SEFA held their Annual Spring Conference (Member Event of the Year ), April 22nd-24th, 2024 in Concord, NC. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort and Spa. Members enjoyed an opening reception with outdoor patio games, food, and beverages as they connected with old and new friends in the fastener industry. Rocky River provided a great venue for the Golf Outing, which is always a component of the conference members look forward to. Golf was followed by an awards dinner honoring many including Outgoing Chairman-Anthony Crawl of Birmingham Fastener, and Outgoing President-Stephanie Wood of Fastener Supply.
2024-2025 SEFA Board of Directors:
- President – Tony Strein/International Fasteners
- Vice President – Dana Strock/Nucor Fasteners
- Chairman – Stephanie Wood/Fastener Supply
Directors:
- Anthony Crawl/Birmingham Fastener
- Lee Parker/ Birmingham Fastener
- Tom Sulek/Star Stainless
- Carrie Whitworth/Edsco Fasteners
- Hayden Gaston/Difco-Durable Industrial Finishing Co.
Secretary/Treasurer – Nancy Rich
Executive Director – Nancy Rich
Golf awards were presented to:
- First Place Team: Rob Reynolds, Eric Gates-INxSQL, Bryan Wheeler-Star Stainless Screw, Donnie Shrum-Fastener Supply
- Second Place Team: Bobby Fail-XL Screw Corp., Andy Roach-Huyett, Sean Costello-RIE Coatings
- Women’s Closet to the Pin Stephanie Wood-Fastener Supply
- Women’s Longest Drive Tina Windham-DIFCO
- Men’s Closest to the Pin Donnie Shrum-Fastener Supply
- Men’s Longest Drive Rob Reynolds-INxSQL
Thank you to Nucor Fasteners for donating golf balls for our winners!
The next day brought more opportunities for the members during the Table Top Show in the morning as well as afternoon events. Key representatives from the industry: Lee Parker/Birmingham Fastener, Rob Reynolds/INxSQL Software, Kent Carter/Wrought Washer, and Bryan Wheeler/Star Stainless Screw provided a panel of widespread knowledge, while sharing their thoughts on dealing with the industry challenges. Attendees especially enjoyed learning procedures others had put in motion to keep their employees motivated as well as maintain employees since this has become an ongoing issue across many industries. Their discussion was followed by keynote speaker Meridith Elliot Powell.
Pic Meridith’s high energy presentation encouraged attendees to think ahead to turn uncertainty into competitive advantages. Always be ready for a challenge. Utilizing Meridith’s 9 strategies are a proven formula for thriving in uncertainty can assist everyone in greater success.. If you missed her presentation visit Meridith’s website (https://meridithelliottpowell.com/) to learn more about thriving in business and life.
The conference allowed for many networking opportunities which is key to businesses. The support of the members and guests is what makes events, throughout our industry, successful. Thank you to all who supported SEFA Spring Conference 2024.
Thank you to our sponsors who continue to elevate the event.
Mark Your Calendars Now for the 2025 SEFA Spring Conference Celebrating 50 Years!! April 29th-May 1st, 2025-Saddblebrook Resort-Tampa, FL
Upcoming SEFA Socials and More in 2024
- July 18, 2024 SEFA Social, Atlanta, GA
- December 12, 2024 EFA Holiday Social, Tampa, FL
SEFA Welcomes New Members
- AFC Industries-West Chester, OH
- S.W. Anderson Company-Roswell, GA
- Zago Manufacturing Co.-Anniston, AL
Congratulations to SEFA’s 2024 Scholarship Winners
- Gilchrist Foundation Scholarship $1,000 Donated by Robbie & Gina Gilchrist awardee: Alexis Phillips-Eurolink FSS
- Em Webb Memorial Scholarship $1,500 awardee: MaKayla White-Brighton Best International
- Brighton Best International Scholarship $2,000 Awardee: Ann Marie Cannova-Birmingham Fastener
- Durable Industrial Finishing Company (DIFCO) Scholarship $2,000 awardee: Mary Catherine Cannova
- SEFA Scholarship $2,500 awardee: Audree Rosenthal-DIFCO
- SEFA Scholarship $3,000 awardee: Emily Brandt-Lindfast Solutions
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