John Wolz

The National Fastener Distributors Association changed its annual fall meeting from September in Chicago to November 15-16, 2000, in Las Vegas and will have a keynote address by retired General Colin Powell.
NFDA will hold a networking reception on Wednesday evening, Powell will speak on Thursday morning, and Greg Thredgold will speak on �A Look Ahead to 2001� in an executive breakout session Thursday afternoon.
The Western Association of Fastener Distributors will conduct breakout sessions Thursday morning and afternoon on purchasing and customer service.
The National Industrial Fastener Show/West is set for Friday, November 17.
NFDA president Joe McIlhon termed the 2000 fall meeting in Las Vegas �an abbreviated version� of the association�s normal fall meeting schedule. The association�s �city� sessions usually run from Thursday through Saturday.
McIlhon said NFDA and WAFD are operating and financing the conference separately from the trade show.
NFDA is conducting the conference this year �to see how it works out for the membership,� McIlhon said. NFDA has not decided on 2001 participation.
Last year NFDA opened its fall city meeting sessions in Boston to non-NFDA members.
The NFDA also will present its mock trial program, �Law & Disorder � A Fastening Catastrophe,� at the National Industrial Fastener Show in May in Columbus, OH.
The NFDA�s 2000 fall meeting had been scheduled with four regional associations in conjunction with the Chicago Fastener Expo in September.
NFDA changed its plans after five regional associations, including the Chicago Nut, Bolt & Screw Association, unveiled plans to create a traveling trade show, USFast.
The new show would replace the Chicago show beginning in 2001.
For NFDA information contact executive vice president Dave Merrifield. Tel: 216 579-1571. Fax 216 579-1531. Web: www. nfda-fastener.org