“Another outstanding conference” was the clear consensus of those who attended the recent TCATA Annual Management and Educational Conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Speaker Jade West of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors provided an update on the myriad legislative and regulatory issues in Washington, including discussion of the “colorful” political climate. She spent a significant amount of time answering many questions from attendees. Krista Clive-Smith gave members ideas on how they can brand their companies, differentiating themselves from competitors. Finally, featured speaker Steve McClatchy offered many valuable insights into ways to utilize time more efficiently. Steve discussed many specific, simple technology tools that lead to greater productivity.
On Thursday evening, attendees gathered at the country’s main Olympic Training Center, where they mingled with several Olympians currently training there; toured the facility; witnessed a judo demonstration up-close by four Olympic athletes (right); and ended the evening with the lighting of the Olympic torch and cauldron, which was relayed by past TCATA presidents who were in attendance, then lit by president Gerald Henke.
Spouses and guests participated in a fun, interactive jewelry making program led by Taryn Sweeney of White Rabbit Beads.
Intertwined into Saturday’s closing dinner was a murder mystery in which clues were given throughout the evening to solve the murder.
Also during the conference, the election of two officers was announced by president Gerald Henke: Leslie Schaeffer (left) as president-elect, and John Silverman as treasurer-elect. Both will assume their two-year terms at the end of the 2018 annual conference.
Leslie Schaeffer is Vice President of BPS Communications, which publishes National Clothesline. BPS is a family owned business started by Leslie’s parents in 1959. Leslie has worked there for 34 years, starting as a delivery driver. She manages the day to day operations of BPS and National Clothesline, as well as the Pennsylvania and Delaware regional trade show, the California trade show and the Southeast Fabricare Show.
Active in TCATA for many years, Leslie serves on the annual conference site planning committee, as chair of the membership committee, and previously served on the board of directors. She is married to Rob Fleszar, and has two grown children and three grandchildren. Leslie enjoys golf, cooking and wine.
John Silverman is president and owner of Tschopp Supply, a distributor based in Buffalo, New York, which was founded by his grandfather in 1945. He has been with the company since 1989. John currently serves on the TCATA board of Directors, the membership committee, and has served on the conference business program committee.