The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association elected its first woman president:  Michelle St. John, co-owner and president of Industrial Bolt & Supply Inc. of Auburn, WA.

Sean Baird of Hampton Roads Fastener & Construction Supply Inc., Virginia Beach, VA, was elected vice president during the 41st annual STAFDA convention held in Austin, TX, on November 12-14, 2017.

IBS specializes in the MRO market, has sales operations in nine western states, and has been a member since 1980.

HRFCS focuses on fasteners and construction supplies for new commercial construction and industrial accounts. They joined STAFDA in 2005.

Linda Trotter, president and co-owner of Bright Bolt Enterprises Inc., El Paso, was elected to a three-year term on the STAFDA board.

William Pipp, Seymour Midwest LLC, Warsaw, IN, was named to the manufacturers liaison committee.

Frank Devine, Quality Line Sales, Barker, TX, and Ian Jones, Trainor Associates Inc., Medina, OH, joined the rep liaison committee.

Executive director Georgia Foley announced advance registration for the 42nd annual convention was 4,172, and the final registration figure would be in the 4,500 range. 

Foley reported total membership stood at 2,535 – consisting of 1,051 distributors, 1,153 associates / manufacturers; 309 rep agents; and 22 affiliates / press.

Trend continues of more member companies acquiring or merging with other STAFDA members,” Foley said, making  STAFDA’s membership “growing slightly taller, but becoming much wider!” 

The 2017 trade show space sold out months in advance, leading to reconfiguring space to add booths. STAFDA also negotiated space for an additional 41 booths at the neighboring Hilton Hotel.

The next STAFDA convention will be October 28-30, 2018, at the Phoenix Convention Center.

For STAFDA information contact member services director Catherine Usher. Tel: 262 784-4774 Web: stafda.org