12/12/2012 4:10:00 PM
HEADLINES
Foley: STAFDA Members Leaner After Recession
Where is the economy headed? Georgia Foley, executive director of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association, cited contradictory economic reports: “One report is positive, then the next day, you’ll read one that’s negative. Who to believe and what to believe is nearly impossible.”
“Despite the serious impact the recession had on STAFDA members, many have emerged leaner, more flexible and tapped into markets they didn’t consider in the past,” Foley finds.
In her annual report to STAFDA members, Foley cited estimates that nearly a million construction workers are out of work or employed in another industry.
“The housing picture continues to show slow – but steady gains with increasing optimism.”
The National Association of Home Builders rated member confidence at its highest in six years, Foley pointed out.
New home sales have risen 28% in the past year and inventory has dipped below a six-month supply for the first time since 2006.
But a complete housing market recovery isn’t anticipated until 2016 “and much of that is contingent on job growth,” Foley said.
Foley cited a National Association of Manufacturers September report showing manufacturer concerns ranked in the same order as STAFDA members: 1. Uncertainties in political climate, including fiscal problems and budget cuts; 2. Rising health care costs; 3. Business climate of taxes and regulations; 4. Rising energy and raw material costs; 5. Quality work force; 6. Weaker global growth and export sales; 7. Access to financing.
In a NAM and National Federation of Independent Businesses survey, 62% of respondents said, “U.S. laws, regulations and taxes affect their companies more negatively than foreign competition.
“But despite all the negative, there is some good,” Foley finds. Many are predicting double-digit growth for the coming year. She singled out the energy sector and natural gas exploration as doing well.
STAFDA Numbers Hold Close
Total registration for the 36th annual Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association convention was 4,236 – four shy of 2011.
“Had we not had to refund people after Hurricane Sandy, we would have surpassed last year’s count,” executive director Georgia Foley noted.
The 2012 trade show in Orlando totaled 776 booths. There were 796 booths in 2011. Only two exhibitors canceled due to Hurricane Sandy, Foley said.
The 37th annual convention will be November 11-13, 2013, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Current STAFDA membership is 2,516, including 1,054 distributors; 1,126 associates/manufacturers; 315 rep agents; and 21 affiliates/press.
For STAFDA information: P.O. Box 44, Elm Grove, WI 53122-0044. Tel: 262 784-4774 or 800-352-2981 Fax: 262 784-5059 Email: info@stafda.org Web: stafda.org ©2012 GlobalFastenerNews.com
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