Issue #21  •  Spring 2005

The Newsletter of the

Web Sling & Tie Down Association

WSTDA Headed to Niagara-On-The Lake:

Annual Meeting Set for May 15-18

Given the early levels of interest in its upcoming Annual Meeting, and the number of new members who have joined the Association since last year…expectations are high for a successful event May 15-18, in Ontario, Canada. The Annual

Business Meeting and Election of Officers will take place on Monday, May 16, 2005.

If you haven’t already registered, please do so by April 15 for earlybird rates. After April 15, registrants will be charged a $100 late fee. DETAILS

Annual Meeting Hotel Deadline Approaching

WSTDA Thanks Sponsors for Spring Meeting

Thank you to the sponsors of our upcoming Spring Meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake:

Ribbon Webbing – Platinum

DUSA International - Gold

American Webbing & Fittings – Silver

The sponsorships from these companies give WSTDA the ability to offer quality programs and events at the meeting and reasonable prices.

It’s not too late to become a sponsor for the Spring Meeting. Do you want to increase your exposure at WSTDA’s 2005 Spring Conference? Are you unable to attend the conference but want to make sure you’re still represented? In either case, WSTDA sponsorship opportunities will help you to demonstrate your support and commitment to the industry.

Four levels of sponsorships are available:

Platinum - $1,000

Gold - $ 500

Silver - $ 350

Bronze  - $ 200

If you are interested in sponsoring a particular event, such as the Members’ Banquet or Welcome Reception, please contact Fred Stringfellow at 443-640-1070 x102 a.s.a.p. as these event sponsorships will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis. DETAILS

WSTDA Task Force Exploring Voluntary Accreditation Program

WSTDA’s Board of Directors has appointed a Task Force to explore the interest in developing a voluntary accreditation program through WSTDA. Accreditation would be for companies – not specific products.

This accreditation process might include a written application, and a facility visit whereby an inspector from an independent testing lab would travel to applicant’s facility to verify that testing procedures are in place, manufacturing procedures meet recommended standards and that records are being maintained. There will be procedural options for companies who do in-house testing as well as companies who use outside labs for testing. Information submitted by member companies will be kept confidential and only viewed by WSTDA staff and representatives from the independent testing lab.

An electronic survey was sent to all members of WSTDA in early March. The Board of Directors will review the responses at its May meeting and discuss the viability of such a program moving forward.

Welcome New Members

WSTDA welcomes six new members to the association. DETAILS

WSTDA Staff

Fred Stringfellow, CAE

Executive Director

443-640-1070 ext. 102

Carol Hannan

Director of Meetings & Membership

443-640-1070 ext. 108

WSTDA Events

WSTDA 2005 Annual Meeting

May 15-18

Queens Landing Inn

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Ontario, Canada

WSTDA 2005 Mid-Year Meeting

November 13-15

Loews Annapolis Hotel

Annapolis, Maryland

WSTDA 2006 Annual Meeting

May 7 - 10

Pan Pacific Hotel

San Francisco, California

WSTDA 2006 Mid-Year Meeting

October 22-24

Radisson Hotel City Centre

Indianapolis, Indiana