JUNE 2014 RETAILOBSERVER.COM
35
I
n the floor care and sewing industry, it's vital that
independent dealers stay on top of the latest
trends, zero in on the launch of new product, gain
industry insight, and solidify relationships with their
manufacturers and distributors. The one place each
year that this all happens is at the Annual VDTA/
SDTA Trade Show & Convention.
This year, dealers came from all around the world
to soak up the knowledge, revitalize their business
strategies and connect with their key contacts
within the association.
The action all began bright and early as
educational sessions got underway. As the show
progressed, the Vacuum Dealer Town Hall
Meeting, moderated by Blaine Austin, CEO of
AllBrands.com, drew a large crowd. Panelists
included Dan Gregory of TTI Americas, Bill
Hinderer of Tacony Corporation, John van Leuven
of Sebo America, and Larry Hartley of Electrolux.
During this event, these leading experts discussed
the best business practices, current trends in the
vacuum industry and how to co-exist and survive
with the big box stores and the Internet.
Culminating the day's events was the evening's
Awards Ceremony. VDTA/SDTA presented awards
to many industry leaders and contributors. Al
Allstadt of Al's Vacuum & Janitorial, Steve Chubin
of Steve's Sewing Vacuum Quilting, Junichi Horie
of Brother International, Winston S. Lindsay III of
Lindsay Manufacturing, Ray Queen of Tacony
Corporation and Frank Scrofani of Hillsborough,
NJ, were all inducted into the VDTA/SDTA Hall of
Fame. Also honored were the 2014 VDTA/Epstein
College Scholarship Recipients, Anthony Brady
and Kaitlin Sobelman, and the 2013 Independent
Dealers of the Year: Rutten Vacuum Center and
State Vacuum of Tampa.
Fifteen independent dealers were honored by
the association as 30-year members and 15
independent dealers were also honored as 20-year
members. The three associate members who were
also acknowledged for their long-term support
were Brother International, Rexair, Inc. and Desco
Vacuum Cleaner Supply Co.
AT VDTA /SDTA 2014
CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS !
T H I S Y E A R , D E A LE R S CA M E F R O M A LL A R O U N D T H E WO R LD TO S OA K
U P T H E K N OW LE D G E , R E V I TA LI Z E T H E I R B U S I N E S S ST R AT E G I E S A N D
C O N N E CT W I T H T H E I R K E Y C O N TACTS W I T H I N T H E AS S O C I AT I O N .
ATTENDEES GET
SUPER-
CHARGED
