Guests greeted and introduced one another on the patio before entering the luxurious kitchen.  Rustic Pennsylvania rock fireplaces created the perfect ambiance for this cozy, kitchen event.  Chefs prepared the palate pleasers right in front of the guests in a state-of-the-art kitchen and a live broadcast of the preparation could be seen on the large-screen television in the cocktail area.  Rick Lubker (President, Lubker Distribution) commented, “Wow, what a night! The hors d’oeuvres prepared tableside were only outdone by the great company of our fellow members.”

A friendly Maitre-d’ started the event right away with crab imperial on toasted baguettes and Maine Lobster salad on crispy wantons.  There were plenty of delicious appetizers for everyone to sample.  Light jazz music and an open bar allowed for pleasant networking and conversations.  According to David Myers (Coburn-Myers Fastening Systems), “The elegant Innkeeper's Kitchen was quite impressive and an excellent choice for our celebration. The food, drink, and company were truly first class.”  As the evening progressed, the food continued to delight with crowd favorites such as Kobe beef sliders, lamb chops, and desserts!  Tim Bozarth of Guidon Corporation agreed, “The evening was fun and light hearted, it was a good opportunity to see everyone outside of the business atmosphere.”

MAFDA introduced two new board members at the event, Tim Bozarth and Bryan Michael.  Bryan is an Account Executive at Brighton Best and he thanked the group for the warm welcome to the board.

The main goal of the event was to thank members for their continuous generosity and support of the organization.  It’s no doubt that the members felt that gratitude from the organization’s President, Chuck Halpin, as he greeted each guest.  Lee Johnson, (President, Lee S. Johnson Associates) expressed his pride in the organization he founded by stating, “Great venue to celebrate a great accomplishment- Happy 5th Anniversary MAFDA!”

Thursday October 22, 2009 - Tour of Laboratory Testing, Inc., Hatfield PA

Join Michael McVaugh, President of LTI, for a tour of the facility.

Laboratory Testing Inc. is an accredited, independent testing services and calibration lab located outside of Philadelphia, PA. Since 1984, customers world-wide have counted on Lab Testing for accurate, affordable materials testing and nondestructive testing services. They get certified test results with answers about material properties, characteristics, weaknesses, defects and composition. We specialize in metals testing but also perform chemical analysis of samples ranging from powdered metals, ores and ferroalloys to aerospace and nuclear materials. Calibration services, test specimen machining, failure analysis investigations and materials engineering services are also provided for “one-stop” convenience.

Reception 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Tours begin at 6:00 pm with groups of 10 to 12

Food and beverages served after the tour

The Mid Atlantic Fastener Distribution Association (MAFDA) held its Fifth Annual Golf Outing at the Downingtown Country Club on May 29. 2009.  This event, which is the highlight of MAFDA’s annual social events, also serves to help provide scholarships to the children of employees of member companies.  

This year’s event started with a luncheon on the veranda before golf, which was played in a shamble format that was designed to encourage and test all participants.  Typical of this year’s weather, the golf was interrupted by rain but, after a pause for refreshments, we were able to go back on the course to complete our round.  

The winners were a foursome made up of Rick Lubker from Lubker Distribution, Glen Hanson from The Hanson Group, Rob Rundle from Rob Rundle Associates and Joe Campbell from Bank of America.    

Following the golf everyone enjoyed Happy Hour and dinner on the veranda.  During dinner David Myers, Scholarship Chairman, announced the scholarship winners-  

Joseph Traum, who will attend Rutgers University, received $3,500.  Joseph is the son of Barb Traum from Brighton Best International.  

Wyatt Palumbo, who will attend Florida State University, received $2,000.  Wyatt is the son of Jack Palumbo from Specialty Resources.  

Courtney Montesano, who will attend James Madison University, received $1,500.  She is the daughter of Nancy Montesano from McCormick Associates.  

Andrew Vu, who will attend Emory University, received $2,000.  Andrew is the son of Lam Vu from Brighton Best International.  

Jocelyn Hadfield, who will attend Widner University, received $1,000.  Jocelyn is the daughter of Rich Hadfield from Lubker Distribution.  

Samantha Quintanar, who will attend California State University, received $1,000.  Samantha is the daughter of Roman Quintanar from Kanebridge Corporation.  

Everyone agreed that they enjoyed the golf and were very pleased to support the education of members’ children.  We look forward to playing golf and providing the same support again next year.

On November 13, 2008 the Mid-Atlantic Fastener Distributors Association conducted a fastener basic training seminar for its membership.   Mr. John Grey, President of Fastener Consulting Services, Inc. was the orator for the seminar.   John’s experience and expertise in the industry made him our preferred choice to conduct the seminar and all attendees offered great feedback concerning the content and presentation.  

John has worked within all the arenas of our industry- manufacturing, distribution, secondary services, importing and with the OEM’s during his travels. The MAFDA was very happy to have John work with our association and we look forward to more presentations and continued education meetings in the future. 

Attendance (42 participants) for the event was an indicator that our Continuing Educational Series events are appreciated, needed and helping new and experienced personnel throughout the industry.   We look forward to providing more of these events in the upcoming year. 

The MAFDA held the Annual Golf Outing and Scholarship Awards Dinner, Monday, July 16th, 2008 at the prestigious Downingtown Country Club. 

The day started with lunch at the course generously provided by GTS Fasteners, the event sponsor.  Lunch was followed by a great round of golf which was thoroughly enjoyed by all contestants.  The MAFDA members played a shamble format allowing each golfer full participation in the round.  Brighton-Best sponsored a $25,000.00 hole-in-one contest and although no one was a big winner that day it was fun to see everyone's excitement while taking the big shot. 

At the end of the day everyone relaxed at the outdoor open bar and were taken by surprise as Brighton-Best announced a drawing for a $100,000.00 shoot out to take place immediately for the two lucky drawing winners.  Tricia Murty from Smith Associates and Randy Procopio from Specialty resources were the chosen ones and were entitled to shoot in front of the entire crowd on the 165 yard par 3.  You could see the pressure was on and valiant efforts were made but no one could pull off the shot to pocket the $100,000.00. 

After golf everyone moved in to enjoy dinner and the awarding of the scholarships.  Nine scholarships were awarded this year and three recipients were there to receive the awards.  Chuck Halpin, from Brighton-Best, welcomed everyone to the dinner and thanked all of the companies and people who donated to the fund this year, with a special thanks to the named scholarship donators who provided a $1,000.00 opportunity to each recipient.  This included:

Coburn-Myers Fastening Systems
The Coburn-Myers Fastening Systems Scholarship

Guidon Corporation
The Guidon Corporation Scholarship in Memory of Mike Gates

Lee S. Johnson Associates Inc.
The Lee S. Johnson Assoc. Scholarship in Memory of Lee S. Johnson Sr.

Lubker Distribution
The Lubker Distribution Scholarship in Memory of Joseph Carrigan

ND Industries
The ND Industries Scholarship

Threaded Screw Products Co., Inc.
The Threaded Screw Products Inc. Scholarship

Aim Supply Company
BGM Fasteners Co., Inc.
Brighton Best Socket Screw Mfg.
Coburn-Myers Fastening Systems
Computer Insights, Inc.
David C. Beron Associates
Eagle Components, Inc.
Fall River Mfg. Co.
Guidon Corporation
Heads & Threads Intl. LLC
Holbrook Mfg, Inc.
Kanebridge Corp.
Lancaster Threaded Products
Lee S. Johnson Associates, Inc.
Lubker Distribution
McCormick Associates, Inc
Metric & Multistandard Corp.
ND Industries
P M Fasteners
R. W. Rundle Associates, Inc.
Sems & Specials, Inc.
Stelfast Inc.
The Hanson Group
Threaded Screw Products
Tower Fasteners

The MAFDA awarded out a record total of well over $13,000.00 this year.  The "Board of Directors Scholarship" for $3,500.00 was awarded to Collin Galster.  Emily Smith, who was present to receive the award, won an MAFDA Scholarship for $2,500.00 and Meghan Carrigan, who was also present to receive the award, won an MAFDA Scholarship in the amount of $1,500.00.  Both Emily and Meghan had proud parents there to congratulate the winners.  Mike and Chris Smith along with Jim Carrigan were pleased to see that the hard work put forth by both aspiring students was being recognized.

Phillip Johnson was present to receive the ND Industries award and was presented the award by Ed Johnson, his grandfather and MAFDA board of Directors member.  It was a touching scene enjoyed immensely by everyone who saw and heard the proud Grandfather. 

David Myers presented the Coburn-Myers Fastening Systems Scholarship in absentia to Eugene Park.  The Guidon Corporation Scholarship in Memory of Mike Gates went to Anna Kane.  The Lee S. Johnson Assoc. Scholarship in Memory of Lee S. Johnson Sr. went to Andres Restrepo.  The Lubker Distribution Scholarship in Memory of Joseph Carrigan went to David Kane and the Threaded Screw Products Inc. Scholarship was awarded to Kallie Wirth.

Overall the event was a huge success with all golfers, Scholarship recipients and all of the MAFDA members present having an excellent day.  Everyone expressed their thanks and is already looking forward to next year.