It's time to plan for the coming year, and also time to look back on what we did in 2004. We recently put together a list of our accomplishments and activities on behalf of our industry and our members, and thought we'd share it with you. That way you could see for yourself that your association has indeed been busy, ensuring that there is continued benefit in belonging.

ASA's core mission is to help PHCP and PVF distributors run better, more profitable businesses. To further that mission, the association's volunteer leaders, professional staff,and a variety of outside expertise are employed throughout the year.

Special thanks go to the hundreds of volunteers that serve on ASA's national and regional boards, committees and task forces, who give freely of their time and energy to help ASA achieve its mission.

HOW ASA SERVED YOU IN 2004

Served on the Asbestos Alliance in Washington D.C. on the development of a federal Asbestos Relief Fund, and conducted several conferences with an ASA volunteer member Asbestos Task Force.

Monitored activities of various federal agencies for actions of concern to ASA members, including ergonomics, permits for hazardous materials carriers, employee drug testing, and workplace injury and illness rules.

Signed on 16 new subscribing distributors to the Industry Database.

Education Foundation annually offers $3,500 to each of its five regional affiliates to subsidize educational seminars and training in their territories.

Collected and disseminated data documenting wholesalers' profitability and expense ratios in the 2004 Annual Operating Performance Report.

ASA participated in NAW research project on the effectiveness of sales compensation in wholesale distribution.

ASA and PHCC worked with Messe Frankfurt on an agreement to work together in 2005 for optimum success.

Transformed former Source ASA+ e-catalog into “IDB e-Office” for an expanded suite of applications.

Monitored legal efforts to overturn the new (January 2004) hours-of-service regulations. A new law was just signed in October 2004 extending the new rules for another year, thus blocking a U.S. Court decision, which had ruled the new rules invalid.

Education Foundation co-sponsored “Essentials of Profitable PHCP Distribution” full-day seminars held in 6 locations with almost 200 students across the U.S. in conjunction with regional affiliates.

Conducted 24 tele-seminars to help members understand the uses and benefits of IDB (Industry Database).

Raised over $22,000 through the PAC to support the campaigns of pro-business Congressional candidates.

ASA News continues to be published monthly in Supply House Times magazine.

Worked with Region 5 (WANE) to revitalize regional services and programs and to reinstitute a strong volunteer structure in the area.

Vendor Member Division creates the “Materials Market Digest,” a regular monthly e-bulletin by Ed Scott, sent exclusively to VMD members and shared by Industrial Piping Division.

ASA Executive Vice President represented ASA on NAW Board of Directors and on the NAW DREF Board of Directors for the third year.

Followed legislative efforts to enact legislation allowing business and trade associations to send unsolicited faxes to their customers and members without prior approval.

Conducted seminars for manufacturers in alliance with PMI regarding the benefits of standardization and the Industry Database.

ASA President represents association at the annual conference of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating.

Conducted member survey to determine the technology practices and usage by ASA member wholesalers and manufacturers.

Product Pro's™ “Introduction to Pipe, Valves & Fittings” 2nd edition is released, with all new content, graphics and design. At least one additional course will be completed before year end.

Converted 200,000 product listings, data and catalog information from Source ASA program to IDB, which now totals more than 1 million products.

Expanded VMD Breakfast program to invite all convention registrants for discussion of industry “hot topics.”

Vendor Member Division Council serves as focus group to help ASA and PHCC develop new program concept for our 2005 joint convention.

“Top Gun Sales Seminars” co-sponsored by Education Foundation scheduled for seven cities across the U.S. in October and November.

Created formal alliance with HARDI, including partial subsidy of Center for Advancing Technology, to promote Industry Database to additional participants in the HVAC/R sector.

IPD Executive Council meets in Chicago to build its Annual Convention programming and publish Commodity Reports.

Welcomed 11 new wholesaler members and 13 new Vendor Members to the association since last year's convention.

ASA President and Executive Vice President represent the national association at five regional conferences throughout the first six months of the year.

Brought new service to ASA members to help reduce energy and utility costs: APPI Savings Solutions Program.

Membership Directory update process goes electronic for the first time ever to keep up with a changing industry.

Staff spent more than 3 weeks on the road visiting members throughout the Region 5/WANE territory with plans underway for more visits throughout U.S.

Brand new “Customer Service” manual introduced to the industry by Education Foundation. Over 1,000 copies sold/distributed to date.

Launched new credit reporting service which will soon be upgraded by partnering with a national, high-powered credit firm.

Expanded the use of e-commerce throughout the industry through work with MISG and its new Translink and AnsiNet programs. More than 200 members now use these services.

Education Foundation co-sponsors monthly seminars with CAT on use of Industry Database.

Joined the Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) to pursue an on-going funding source for development of and replacement of drinking water and wastewater infrastructures.

Young Executives Division draws more than 30 participants to its Spring Forum in San Antonio, which featured Mike Workman for two days.

Published four ASA Quarterly Newsletters and periodic information bulletins to keep members abreast of what the association has to offer.

Six Vendor Member Division delegates now on ASA's 25-member Board of Directors; one serves as an officer of the association on the 9-member Executive Committee.

Monitored legislative issues of interest to ASA members, including association health plans; tax measures (death tax repeal, small business tax cuts, etc.), and pension funding relief.

ASA and PHCC met three times in preparation to introduction of “Network '05,” their joint convention program/table top session for 2005.

Regional Focus Groups meet at ASA Winter Board meeting to strengthen working relationship between national and regional affiliates.

Webinars on “Crushing Price Objections” and “Future Trends and Channel Strategies” co-sponsored by Education Foundation offered to ASA members.

Held two-day facilitated Strategic Task Force sessions in Chicago to study industry trends, member needs, and Association's value proposition.

Provided financial subsidies to 27 distributor employees who attended the University of Industrial Distribution at Purdue.