The American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) held its Annual Convention with the theme “2020: Vision for the Future” from 4th to 7th March 2020 at the classic Renaissance Vinoy Resort, St Petersburg, Florida. Large enough for this prestigious event and with great access to the fine fish restaurants, water sports and golfing facilities nearby, it was ideally suited to hold the 103rd convention.

This year’s event saw fewer delegates than in previous years, but this was to be expected due to 2020 being an Interbrush year. In addition to that, it was also clear that the COVID-19 virus had a part to play in further reductions in numbers. However, despite fewer in number, there was still a large enough group for it not to make a big difference, and all who were there had a very good time. The final statistics show that there were 172 delegates registered this year, 34 active members and 32 suppliers, 2 new members and 7 first timers. 28 exhibitors participated in the Suppliers Display “Face 2 Face” program.

The All Divisional Meeting was opened on Wednesday afternoon by Greg Miller (The Mill Rose Company), ABMA Vice Chairman, who announced the program of meetings and events and introduced the Chairs of each of the Association’s Divisions (Paint Applicator, Broom & Mop, Industrial & Maintenance and Suppliers Divisions) who each gave their reports on activity and evidence of actions taken over the past year.

The first of the two ABMA Educational Institute sessions took place after the All Divisional Meeting. Lisa Ryan CSP shared with delegates her ‘Grategy’ theme of Manufacturing Engagement – How to attract and keep YOUR top talent from becoming THEIRS” presentation.

Her animated delivery held the attendees’ interest well. She said it was necessary to get off the hamster wheel of continuous hiring cycle and focus on creating an irresistible work-place culture. She explained that it is the culture of the business that keeps good talent: that a warm social culture with gratification was key. Ungratified employees are likely to move on when tempted, for instance if they go unrecognized or are not properly rewarded with a positive “thank you”.

In order to keep your talent she suggested that it was vital to discover how to keep each one interested and involved - which “stroke” would suit each employee, whether that was by simply awarding a rise in pay, positive recognition, one-to-one meetings or social bonding exercises.  She said that it is the “thanks” that will keep your rock star talent!

The regular Convention first evening’s welcome reception took place on the Wednesday evening, having been renamed the Paul M Miller Welcome Reception in honor of Paul M Miller, the longtime President of The Mill Rose Company.  Paul was a tremendous industry ambassador and was a master at networking, second to none, making this the perfect occasion on which to pay tribute to him. This reception is intended to bring together all members, with the first hour dedicated to welcoming new members and first-time attendees.

The first of two Sunrise Yoga sessions led by Epic Resin’s Rachel Hack and to be held on consecutive days, took place bright and early on Thursday morning and was, as ever, well-appreciated by participants.

A little later in the morning, Scott Enchelmaier (Industrial Brush Co Inc), President of the ABMA, opened the Convention by demonstrating a special “no-hand-touching, bouncing, jumping and butt-bumping” handshake alternative in response to the Coronavirus with Greg Miller to appreciative laughter and applause.

Welcoming all delegates present and thanking them for attending, Scott expressed how it had been a great pleasure for him to serve the Association in numerous capacities over the past many years that he has been on the Board and that now, in its second century of service to the industry, how exciting it is to know that the ABMA remains strong, vibrant and relevant today.

After a run-through of the Convention program, there was a respected minute’s silence to mark the sad passing of Don Rankin, CEO of the Broom Brush and Mop Magazine, published in Arcola, Illinois, that has supported the industry for just over 100 years. His wife Linda is continuing the publication.

There then followed the Committee reports: Finance report given by Chris Monahan (Brush Fibers); Greg Miller (The Mill Rose Co) offered the Convention Committee report; Kevin Lannon (Lanoco Specialty Wire) gave his report on the Membership situation; R J Lindstrom (Zephyr Mfg) announced the Public Relations report and new upgrades to the ABMA website; Mike Zimmerman (Wooster Brush) produced the Statistical Committee report; Scott Enchelmaier finished with the Safety and Standards committee report and, last but not least, John Feathers (DuPont) delivered The ASTM D01.61 Paint Applicator Report.

Following the reports and under ‘any other business’ information and details were given regarding the National Broom & Mop Association’s annual meeting by Chair, Kevin Monahan (Monahan Partners). The meeting is to be held at the Airport Renaissance Hotel, St. Louis, MO from 19 to 20 November 2020.

Kevin Monahan commented “This is the most efficient and affordable meeting in the industry designed to get the maximum amount of value out of the shortest amount of time.  The meeting consists of Thursday social hour and dinner and followed by a 4-hour meeting on Friday morning that consists of dynamic guest speakers and important industry reports.  It’s a great opportunity to see multiple suppliers or customers in one setting.  I especially encourage companies that have not attended in many years, or ever, to see the benefits first-hand.” For more information and how to attend please contact Co-Chairs Andrew Daily (Jones Family of Companies) & Joel Hastings (Nexstep Commercial): Joel Hastings: joel@ocedarcommercial.com &  Andrew Daily: adailey@jonesnonwovens.com

Greg announced that the ABMA had awarded a $5,000 Endowment Fund to Andrea Chiapelli of Brush Research who, suffering from lymphoma, was able then to return to his family in Italy for his final days.

Two further ABMA Foundation Kathy K Parr Academic Scholarships of $2500 each were awarded; one to Brandon Ames and another to Thomas Hicks to assist with their studies in mechanical engineering and business studies respectively. Click here to learn more about the ABMA Foundations.

Recognition was then given to the Convention and golf sponsors, as well as to the trade press, after which Andrew McIlroy who, standing in for Peter Langenegger, President of the FEIBP, delivered Peter’s speech. Peter mentioned the Coronavirus and agreed that there will be problems around the world and recommended that businesses should all remain strong and not rely too heavily on others. Success can be achieved with a constant innovation strategy. “We may not be able to keep up with cost, but we can achieve on quality” he said.

Andrew then introduced the plans for the FEIBP Annual Congress, which was set to take place in Prague, the beautiful, historic capital city of Czech Republic, from 21 to 24 September 2020. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing concerns regarding the Coronavirus, this has had to be postponed and will now take place from 22 to 25 September 2021. Click here for the full details on the Congress website.

Daniel Strowitzki then explained about the situation regarding the rearrangement of Interbrush 2020.  He stated that in view of the current Corvid-19 crisis, the management of FWTM/Messe Freiburg will be discussing the viability of it still going ahead. He asked the delegates to be patient and that within 10 days a decision will be made. Since returning home we now know that it has been postponed until May 2022 when every country should hopefully have seen an end to the virus and business would be in a better position to continue again with this prestigious 4 yearly exhibition.

Scott Enchelmaier then presented and gave thanks to the Board of Directors and Past Presidents, as well as to David Parr, ABMA Executive Director, and the rest of the team for organizing another great Convention.

He then introduced the two new members in attendance: David Neville of Beulah Inc and Uli Rothstein Draht GmbH, and returning members Tom Hagemann of WCJ Pilgrim Wire and Robert Goralski of Cesyl Mills Inc.

Scott was interrupted at this point by a 1930’s gun-slinging gangster and his cigarette waving ‘moll’ who proceeded to hold him up at gunpoint to get him to ‘cough up his dough!’.  A few home truths were spilled until finally, they retreated with a threat to soon return for more! How dare they insult and vilify our President? Though, this being his last Convention in charge, it was inevitable!

Greg Miller opened the second part of the Business Session by introducing the ABMA Educational Institute’s “2020 Vision for the Future” interactive event driven by Steve Fredlund who, among many other qualifications, is certified in Strategic Workforce Planning by the Human Capital Institute.

Steve suggested that a lot had happened since the Association’s last round of strategic planning which took place in 2000, with the ABMA growing stronger in reputation, representation and financial strength. He suggested that it was now time to take the perfect opportunity to invest in the Association and, for that, it is vital to listen to the members.

He demonstrated the first survey tool that outlined problems at different user levels. The delegates were given a selection of survey questions and in real time the results were shown on the big screen. While some reviews were very funny it was certainly apparent how good a tool this could be for the Association in forming collective decisions from the wider audience in very quick time.

Thursday afternoon’s Golf Scramble Tournament was played on the Vinoy Golf Course: an 18-hole, par-71 course. As an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, it is a refuge for wildlife. Each hole was surrounded by diverse vegetation with 900 palms of different varieties from all over the world. For those who participated, it was very well attended; a dry and not too hot day was enjoyed by all.

Thursday night generally comprises a short reception followed by dinner on-your-own or, with customers. However, this year there was, organized on preregistration, a casual networking dinner at the local 400 Beach Seafood & Taphouse restaurant. All proceeds went to support the ABMA Foundation. Due to space the seating was limited to 36, though all that attended had an excellent meal, enjoyed among good friends and colleagues whilst supporting a very worthy cause.

After the second of the two Sunrise Yoga sessions, Friday’s program opened with the well-attended Face 2 Face program, first seen in 2019, that worked with precision. Each supplier had a simple table and could show just a laptop for videos, a few samples and leaflets, nothing larger. Appointments were taken for the first two hours in 13-minute increments.  After their appointment they would move on to the next, as indicated by Dave Parr touring the hall banging a small gong as a signal to change. Following the appointments times each supplier was then ‘open’ to passing delegates who may have not been able to make one previously.

Running concurrently with the Face 2 Face event, the companion program took in a tour of St Petersburg’s murals. The tour was led by a local mural artist, Derek Donnelly. Not many people get to learn about the flourishing art scene from one of the artists themselves and it was reported to have been fascinating.

After a buffet lunch, some delegates joined in the optional Electric Boat Scavenger Hunt. This fun afternoon of adventure on the water took place around Tampa Bay, with participants using instructions and maps to discover and photograph many of the beautiful wildlife and homes in the bay.

The Suppliers Reception was unfortunately, due to difficult weather, rearranged from the outside terrace to a more comfortable inside venue. However, this did not diminish the characteristically fun event.

In the reception area, games and entertainments were set up.  A fun, digital picture frame made downloadable moving pictures that produced many laughs and the electronic dart boards were seriously competitive. A strong arm was needed to even hit the board! A (not too harsh) cartoonist highlighted some best features, the ‘virtual painting’ was entertaining for both the artist and the watchers as imaginary art played out onto a video screen and, lastly, the shuffle-board, which is always a highlight.

The disco played on until the closing hour was reached. Friends and competitors either said their farewells or gathered in the late bar to make the most of the last minutes of a very successful convention.

You will find pictures in the galleries below, on our ABMA page and in the main Image Gallery page. Thanks to Brushwork Magazine for additional photos from the first reception.    

The next ABMA is arranged to be held in San Diego, California at the Hotel Del Coronado between 17th and 20th March 2021.  We look forward to seeing you there.

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