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Annual Meeting Quick Bites
- Register to attend - To download the registration form, click here.
- Reserve your hotel room - To reserve your room at the Camelback Inn, call 800.242.2635.
- See Who's Registered - To view the current list of registered attendees or to confirm your registration, click here.
- Donate to the silent auction - All proceeds from the auction benefit the Scholarship Fund. Click here to download the Silent Auction Donation form.
- Learn more - To download the Advance Program click here, or for additional information about the 2008 Annual Meeting visit the NFDA website.
 ONLY 4 PIGS LEFT - Pig sponsorships still available
Don't let someone else hog your chance to sponsor a prized pig for the highly-anticipated Ruby Races to be held at the NFDA Annual Spring Meeting!
Think you have what it takes to win the Ruby Races? Sponsor a pig, name it, and watch your little piggy race for the coveted OREO cookie! Join your colleagues at the Welcome Reception during the NFDA Annual Spring Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona to support the NFDA Memorial Scholarship Program. Pick a pig and place your bets! Proceeds go to the NFDA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Click here to learn how to name a pig or get your logo on their bib!
Sponsorships are open to all companies or individuals interested in participating. Sponsorship includes naming your 'athlete', logo placement on your 'athlete' race bib, and bragging rights.
Industry Articles
The Nine Biggest Business Busters
By John Graham
The big tests in business rarely come in good times. That's when we eagerly take the credit for our incredible success. But it's when the economic storms hit that we start blaming everything and everyone else for our poor performance, and those who thought they were smarter than most a few months earlier head for cover when the storm hits.
Anyone with an inside peek at businesses can detect the trouble spots. Here are nine of the biggest business busters. READ MORE
Wholesaler-distributors may be held liable for product defects...READ MORE
Great Software Does Not Manage Inventory Effectively
By Dick Friedman
The most expensive, sophisticated software package will not automatically result in an optimal level of inventory a high level of customer service and inventory turns, but with low inventory investment. To achieve an optimal level, and maintain it, employees educated in the principles of effective inventory management must understand how to set certain parameters then set them and keep them set right. Here are some tips about principles of inventory management and setting key parameters. READ MORE
Marketing Your Way Through a Recession
By John Quelch
The signs of an imminent recession are all around us. The spillover from the subprime mortgage crisis is weakening both consumer confidence and the consumer spending - much of it on credit - that has been buoying the U.S. economy.
Companies should bear eight factors in mind when making their marketing plans for 2008 and 2009:
1. Research the customer. Instead of cutting the market research budget, you need to know more than ever how consumers are redefining value and responding to the recession. Price elasticity curves are changing. Consumers take more time searching for durable goods and negotiate harder at the point of sale. They are more willing to postpone purchases, trade down, or buy less. Must-have features of yesterday are today's can-live-withouts. Trusted brands are especially valued and they can still launch new products successfully, but interest in new brands and new categories fades. Conspicuous consumption becomes less prevalent. READ MORE
Industry News
Distribution Technology Showcase
Don't lose sleep over your company's software system - attend the Western Association of Fastener Distributors' Distribution Technology Showcase immediately before the 2008 Annual NFDA Spring Meeting. The showcase will be held at the Embassy Suites Phoenix Biltmore, 2630 East Camelback Road , Phoenix , Ariz. Monday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 8. WAFD put together a showcase of seven of the leading distribution technology providers as well as three educational programs to help you.
"I've actually attended this twice before and am going again! There is so much information to sort through and the multiple sessions help with the process. Take advantage of the time: don't wait until you need new software before you begin the search." - Suzanne Dukes, Hayes Bolt & Supply
Monday, April 7 will feature a primer on projecting your needs and choosing a vendor, as well as a sales presentation from each of the seven providers. At the end of the day, you'll attend a reception featuring table-top exhibits by software and technology vendors. Tuesday, April 8 is your day to have private appointments with the vendors in a hotel suite so you know your discussion is completely private.
For registration and hotel information call 562.596.2040 or e-mail wafdHQ@aol.com. NFDA members receive a discount for this NFDA-endorsed program!
Products & Services
Don't Miss Out on this Outstanding Member Benefit
Every month you close out your books, but did you know there is a wealth of insight into your business that goes undiscovered? With NFDA's new Financial Analysis & Industry Benchmarking tool, powered by the iLumen  Financial Information Network, the upload of a standard report from your accounting software enables you to learn more about your business, see how it compares to industry averages and gain insight from experts and private companies.
This new service is an exclusive NFDA member benefit and free to all NFDA members. Click here to learn more.
Member News
Cardinal Fastener Turns 25
Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co., Inc. is proud to announce their 25th anniversary. Since its founding on September 23, 1983, they have grown to be the largest manufacturer of hot forged bolts and screws in North America . Cardinal attributes their 25 years of success to the shortest lead times and highest on time shipping performance in its industry. None of this growth would be possible without its loyal customer base and their many valued associates. They look forward to growing and servicing the industry over the next 25 years.
If you'd like more information please call Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co., Inc at 216.831.3800 or email sales@cardinalfastener.com.
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