ASA’s annual Spring Forum brought together 47 individuals from 24 ASA member wholesalers, manufacturers and independent manufacturers representatives from across the United States.  Held May 18 – 19 at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN, the Spring Forum provided a first-class educational program and outstanding networking opportunities in one well-received event.

This annual event is sponsored by ASA’s Young Executives Division, a special interest group dedicated to providing networking and educational opportunities that support the development of promising employees into industry leaders. Opening night featured a dinner hosted by Mueller Industries, where attendees were able to socialize and get to know each other at the start of the meeting. Larry Stoddard, President of the Standard Products Division for Mueller Industries, took some time to share his thoughts on what future leaders should consider as they move up through the ranks and become successful participants in the PHCP/PVF industry. His key message was “your success will be through the education and development of other people in order to inspire them to do what you expect them to do. Therefore, it’s important to invest in others because the people around you are your most valuable asset.” 

John E. Schoen, entrepreneur, consultant & college professor, led the attendees on an educational journey through the analysis of financial ratios within a business, especially for those non-financial managers. Tying in directly to Larry Stoddard’s presentation the previous evening, Schoen told participants “if you have access to measures, you can speak accurately and confidently to get your people to do what you need them to do.”

“A message we have consistently heard from our members over the past few years is that they struggle with aspects of workforce development,” said Chris Murin, ASA staff liaison to the Young Executives Division. “A distributor or manufacturer can put a great deal into hiring a new employee, but not every company recognizes that an ongoing investment in that person’s development can significantly impact their success and their bottom line. Our members invest in inventory, technology, capital expenditures, and streamlining processes, but the most important resource any company has is its people, and successful people understand that concept.  That’s the major lesson that was delivered to the attendees.” 

Contact Chris at 312-464-0090 ext. 205 or cmurin@asa.net for more information on how your company can become involved in the Young Executives Division.

A Bright Future

Since January 1, 2008, the Young Executives Division has welcomed 11 new members:

  Dellon Sales Company
David Dellon, Inside Sales/Outside Wholesale/Contractor Sales

Bradford White Corporation
Joe Notte, National Sales Manager

Kenny Pipe & Supply, Inc.
Eddie Agee, Vice President/General Manager
Jake Hester, Corporate Development Manager
Anderson Hill, Sales Rep/Industrial

First Supply LLC
Todd Restel, Director of Finance

Mission Valley Pipe & Supply
Daron Teemsma, Inside Sales

Porter Pipe & Supply
Jesse Pence, Counter Sales
Frank Porter, Counter Sales
Nick Porter, Plant Manager
Kevin Roche, Outside Sales Manager