NAGASA - The Compass - Summer 1998

• President’s Column
• Are You Ready for the Year 2000 Bug?
• Past, Present, Future
• Study Focus
• Trade Show Committee Making Shows More Valuable to Members
• Equipment and Supplies Network Organized
• Calendar of Events

Equipment and Supplies Network Organized for Small Manufacturers and Distributors

Committee Chair Walter Gierlach speaks during the Equipment and Supplies Network meeting May 30.

Twenty-one manufacturer and distributor member representatives of NAGASA attended a special organizing meeting for small manufacturers and distributors during the Dallas Show on Saturday, May 30. Committee Chair Walter Gierlach and NAGASA President David Steinhardt facilitated an open forum to focus the group on its needs, mission, goals, direction and organization.

Representatives unanimously agreed that NAGASA needed to establish a special interest group within the association to represent manufacturers, importers and master distributors with approximately $15 million in North American sales.

It was decided that the nature of the Network should operate under a clear definition of the needs of the group and active participation by all to see those needs are addressed within the Association through its educational, statistical, committee and networking programs. A steering committee was elected by the members of the group to lead the group and focus the Association on its needs.

The group concluded that common issues facing them include:

• Payment terms to dealers and customers
• Trade show concerns
• Dealer sales, service and cash flow, including credit and floor plan options
• Dealer leasing and inventory including large quantity issues
• Ways manufacturers and dealers can work together to benefit the industry and promote channel education.

 Twenty-one member representatives of NAGASA discussed the needs of the Equipment 
and Supplies Network for Small Manufacturers.

NAGASA Manufacturer Vice President Mark Kannenberg will be the board liaison for the new network. In addition, both the Equipment and Supplies Network for Small Manufacturers and Distributors and the newly organized Owner-Managed Dealer Network hope to get together during Forum ’99 to explore similar issues.

Look for the group to schedule its first formal meeting during Graph Expo as a breakfast meeting, before the exhibits open. In the meantime, if you are interested in receiving information about the Equipment and Supplies Network for Small Manufacturers and Distributors, contact NAGASA at 202-328-8441.