFDA most notably as Chair of the Scholarship Golf Outing. John stepped up to chair the publicity position and try something new within the association. He always has a story to tell so this job should fit him well. He has already expressed some of his ideas in promoting NEFDA and would like to profile member companies to give them further exposure to all the members.

John Sutherland Inducted in Hall of Fame

John Sutherland of Sutherland Industrial Sales was inducted into NEFDA's Hall Of Fame on March 5, 2009. John was past President and Education Chair and took NEFDA to a higher level of education programs and service for its members. John thanked everyone and talked about his being the shortest officer in the Marine Corps and had to go above and beyond because of his height to gain the respect of his men. John today, as we all know, continues to go above and beyond of what is expected and encouraged all of us to be the best we can be. John received a well deserved standing ovation!

March 5th Education Seminar: Focus on Economy

Dr. Jeffrey Dietrich, Senior Analyst for the Institute of Trend Research, spoke about the current economy, showing graphs and charts to emphasize his points, He predicted this recession will last approximately 4-5 quarters. He pointed out some sectors of the economy are doing better than others such as military equipment, aerospace and health care. The most important thing for companies to do is maintain a positive cash flow and take the necessary actions to get through this difficult period. Also, to get in position for the upturn when it comes. The floor was open to questions and answers which were many. No one left early.

"What's New"

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.

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