Welcome to the
35th Annual STAFDA Convention & Trade Show
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We’re all tired of reading about it, discussing it, and fretting over it: “The Big E” — the economy. It’s that giant, wet blanket the country can’t seem to shake. The construction industry hasn’t rebounded as expected, unemployment remains high, Wall Street is volatile, banks are tight on lending and the debt ceiling crisis dominated the news this summer. And now the political campaign season has started with all its rhetoric.
Is there any good news out there? It’s certainly harder to find. STAFDA members have downsized and right-sized the last three years creating a “new” model for their company’s structure. Those who are faring better in today’s economy are actively pursuing utility business and government work, increased their Internet presence, or found a specialty niche not considered when the economy was strong. We’ve also seen a renewed interest in employee education and STAFDA’s November 13-15 San Antonio Convention & Trade Show should top members’ needs for exceptional educational programs.
STAFDA’s San Antonio program has a diverse mix of workshops to appeal to varied member interests. Alan Beaulieu will once again share his perspective on the current economy and outlook for 2012. Two new programs will be presented by STAFDA consultants: Technology consultant Jeff Gusdorf will show attendees how to incorporate social media into their business plan; and with some companies transitioning ownership to the next generation or key employees, Dr. Bart Basi will cover business succession, ESOPs, and buy-sell agreements.
Workshops on business security and going “green” – along with a first-ever STAFDA Convention workshop on branch management – will be offered. For STAFDA attendees who miss the old “Rap Session” format, Michael Marks will lead an interactive program for distributors/manufacturers/reps where the audience can call out what’s on their mind and discussions go from there.
Education continues at our General Session with distributor and manufacturer state-of-the-industry speeches and our keynote presenter Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger will speak on “Leadership that Transforms.”
STAFDA’s 12-hour Trade Show is already 82% sold out and exhibit sales are ahead of our ’10 Phoenix show. More than 20% of this year’s exhibitors were not in Phoenix and are exposing their product line to the STAFDA market for the first time, represented by top management. Many manufacturers also debut new product lines at our Show so distributors can see what’s coming to market before the first of the year. It’s an exclusive advantage STAFDA distributors enjoy over their competition.
Anyone who has been to a STAFDA Convention will tell you it’s like a family reunion. Visiting with new and old colleagues is always key at our social events. This year’s opening party at La Villita, adjacent to the Convention Center, will be a Tex-Mex night of food, fun, and festivities, and our closing party gives attendees one last opportunity to share business ideas.
As you’ll see, STAFDA has something for everyone at our upcoming San Antonio meeting. So, let’s get away from “The Big E” we’ve grown accustomed to and focus on the other big “E” – education!
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The April/May 2024 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
This digital edition is sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc.
Our cover story, Masters of Fasteners, visits Interstate Screw Corp. of metro Miami, which serves the fastening needs of south Florida, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
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