BSA Winter Meeting sets record attendance

A record number of attendees participated in the Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) 2010 Winter Meeting January 17-19 in Tampa, Fla.

Attendees heard presentations on counterfeit bearings and vendor managed inventory (VMI).

During a luncheon presentation to all Winter Meeting attendees, Scott Lynch, president of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA), explained how BSA authorized bearing distributors can partner with ABMA to assist in addressing the $600 billion a year counterfeiting problem that costs U.S. businesses $200 - $250 billion annually.

Lynch has been a key participant in the evolution of the World Bearing Association (WBA) with the Japanese Bearing Industrial Association (JBIA) and the Federation of European Bearing Manufacturers Association (FEBMA) since its creation in 2007. WBA recently launched its Anti-Counterfeiting Initiative, authorizing a three-year education and communications campaign to bring attention to generate awareness about the counterfeit problem and increase motivation to always buy from authorized bearing sources. The primary target is end users of bearings, with law enforcement and authorized distributors as secondary targets.

Also at the 2010 winter Meeting, BSA’s Information Technology and Supply Chain Committee welcomed Max Buchanan of Datalliance, Inc., a provider of collaborative commerce services, and the world’s largest independent VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) service provider. Buchanan discussed the business value of VMI and the benefits of improved inventory efficiency, reduced administrative costs and improved customer service.

Traditionally, BSA’s Winter and Fall Meetings provide an opportunity for attendees to network with industry peers in a more casual setting than the association’s annual convention.

Individuals who are not currently serving on a BSA committee are encouraged to attend and experience the work of the committee(s) of their choice with no obligation to join the committee; see how participation can influence the direction of the industry; and learn how committee participation can benefit them personally and improve their company's position in the marketplace.

This year a record number of attendees took advantage of the opportunity for industry networking and education. Attendees included 30% more distributors than manufacturers, two first-time attendees and one guest.

For more information on BSA, contact the BSA office at (630) 858-3838; fax (630) 790-3095; e-mail info@bsahome.org or visit www.bsahome.org.