STAFDA News, April/May 2011
Sullenberger to keynote STAFDA 2011
The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) is pleased to announce “Miracle on the Hudson” hero pilot and author, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, will be the Association’s keynote speaker at its November 13-15, 2011 San Antonio Convention & Trade Show. Sullenberger will speak during the General Session on Monday, November 14, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. His talk — Leadership that Transforms — will be based on his upcoming second book. He’ll address how to overcome obstacles to achieve peak performance in any type of situation.
For 40 years, “Sully” led an accomplished yet anonymous career in the skies as a pilot, instructor and aviation safety expert. In January 2009, after logging more than 20,000 flight hours, he was propelled into the spotlight as an international hero, safely guiding a US Airways jet to an emergency landing on the icy Hudson River in New York and saving 155 lives. The Airbus 320’s two engines had lost thrust following a bird strike. Sullenberger and his crew won international acclaim for their actions, including the passage of a Congressional resolution recognizing their bravery.
San Antonio set to shine on STAFDA
The stars shine a little bigger and a little brighter in San Antonio. The city’s unique blend of bigger-than-life Texas, multi-cultural montage of history and the swirls of Mexican fiestas combine into a vibrant city that values its heritage as much as she prizes her future. As STAFDA prepares for its 35th Annual Convention & Trade Show here are a few highlights from our host city.
2011 marks the 175th anniversary of the famous 1836 Battle of the Alamo. More than 2.5 million people visit the 4.2 acre complex annually. Most come to see the old mission where a small band of Texans held out for 13 days against the Centralist Army of General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Although the Alamo fell, the deaths of its defenders still symbolize courage and sacrifice for the cause of Liberty.
The River Walk is a beautiful sanctuary among the bustle of big-city life. One story below street level, the Walk lines the San Antonio River as it meanders through a variety of restaurants, galleries, shops and sites to explore. Be sure to take a ride on one of the river cruisers to get a different view — try it at night for yet another aspect of this
beautiful city.
The River Walk highlights another of the city’s riches — it’s diverse culinary offerings. You’ll find the best in Tex-Mex and much more throughout the city as it has become a favorite for “foodies” across the globe. From barbeque to Latin to seafood and southwestern dining, whatever your tastes crave, you’ll be able to find it within a matter of minutes in downtown.
You must be a STAFDA member to attend or exhibit at the STAFDA Convention & Trade Show. Registration materials will be mailed to all members on June 24; online registration begins at 8:00 a.m. (Central) on June 27. Mark your calendars and plan now to join us in beautiful, historic San Antonio this November!
New Service Discount Added for STAFDA Members
Reaching out to customers no longer means only picking up the phone or hopping in the car. Maintaining an accurate and easy-to-use e-mail marketing program has become vital. STAFDA has teamed with Constant Contact to offer members discounts on their e-mail marketing, online survey and event marketing programs.
Members may receive a discount of 20% on all Constant Contact products with a six month pre-pay terms or 25% off products with a 12 month pre-pay.
E-mail marketing helps companies keep customers and prospects coming back — by using attractive, professional-looking e-mail communications to stay in regular contact with them, while building strong customer relationships. It’s easier and more effective than regular e-mail. Members may also choose to create their own e-mail newsletters, which are fast and inexpensive to create.
For more information on these programs and STAFDA membership, please contact Catherine Usher, Member Services Director, at 800/352-2981 or e-mail cusher@stafda.org, or visit STAFDA’s Web site, www.stafda.org.