University of Innovative Distribution (UID) will be held on March 16-19, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking its 31st consecutive year of bringing together C-suite and executive sales and business development leaders across the distribution and supply chain management channels. Whether it be plumbing, paper, electrical distributors, landscaping, or construction, attendees learn from distribution colleagues from other industries in a highly engaged format. UID is a concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry. Since its inception in 1994, UID has become known worldwide for excellence in education. UID is sponsored by a coalition of leading distributor-based trade associations in cooperation with the Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation of Purdue University. Working together, these partners take great pride in providing a superior learning experience addressing the unique needs of wholesale distributors across all channels.

The 2026 program will feature learning tracks in Distribution Strategy, Leadership/Professional Development, Management, Marketing, and Operations, with strong emphasis on Sales and Artificial Intelligence (AI) across multiple sessions and keynotes.

• Section 232 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Frequently Asked Questions
• New Tariff Requirements for 2025

Of notable importance is this section:

Signature Engineered Solutions (SES), a provider of engineered fasteners and products for manufacturing and industrial applications, today announced its partnership as an exclusive distributor for Grove Products, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer and distributor of metal hose fittings and adapters.

“We’re pleased to add Grove’s high-quality fittings and adapters to our growing line of products," said Reno Fricano, chief executive officer at Signature. “This partnership adds to our extensive supply chain network that offers the most sought-after fastener and engineered products in North America.”

Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will present its final Fastener Training Week of 2025 in Los Angeles, November 17-21.

“We’ll end the year in Los Angeles - excited to teach more fastener professionals what it takes to become a Certified Fastener Specialist,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI. “The more CFS trained fastener employees there are, the safer and more robust our industry will stay.”

The Gilchrist Foundation has awarded three scholarships from the 2025 applicants.  Congratulations to the recipients. We wish them well and are pleased to assist them with their education.  

They are as follows and their sponsoring companies;

Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will host Fastener Platings, Coatings and Corrosion, a full-day workshop during International Fastener Expo (IFE). The training is Monday, September 15, at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. 

Carmen Vertullo, FTI instructor, and owner and founder of Carver Labs, will lead the workshop. Attendees who invest in this professional development will gain extensive knowledge about corrosion in fasteners.

The National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA) recently awarded a scholarship for Fastener Training Week, an advanced fastener technical training program produced by the Fastener Training Institute, to Michelle Yu, Supply Chain Analyst for AIS. 

Scholarship applicants were evaluated based on recommendations from their employers, personal achievements, work experience, and an essay. Identifying information was redacted so that the team evaluating the applications did not know the names or employers of those applying.

Signature Engineered Solutions, a provider of engineered fasteners for manufacturing and industrial applications, today announced its selection as a North American distributor for Unbrako, a global manufacturer of high-strength industrial fasteners.

“The addition of Unbrako products to our broad line of fasteners will enable us to serve more customers in more markets across North America," said Michael Delfin, chief commercial officer at Signature. “This agreement reflects our growth strategy of leveraging our strong supply chain network and customer base to acquire more in-demand product lines.”

Ed Smith of Wurth Industry USA has been elected as the 2025-2026 president of the National Fastener Distributors Association.  Melissa Patel of Field will serve as vice president, Christian Reich of Goebel Fasteners will continue as associate chair, and Scott McDaniel of Martin Fastening Solutions will remain on the Board as immediate past president.

Lisa Breton of DB Roberts, Scott Camp of Atlas Distribution Services, and Jennifer Sturm of Empire Bolt & Screw have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors effective June 11, 2025. 

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Fastener Training Institute (FTI) heads to Chicago, IL to host its next Fastener Training Week from August 25-29 as part of Mid-West Fastener Association’s FSTNR Week.

“We love being in Chicago. It’s a great opportunity for industry professionals to complete Fastener Training Week while having the chance to engage with the MWFA,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI.

The National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA) is honored to announce that the 2025 recipient of its Fastener Professional of the Year award is Mark Shannon.

In his nomination of Mark, Nick Ruetz stated, “Mark has been an incredible mentor to so many in our industry. He's always carried himself with the highest degree of character and is always willing to help. He has been a connector of people even when it meant no benefit to himself or his company, but rather because it was the right thing to do.”

NFDA Members are invited to join NAW’s Government Relations team and industry experts on Tuesday, April 8th from 3:00-4:00 PM ET for an update and in-depth look at the Trump Administration’s latest tariff policies and their potential impact on the wholesale distribution industry. 

This webinar will provide key insights into regulatory changes, cost implications, and strategic approaches to mitigate risks and optimize supply chains. Members will also have an opportunity to engage and ask questions to help navigate the dynamic tariff landscape in 2025 and beyond.

Become a Certified Fastener Specialist™ (CFS) with Fastener Training Institute’s series of one-day classes and plant tours. Students who pursue a CFS with these individual classes have the flexibility to spread training out over time. After completion, students are eligible to test for CFS designation. 

“It’s a great solution for those who are unable to take an entire week off for Fastener Training Week,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for Fastener Training Institute. “CFS classes can be taken in any order and at any time.”

Innovative approaches to vendor-managed inventory, technical support, and company culture drive Field Fastener’s success

The Driven by DCKAP podcast recently welcomed Jim Derry, CEO of Field Fastener, for a discussion on the company’s impressive growth, strategic leadership, and commitment to community impact. Hosted by Karthik Chidambaram, the episode delves into how Field Fastener has evolved from a small business with $800,000 in revenue to a nearly $200 million enterprise, growing at a steady 20% per year.

Watch the full episode, or watch the clip where Jim discusses his involvement with NFDA.

The Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will present Fastening 101 ahead of Fastener Fair USA in Nashville on Tuesday, May 27. Come for the class and stay for the show – or come to the show and take the class.

“Our Fastening 101 class has really evolved. The content is extensive and offers much more than the basics,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI. “It’s the perfect way to kick-off the show.”

Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will host its next Fastener Training Week, April 7-11, in Cleveland, OH. Fastener Training Week, sponsored by Birmingham Fastener, is FTI’s flagship training program that earns students Certified Fastener Specialist™ (CFS) designation after completion and passing a final exam. 

“We look forward to welcoming our next class of Fastener Training Week students! Completing the class and becoming a Certified Fastener Specialist™ is a significant accomplishment,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI. “We are proud to make our industry safer and more reliable through advanced training.”

Fastener Training Institute (FTI) is pleased to announce Würth Industry USA (WIUSA) will continue as its sustaining sponsor once again in 2025. 

The union highlights the significance of training. “Since 2019, Würth has been by our side prioritizing the importance of fastener education for all levels in our industry,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI. “We are humbled by Würth’s ongoing commitment and truly value our partnership.”

Hristijan Georgievski of IFE Americas has been elected as the 2025 president of the Young Fastener Professionals. Zech Williams of Wurth Industry USA will serve as vice president, and Craig Beaty of Beawest Fasteners will remain on the Board as immediate past president.

Continuing on the YFP Board are Jake Glaser of Sherex Fastening Solutions, Mallory Nichols of Advance Components, and Nihar Sinha of AmeriSteel Fastener.

GTSE is proud to announce the official launch of www.ephadistribution.com, a dynamic new platform dedicated to streamlining access to the innovative EPHA Hose Protectors, Looms, Spacers and Safety Sheaths. The EPHA product line is dedicated to preventing hose and cable wear, routing and management solutions.

This launch marks the beginning of an exciting partnership between GTSE and Mitch Myers, the President/CEO and co-founder of EPHA Inc. EPHA the “ORIGINAL HOSE PROTECTOR” has been a trailblazer in delivering high-quality hose and cable protection products for industrial and commercial applications for over 42 years. Through this collaboration, GTSE aims to enhance product availability, ensuring that customers across the globe can efficiently secure and protect their equipment with trusted EPHA solutions.