“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something
 you want done because he wants to do it.”
Dwight Eisenhower

If the above statement is true, than the FPDA Board of Directors are true leaders, as I have been asked to be the 2007-2008 YES Chair and am honored to participate in this role.

If you were at the FPDA 2007 Annual Meeting, you know what a great meeting it was; if you missed the meeting, you missed some great presentations and networking opportunities. Either way, you can download information presented by a number of impressive speakers including YES member Scott Dickson, who spoke about “Three Fundamental Characteristics of Leaders” during the YES Networking Luncheon.

Looking forward… the 2007 Fall Meeting is being held October 11-14, 2007 at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, Kansas City, MO. FPDA's Young Executives are offering special registration incentives for YES Members attending the 2007 FPDA Fall Meeting as a First-Time Meeting Attendee, including: • Full participation in all FPDA Fall Conference events at a 50% reduced registration fee • Participation in the YES/Past Presidents’ Networking Luncheon • An invitation to a President's Reception for YES Members • An opportunity to achieve professional fluid power Certification at an FPS-sponsored test event following the close of the FPDA Fall Conference.

The YES members are the future industry leaders of the Fluid Power and Automation industry, and there is no better outlet than the FPDA Fall and Annual meetings to network with peers, share ideas, discuss innovations in business practices, and learn about techniques and tools available for Distributors and Manufacturers through the FPDA. We will play an important role in upcoming FPDA developments and I urge you to take advantage of this industry network!
 

Steve Johnson, JEM Technical

The Winning Edge - Customers & Competitors
 

Theoretically, success in business is simple. But in the real world this same success is incredibly challenging to achieve. Every piece of a complex puzzle must fall into place and remain there. The successful distributor knows that it all starts with knowing two basic things: customers and competitors.  Read Entire Article by Dr. Phillip D. Hall & Frank Hurrte, River Heights Consulting.

Young Distribution Professionals Conference Enhancing Distribution Management Skills - Sold Out!

The Young Distribution Professionals Conference is an exciting new program designed specifically for young professionals with careers in the distribution industry and brings together young professionals representing nearly 40 different distribution industries. The following FPDA Members will be attending this program in August, 2007:

Tom Nicholson, GS Hydraulics, Inc.
Mark Torbett, GS Hydraulics, Inc.

Jason Berger, Hydraquip Corporation
Scott Nelson, Hydraquip Corporation

Dave Schulp, Quincy Ortman Cylinders
Richard Rigenhagen, Stauff Corporation

David Raymond, Womack Machine Supply Company

YES NETWORKING LIST
(as of June 1, 2007)