NetworkASA 2009: POWER Makes an Impact

Accolades Pour in From Across the Industry

Political commentator and journalist George Will engaged the crowd at the POWER Lunch.

Hundreds of wholesalers, manufacturers, independent manufacturer reps and industry citizens from across the PHCP and PVF channel gathered in Washington, D.C., last month for the annual convention of the American Supply Association, NetworkASA 2009: POWER. The three-day event focused heavily on the economic outlook for the future of ASA members’ businesses, bringing channel partners together to strengthen relationships, and engaging ASA members in promoting ASA’s legislative agenda in face-to-face meetings with their senators, representatives and members of their staffs.

Bradford White president Nick Giuffre presents ASA president Joe Poehling a cake at the Bradford White-sponsored ASA 40th Anniversary Reception.

The Kickoff Event for NetworkASA 2009 was the Wholesaler & Vendor Conference Appointments, where 29 manufacturing companies held business meetings with current and potential customers over the four-hour period. “Many of the participating manufacturers arrived with meetings pre-scheduled, plus they had the opportunity to meet on-the-fly with distributors who arrived to walk the floor,” said Chris Murin, ASA’s executive director. “There was a steady stream of distributors coming in and out and the activity level inside the room was high throughout the session.”

Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, was the featured speaker at the IPD Breakfasted, sponsored by Milwaukee Valve.

Other highlights included:

Platinum Sponsor Bradford White hosted the ASA 40th Anniversary Reception, where attendees enjoyed an outstanding array of food and drink while socializing with friends from across the industry. A slideshow of pictures spanning ASA’s 40 years took everyone down memory lane and reminded those attending of the strength and influence ASA has held throughout the years.

Gary Cartright from Piping & Equipment, Inc. is presented with the IPD Award of Excellence.

The Industrial Piping Division Educational Forum and Breakfast was sponsored in part by Milwaukee Valve, with a full agenda. The morning began with Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, giving what many attendees called “an outstanding and informative presentation” on the future of the U.S. energy policy. Following an extended Q&A with Ms. Harbert, IPD Chairman Pat Adams and Vice Chairman Guy Mersereau presented the IPD Award of Excellence to industry icon Gary Cartright of Piping & Equipment, Inc. The presentation was filled with testimonials from individuals throughout the industry who consider Gary an unsurpassed mentor, leader, colleague and gentleman.

David Kohler, president and COO for Kohler Co., gave the meeting’s Keynote Address.

David Kohler, president and COO of Kohler Co., provided the Keynote Speaker Presentation for NetworkASA 2009. His entertaining and enlightening address provided much to discuss about the U.S. economy and how it is affected by markets around the world.

Attendees enjoy some roulette at the Industry Interchange, courtesy of Hercules, OateySCS.

The ASA Power Lunch and Legislative Briefing prepped all in attendance for the how-and-why of the afternoon’s appointments on Capitol Hill. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and renowned political commentator George Will then enthralled the audience with his take on the political scene in Washington today, followed by a lively Q&A. His understanding of key political issues and the direction in which Congress and the current administration are heading on policy inspired everyone to hit the legislative meetings with as much persuasive energy as possible.

IPD members celebrate ASA’s 40th anniversary: Rick Giannini from Milwaukee Valve, Guy Mersereau from Westlund Supply, Pat Adams, MKS Pipe & Valve, Short Guy from KC, Bob Arison from All-Tex Supply.

Parties representing all sectors of the industry took to Capitol Hill to promote ASA’s legislative agenda. Over 200 appointments with senators and representatives were scheduled and overwhelmingly participants in these meetings expressed their satisfaction with the process and pride in being able to represent their industry to the nation’s leaders.

The CEO & CFO Peer Networking Survival Session brought together some of the best minds in our industry. Clockwise from standing: Dr. Adam Fein, moderator, Todd Restel of First Supply, Dwight Newton of Zoeller Co., Pat Adams of MKS Pipe & Valve, ??, Jeff Pope of F.W. Webb Co., Barry Wolff of Torrington Supply Co., Scott Robertson of Robertson Plumbing & Heating, and Steve Cook of Northeastern Supply.

ASA introduced the Industry Interchange, a new way to network and make business contacts while having fun at the same time. Based on feedback received from both the exhibiting manufacturers and the distributors in attendance, the event was a smash hit with people playing games until the last minute, vying for prizes, and then sticking around for an hour past the event’s end to continue enjoying each other’s company. In addition, the evening’s activities also raised over $1,100 for Homes for Our Troops, ASA’s select charitable partner.

ASA’s next convention, NetworkASA 2010, will take place October 12-15, 2010 in Chicago. For complete coverage of NetworkASA 2009: POWER, including photos from all the events, visit www.asa.net.