Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/571132
22 FEDA News & Views and more manufacturers bypassing the channel with direct-to- end-user sales via online and external marketplaces. I want to be clear that this issue is still in its infancy within our industry and the number of manufacturers participating are relatively low. The vast majority of our manufacturer part- ners are continuing to find value in supporting our dealers, showrooms, expertise, and end-user customer relationships. We praise and applaud these partners for resisting the desire to make a quick buck today at the expense of the long-term dealer relationships that helped them to become successful organizations. I urge each of you to evaluate the online and non-foodser- vice-industry landscape and see which manufacturers are standing strong as partners and which ones are dabbling in a short-sighted direction. If you disagree with their direction, engage in an open dialogue with them. Conversely, praise the ones that are aligned with the interests of your business. Once the discussions have concluded, I encourage you to take decisive action to boldly reaffirm your position. Vote with your dollars to support the manufacturers that are dedicated to the long-term success of all parties within the channel. President's Message continued and provided information that disputed the data the CCSB pre- sented in its analytical findings. In response to the expressed concerns, the CCSB voted to defer disposition of the washing machine proposal and gather additional information from a variety of sources. Two members of the CCSB even attended the NAFEM Show in February and the International Home and Housewares Show the following month to gain additional knowledge. The end result? In June, the CCSB held another public meeting to discuss changing the classification. The proposed amendment was NOT adopted and has been withdrawn pend- ing further research. Stay Informed The CCSB will be holding additional meetings to ratify pro- posed amendments throughout the remainder of 2015 and already has meeting dates scheduled into 2016. Information regarding future dockets, proposals, public meeting dates, etc., can be found on the National Motor Freight Traffic Association's website at www.nmfta.org. Methods to formally dispute proposed classification amendments and packaging standards are also available on the NMFTA's website. By using these resources, FEDA members have the power to defend against potential changes to classification and/or packaging that will ultimately affect profitability. week prior to the meeting, the CCSB was contacted by NAFEM and many of its members. The group opposed the proposal Industry Insights continued