STAFDA announces 2017 Convention Keynote speaker
John Ratzenberger will star at STAFDA in Austin, Texas on November 13.
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TheSpecialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) strives to bring in nationally recognized leaders or out-of-the-box speakers to keynote the General Session during its Annual Convention and this year’s Austin Convention & Trade Show, November 12-14, is no exception.
With more STAFDA members embracing the “Made in America” slogan – whether it’s a manufacturer using this tag line on their products to distributors’ customers asking for “Made in the U.S.A” tools – STAFDA’s November 13 keynoter will address the power of domestic manufacturing, profile innovative businesses, and introduce just enough humor to keep the program lively.
Multi-Emmy-nominated actor, accomplished screenwriter, director, producer and author, John Ratzenberger, may be best known for mail carrier Cliff Clavin on the long-running NBC sitcom “Cheers,” but his experience outside “Cheers” is equally noteworthy.
Prior to “Cheers,” he lived overseas for 10 years and worked as a carpenter, archery instructor, and deck hand on a fishing boat. He produced and starred in the Travel Channel series “Made in America” which highlighted U.S.-made goods and workers. He is passionate about how important it is for the country to recognize the need, and provide the training, to produce skilled laborers.
With “Made in America,” Ratzenberger established a television precedent which led the way for a series of new shows like “Dirty Jobs,” “Deadliest Catch,” and “Ice Road Truckers” to celebrate the work ethic that built America. He also co-authored A Common Man’s Salute to an Uncommon Country.
Ratzenberger is currently in pre-production for a new television series with the purpose to awaken Americans to the shortage of skilled workers that threatens the country as a whole.
In addition to his passion for producing American-centric TV shows, he continues to work in Hollywood. From feature films, like studio blockbusters Superman and Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, to independent films like The Woodcarver, animation has been a natural home to his versatile vocal talents. Ratzenberger is the only actor to participate in every Pixar film, voicing the iconic characters of Mack the Truck and Hamm the Piggy Bank. Due to his volume of film work, he is listed as the sixth most successful actor of all time in terms of box office receipts.
Following his keynote address, Ratzenberger will help open STAFDA’s Trade Show, then meet with attendees in STAFDA Central on the show floor.
STAFDA’s 41st Annual Convention & Trade Show in Austin is for members only! Registration materials will be mailed to all members the third week of June; online registration opens on Monday, June 26, at 8:00 a.m. (Central) from the members-only section of www.stafda.org.
For more information on the STAFDA Convention & Trade Show or membership, please contact Catherine Usher, cusher@stafda.org, 262/784-4774 or 800/352-2981.
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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