Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/276079
8 FEDA News & Views Association Highlights A Selfless Commitment to Serve Our Industry: This is Brad Wasserstrom, FEDA President Ray Herrick Executive Vice President ray@feda.com There simply was not room in the title of this article to fully describe Brad Wasserstrom, who has served as FEDA's President these past two years. He has truly been remarkable in both the things he accomplished and also in the manner in which he conducted himself. Brad came into this FEDA presidency with a full agenda of relevant issues to address the following: ➤ Ever mindful of FEDA's No. 1 prior- ity of advocating for dealer-based distribution, he led the Association in its first recognition of excep- tional manufacturers that best exemplify support of the dealer community. The selection process was based on important criteria that was explained in News & Views. ➤ He urged each dealer to vote with their dollars in working with manu- facturers that the dealer believes supports their business and a strong dealer community. ➤ Our News & Views magazine spoke out on many important issues con- cerning dealers' value within the channel and their profitability, so resources are available to supply value-added services to the channel. The issue of manufacturers under- cutting dealers in the marketplace with destructive practices was also addressed. ➤ FEDA News & Views magazine and FEDA First Thing Newsletter con- tinued to bring sales & manage- ment articles as well as indus- try news to the members. ➤ For all of our programming, Brad's goal was to serve all members. He was always always mindful of the many differences in the member- ship in dollar volume and business models, yet focused on uniting us in our many commonali- ties. ➤ He led the interior design fight for FEDA and the industry to protect our right to do design work. ➤ Brad engaged the full FEDA Board of Directors in an effort to keep members aware of their many member benefits. ➤ And, of course, there were the suc- cessful FEDA conventions, sales training at the NAFEM show, profit and compensation sur- veys, sales training webinars and our many website offerings. ➤ And as many of you saw, he choreo- graphed the "Dance of Joy." Thanks Brad. Brad gave so generously of his time and talents. He showed great wisdom and tact as FEDA President in the way he addressed complex issues and the honest and respectful way in which he interacted with the excom, board and channel partners. Brad's term is ending with a stronger FEDA dealer voice and an energized commitment to serve its members. Brad, my Julie and I are blessed to call you and your Julie our friends, which will endure far beyond your presidency. Thank you Brad. It's been a great two years. Need more information on how FEDA can help you? Contact me by phone at 800-677-9605 or email.