An Up-Beat Convention
Exhibitors and Jobbers Give
Positive Feedback about NSDJA
by Samantha Carpenter
The city of San Antonio was the spot for this year’s 39th Annual National Sash & Door Jobbers Association (NSDJA) Convention, which was held October 12-16, 2002. The convention was well-attended by 569 jobbers, 1,391 manufacturers and manufacturers’ representatives, 489 spouses and 217 “others” in attendance—totaling 2,666 attendees.
Novatech displayed door frames (left); White River Hardwoods won the best display of product for a non-island booth (middle); Trinity Glass won best of show for an island
(right) and Dr. Beck Weathers gave an inspirational speech (above right).
Selected Events
Participants had a variety of events to keep them busy over the five-day convention. Many attendees gathered on Friday, October 11 for a favorite pre-convention activity—a round of golf. The convention officially began on Saturday, October 12 with the opening general session. During this event, attendees heard from 2002 NSDJA president John Bradberry, first vice president George Lorenz and keynote speaker Dr. Barry Asmus who gave perspectives on the past, present and the future economy. Attendees were invited to the grand opening of the exhibit hall following the ceremonies.
Seminars
On Sunday through Tuesday, attendees were able to choose from a variety of seminars.
Among the highlights, Alan J. Campbell, president of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) of Des Plaines, Ill., and Rick Perry, WDMA’s director of industry standards, detailed “What’s New? – A Comprehensive Review of New Entry Door Standards,” on Monday.
Lee Judd, product and development manager of Guardian Industries of Auburn Hills, Mich., spoke on “The Benefits of a Professional Purchasing Staff,” on Monday. Attendees to this seminar learned how purchasing can become a profit center for their business.
Greg Gurley, national sales manager of Therma-Tru Corp. of Maumee, Ohio, educated attendees on “Sales Planning – It’s More Than Names and Numbers,” on Tuesday.
Dr. Beck Weathers’ speech at this year’s awards breakfast was an event not to miss. Weathers inspired all in attendance with his speech, “Miracle on Everest.” If you missed it, you should pick up his book “Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest. ”
In a moving and enlightening speech, Weathers detailed his fateful trip up Everest in May 1996, and how his near-death experience helped him realize what was really important in life. “I’ll tell you. Lying there with frozen slabs where my arms had been, I did not think about the Mercedes I didn’t buy or the business I didn’t get. I thought about three things: my wife and two kids.”
Exhibitor Feedback
Exhibitors had good things to say about this year’s convention.
“The 2002 NSDJA show was our best ever! Our new account leads were up over 100 percent from last year’s show … Everyone at the show was up-beat, the housing market is good and the show became the millwork destination to introduce new products and create business partnerships,” said Art Ramey, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Marley Mouldings of Marion, Va.
“I thought the show was well-attended and there was more enthusiasm than last year. I think it was worth the time and money to exhibit,” said Robert Mitvalsky, chief executive officer of Builders Automation Machinery Co. of Largo, Fla.
Next year’s 40th Annual NSDJA Convention will be held October 12-16, 2003, at the Marriott World Center Hotel in Orlando, Fla.
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NSDJA Exhibitor Product Showcase There were a variety of new products at this year’s convention. Here’s what some exhibitors had on-hand. |
Samantha Carpenter is an editor of Door & Window Maker Magazine.
DWM
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If you were looking for weatherstripping, Loxcreen Co. Inc. of West Columbia, S.C., showcased its newly-designed weatherstripping plus its new corner pad—the Locator—which offers a combined sealing product. According to the company, Loxcreen’s foam weatherseal 9650 now features multi-point contact and is the only weatherstripping that seals in three places.
threshold technology by Imperial Products
C.R. Laurence Co. Inc. (CRL) of Los Angeles offered information on glass door access controls. The company’s CRL panic handles are available in polished or brushed stainless steel. According to the company, stock sizes are available for immediate shipment and custom sizes ship within two to four weeks.
profile guide by Schlegel Systems