IDA Universal

I DA U N I V E R S A L M ay -J u n e 2 0 2 0 4 EDITOR'S NOTES Nancy Estes, MBA, CAE Executive Director/Editor MAXIMON MACHINE CO. ALTOONA, PA January 22, 1959 Dear Friend: I have been asked, "Why Do I Need an Association?" Man learned early in his existence what one could not do alone, several together could do. Man realized early, too, that pooling tools and skills would produce more, that anticipating needs developed new tools and new methods, and that these tools and methods were more productive if the whole program was intelligently planned and directed. Thus, associations were born. As rebuilders, or parts distributors, or suppliers, we are vitally concerned with promoting the acceptance of our services and parts. We can do this successfully only through the education of the equipment user and through the development of better techniques, better materials and ever greater varieties of replacement parts. We have one common competitor – the franchise 0.E.M. Dealer. He has at his command all the skills, prestige and enormous economic power of the O.E.M. To combat him we must unite. Only through an association can we use best the resources and skills of the rebuilders, our parts suppliers, and our machinery builders, to develop better techniques, better tools, better and more replacement parts. Only through an association can we establish standards for work quality and ethical practices. Only through an association can we develop an educational program and bring it to the equipment user. Only through an association can we survive and prosper, for as individuals surely we will be picked off one by one and lose rebuilding, with its wonderful potential, to the 0.E.M. dealer. This is my answer to "Why an Association?" What about you? Cordially Sam B. Maximon Dear IDA Members, I consider myself very fortunate to have become part of IDA while some of the "original members" were still working, supporting and fi ghting for the a ermarket industry (IDA). e following letter was written in 1959 by the fi rst IDA President, Mr. Sam Maximon. Although the letter is over 60 years old, to me it still succinctly expresses the philosophies of the A ermarket Movement. How does one impart the importance of this legacy? Each of you is very important to this Association. Please mark your calendars now for the 2020 Orlando IDA Convention, October 28-30!

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