5/3/2012 1:39:00 AM
NEWS BRIEFS
Queenin: NFDA Charting A New Course
Jeff Queenin and Kevin Reidl
(photo courtesy LINK Magazine)
After more than 40 years, the National Fastener Distributors Association had “reached a fork in the road,” according to incoming President Jay Queenin.
When the balance sheet was tallied from 2011, Queenin and the board realized changes were essential to return the organization to solid footing.
Running an association is like running a business, Queenin told members at the association meeting in Atlanta. The $50,000 loss the organization took in 2011 prompted stark changes.
Queeenin cited “outside” factors including industry consolidation, leaner companies, competing for scarce resources, and info and relationships migrating online, and generational changes as influencing the new direction for the group.
He said the board has labored since January “all working together as a team” in making decisions.
“We’re willing to try new things,” he told members gathered in Atlanta.
Principal among those changes was to replace management firm Smith-Bucklin, which had managed the association for six years, with Vickie Lester, an established, high-profile leader in organizational management.
“We are charting a new course for the NFDA,” Queenin said.
He noted that the NFDA has 89 distributor members and 58 associate members totaling 147, and that 90% of the organization’s income is derived from member dues.
While acknowledging the NFDA inclusion of both domestic manufacturers. and importers was an issue for the group. “Antidumping divides us,” he said.
But Queenin reiterated that the two factions can work together on such issues as health care unions and taxes.
He called on members to be more active in the organization, and pledged to make volunteer work a priority. He also said NFDA intends to emphasize association task forces that are focused and have time limits to increase participation.
Strategy Initiatives
Here’s what the NFDA wants to accomplish:
Bring industry leaders together.
Provide tools and insights to increase professionalism.
Work with other associations to strengthen the overall fastener industry — a new strategy for the organization. “Most of you belong to more than one association,” Queenin explained. “We will work together in moving all associations in one direction.”
Transform the NFDA into a national voice on policy matters that impact numbers by desseminating information.
For the NFDA the next 60 days will serve as a transition period.
The organization’s next meeting will be held in November 2012 in Scottsdale. Plans are not finalized, but the meeting will be sometime during the Pac-West meeting.
In 2013 the NFDA plans a traditional spring meeting that will “possibly co-locate with another association.” ©2012 GlobalFastenerNews.com
Related Stories:
• NFDA Names Vickie Lester as Executive Director
• Queenin, Reidl Lead NFDA for 2012-13
• “Great Recession” Leaves Leaner Fastener Industry
• All Points Fasteners Names Western Regional Sales Manager
Related Links:
• NFDA
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