STAFDA News, June 2009
The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) continues to offer members a number of educational opportunities in a variety of formats.
Continuing its line of business manuals, STAFDA has signed on business systems expert Mike Foster, of the Foster Institute, and STAFDA’s Insurance Consultant, Doug Austin, Sentry Insurance, to research and write a book on disaster preparedness to be released in the fall. It will be a critical reference while getting the business up and running again.
This new training manual joins Greg Gorman’s upcoming STAFDA Showroom Design & Merchandising Workbook in continuing the trilogy of training manuals STAFDA has introduced the past few years: Counter Pro, Sales Pro and Foundations of a Business.
Foster’s portion of the book will address a company’s “business continuity plan” with subtopics including: critical products; services & operations; critical phone numbers; disaster response checklist; employee contact list;
equipment/machinery/vehicle evacuation; facility shutdown; hazard mitigation; hazardous materials; hurricane tracking; maps; impact analysis; initial damage assessment; key supplier/vendor information; planning preparation; record preservation; recovery; shelter; vital records; voice/data communications; vulnerability survey and more.
Austin will cover what to do after a disaster strikes your business and how to anticipate the types of questions insurance adjusters will ask. His section will also cover safety and liability related issues that companies can put in place to ward off potential lawsuits. A core component to Sentry’s business is the distribution channel and Austin has a thorough understanding of the STAFDA market.
During its 33rd Annual Convention & Trade Show, November 8-10, in Atlanta, STAFDA will offer attendees four business educational workshops on Sunday
afternoon, November 8:
Greg Gorman will discuss the research he conducted in writing STAFDA’s Design & Merchandising book. He visited a number of STAFDA distributors this year to see a wide range of showroom layouts. During his presentation, he will highlight the good, bad and ugly of showroom design and how members can achieve a startling transformation without breaking the bank.
All successful businesses have structured plans for marketing their products.
Dan McQuiston will tackle “Creating a Winning Marketing Plan” during his presentation. Firms without a well-thought marketing plan are doomed to minimal success or failure. McQuiston will outline his 10-Step Marketing Plan that all firms, large and small, can implement to increase their chances for success.
Robert Stevenson will discuss “How to Soar Like an Eagle in a World Full
of Turkeys.” He’ll site several examples of people being turkeys – those arrogant, over-bearing, demanding and obnoxious customers, bosses, associates and relatives. Then he’ll provide practical ways on how to deal with them, covering topics such as handling stress, accepting change, appreciating criticism, and principles for a well-balanced life.
In this struggling economy, it takes strong tactics to survive – let alone grow your business. Steve Strauss’ presentation, “Small to Big,” will outline growth strategies, goal setting and achieving, creating a great team and more. He will also discuss creating multiple profit centers by adding products or services, possible new locations and finding and tapping new markets. He’ll also teach attendees how to create a team committed to company goals.
You must be a STAFDA member to participate in its Annual Convention & Trade Show. For more information on these programs and STAFDA membership, please contact Catherine Usher, Member Services Director, at 800/352-2981, e-mail her at cusher@stafda.org, or visit STAFDA’s Web site, www.stafda.org.
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The October/November 2024 of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
Our cover story, A Rewarding Passion - Dale Hahs II, third-generation of Denver's AIS Industrial & Construction Supply, is STAFDA's incoming 2025 president.
A Special STAFDA section featuring a welcome address, an agenda, session previewss by presenters and much more. Also in this issue are our Industry Updates on: Lifting, Moving and Material Handling; Lasers, Levels and Measurement; Hand Tools; Cordless Power Tools; Drill Bits and Cutting Tools; and Toolboxes, Bags and Belts.
This digital edition, sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc., is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!
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