Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/241540
Happy New Year! PRESIDENT'S POST 6 F or a majority of our IDA Associate and Regular members, 2013 had an upside and offered us some optimism moving forward. I do believe overall sales growth in 2014 is going to increase for manufacturers, and the aftermarket dealer network will improve. The suppliers for various manufacturers are also likely to see an edge on profits. Your IDA ended its fiscal year (May 31) profitably, with a good report from the auditors. The annual convention and trade show in Banff, Canada was a profitable success, as well. Much of the annual success must be credited to all the patrons who advertise in the association's publications and become sponsors. Thank you. The convention videos created by Magic Video are now available on the IDA website (www.idaparts.org). I recommend that you take the time to watch both videos, to see the great time members enjoyed, the sponsors that supported the event and the preview of the 2014 Chicago event. We were proud to welcome the 21 new members, from 8 different countries, that joined IDA in the past year. encourage all of you to review the centerfold of each issue of the Universal member magazine for possible new business partners. The future looks exciting! In October, new officers were elected to 2013-2015 terms on the IDA board of directors. Joining me are: Bob Creighton as Vice President (Creighton Rock Drill); Paul Bonovich as Treasurer (CIS Quality Parts); and Barry Stoughton as North American Associate Liaison (BLS Enterprises). It was also exciting to welcome the following new members to IDA's board of directors: Amr Elborai as North American Director (Memo Corporation) and Patricia Pasemko as North American Director (Titan Supply). These individuals joined the following members, who have continuing terms on the board: Roger Teran (TractoAmerica), Anders Freij (Swedish Lorry Parts), George Angelidis (Iteco), and Don Frost (Tilly's Crawler Parts Pty.Ltd.) This diverse management group will continue the strong leadership tradition at IDA, combining a great variety of perspectives that will benefit the IDA membership at large. Chicago promises to be another great location for the next IDA event. IDA has already sold more than 30 booths and 8 sponsorships. Several member companies from that area are planning a Lake Michigan cruise for the Wednesday Opening Reception. Participating so far are: • BLS Enterprises, • North American Components, • ANS, • ValuePart, Pete Smith IDA President 2013-15 • Vescovini Group, • Boyd and Sons, • National Tractor Parts, • SDM-US Industrial Group. Make your plans now to arrive in Chicago early, Wednesday, October 29, 2014. Buses will be transporting IDA registrants from the headquarters hotel, the Hyatt Regency downtown, to the Navy Pier. You do not want to "miss the boat." I see our IDA Regular and Associate Members as the Crown Jewels in the aftermarket dealer network. Yes, the large networks of OEM companies are tough to duplicate. However, IDA members are networking worldwide to address the various aggressive marketplaces. Numbers do not lie; our well managed aftermarket members are here to service the many facets of this global aftermarket. Merry Christmas and a very Healthy New Year to all from the Smith family and F.P. Smith Parts and Equipment Company. • ITR, • Intercontinental Parts, Inc., • Brown's Heavy Equipment Inc., • Industrial Tractor Parts, • Intertractor American Corp. IDA UNIVERSAL January-February 2014