“I found exceptional value in my participation in Boston this year,” said Gary Glanzman of Eastway Supplies, Columbus, Ohio. “You get out of these events what you are willing to put into them,” he continued.

Glanzman, among 300 or so other wholesaler executives, actively participated in the workshop sessions, and enjoyed the variety of speakers who addressed topics ranging from global industry trends to motivational techniques.

NIBCO's Robert Vick added that “the speakers and meetings that I heard and attended were interesting and productive.”

His comments were echoed by many others, who were also very complimentary about the ISH North America trade show, held concurrently.

The ASA Convention, in complement to the ISH North America trade show, provides a forum for the meaningful exchange of dialog between ASA members and others from around the country involved in our channel. Next year's event will be combined with the annual convention of the National Association of Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors, and will be held September 7-10 in Orlando. For more information, contact ASA at 312-464-0090 or visit www.asa.net.

Participants were able to choose from among 6 different tables/topics at this year's "Meet the Pros." Here, Paul Lunsford of Manufacturers Marketing, Inc. in Westfield, Ind., (far r) shares his views on "Teaching Your Salespeople to Sell." The informal format is a great way to share ideas and info.

Crowds rush onto the show floor for Opening Day of the ISH North America trade show on Thursday, October 14th. The lines to register quickly built, challenging the personnel to hurry the process along.

On Tuesday before the Opening Reception, several ASA volunteer groups held meetings. Here, members of the Vendor Member Division Executive Council talk about how to maximize attendance at their "Networking Breakfast" program later in the week.

Gary Cartright (l) of Piping & Equipment, Inc. in Houston, accepts a plaque honoring his many years of service on the Industrial Piping Division Executive Council, from Mike Abeling of Consumers Pipe & Supply in Los Angeles, the IPD Chairman.

Mark Theis of H.W. Theis Co. in Brookfield, Wisc. (l), 2004 ASA President, presents an award to outgoing Chairman of the Board, Steve Anderson of Central States Industrial Supply in Omaha, Neb.

Ed Felten of First Supply Group, Madison, Wisc., here with his wife Cathy, was the recipient of the prestigious Fred V. Keenan Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his contributions to the industry and the association.

Some of ASA's former and current leaders pose for a photo: (l to r), Earl Zarbock, Ferguson Supply Co., Salt Lake City, UT; Frank Finkel, Davis & Warshow, Maspeth, NY; Steve Anderson, Central States Industrial Supply Co., Omaha, NE; Fred V. Keenan, Hajoca Corp., Burbank, CA; Inge Calderon, ASA's executive vice president; Dottie Ramsey, Modern Supply Co., Knoxville, TN, and Harold Williams, Security Supply Corp., Selkirk, NY.

Mac Fulfer (far left) recruited "volunteers" from the audience during his lunch presentation to "read" their faces. His "Amazing Face Reading" workshop after lunch was standing room only and well-received by all.