I read most of the news that comes out through the various industry publications and web sites and, while there is SOME news out there, it also feels like people describe business in the summertime.  "We're a little slow, lot of people on vacation."  That is how the Fastener News seems to me.   A couple earnings updates, a few acquisitions.  A few new products introduced.  Nothing really startling.

One thing that is happening is that trade show talk is heating up.  I just received a note from the Fastener Show West that you can register now.  I have had several people ask me about my plans for the upcoming show.  I see the Mandalay Bay hotel room is available for $109 during the show, and it is a very nice hotel.  There are plenty of  places up and down the strip and lots of people have their favorite spots.  But things are starting to heat up.  That's a pretty good rate for the Mandalay and if you can save a few bucks that just leaves a few more for beer and food.

I know (and have been told) that you folks really don't want to hear about my personal life too much, but I will share this one quick thing.  I don't actually drink a lot of beer, but I do like beer.  My daughter just turned 21 so I took her to a local place to brew our own beer together...a little father/daughter bonding experience.  She can take hers to college to help her study and I will have mine to drink and share.  I'll try to post my beer label on here in the next couple days but I named it "Old Rusty Bolt".  Thought some of you fastener folks might like that.  It looks pretty cool.

Anyways, back to the shows.

Right at nearly the same time as The Vegas Show this year is the STAFDA Show in Phoenix.  Next year the fastener show will be earlier and that will be a relief to those people that want to attend both shows.  I am a STAFDA member and like to try to attend both shows.  I know Sarah Palin is the guest speaker this year and that is a pretty big name, like her or not.  STAFDA is quite a bit different from the fastener shows and has an entirely different feel to it.  I like both shows.  And, let's face it.  Almost everyone is trying to cross sell these days and there are a lot of products that the traditional fastener house now sells that they passed on in the past.  If there's a hole for a bolt, there was probably a drill bit or such that formed that hole.  SELL IT ALL!!

I know it is a long way off but in the spring there will be fastener shows in Columbus, Ohio and in Branson, Missouri. 

What else are people talking about out in the field??  Business.  I hear a few people saying things are not so great but I hear a whole lot of other people that are doing really well, especially compared to last year.  One sentiment I have heard several times lately goes something like, "I's not quite like it was in 2007 or 2008 yet but it's a lot better than last year".  And I would agree with that.  There is some momentum.  These is something to build on.  If you are not reinforcing your sales force right now I think you are really missing the boat.  Every day I am out calling on people I find new opportunities.  And, if you are continuing to do the same old thing and it is not working so well, try something else.  There is business out there but you have to be creative, aggressive and persistent.  Keep at it.