WII Newsletter (May 2024) Article 1 Copy - ISA

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Women in Industry at ISA24

Women in Industry made a significant impact during ISA24 which took place April 15-17 in Charlotte, NC. From charitable endeavors to raising a toast to our supporters, Women In Industry was prominently featured and deeply engaged throughout the entire convention.

Sonia Timmons, a member of the WII Leadership Team, contributed her insights in a panel discussion underscoring the pivotal role of fostering a robust culture in driving innovation and achieving organizational success. Panelists addressed the essential components of a great company culture such as supportive leadership, belonging, shared values, and transparency.

Women in Industry hosted their traditional cocktail hour, this year sponsored by Kennametal, where Michelle Cristini with Kennametal welcomed the group and shared inspiring insights on ERGs (employee resource group) she has been involved in. Molly Langdon with Stellar Industrial, WII’s current chair, emphasized unity and our collective strength in supporting women’s advancement within the industrial channel. Renee Ricciotti with 3M teased the ISA Fall Summit (Sept. 25-27) Women in Industry track theme: Balanced Brilliance, Empowering Women to Thrive in Work & Life.

WII Gives, a new initiative, collaborated with Vallen Cares volunteers to assemble 300 “busy bags” for the Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, NC, containing crayons, sketch pads, playing cards, activity books, and fidget toys for pediatric patients and their siblings. These bags, assembled during the opening reception at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, provided a small gesture of kindness for families facing challenging times. Many thanks to all who helped assemble these bags!

Last but not least, Jennifer Murphy, President and CEO of NetPlus Alliance and long-term W.I.S.E. and WII member, was awarded ISA’s Women’s Influence Award. To learn more about Jennifer, read our “Nice to Meet You” section where she answers some of our questions.

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To all ISA Members and ISA Atlanta 2020 Attendees,

After continuous monitoring of the evolving situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and much deliberation, the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) is announcing today that the ISA Board of Directors have voted to cancel ISA Atlanta 2020 scheduled to take place April 20-22 in Atlanta, Georgia. Everyone at ISA understands and appreciates the time, effort, and resources that you have put into preparing for this event. Like you, we have been working hard, and were looking forward to coming together to Engage, Learn and Lead.

This decision was made after careful review of the most recent facts from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), the Georgia Department of Public Health and other local authorities. Ultimately, the health, safety and well-being of our members, management team and the community at large led to this decision. Although difficult, as this decision comes at a significant cost to ISA which is a nonprofit, we know it’s the right thing to do.

With that in mind, it’s important to note that ISA is YOUR ASSOCIATION and ISA is OUR INDUSTRY. With over 118 years of history, our mission is to provide the strategies and tools to help companies remain relevant throughout industry change. This global pandemic, combined with the accelerating disruption we all are facing, demonstrates now more than ever the need for ISA to continue its pursuit of Leading the Channel Forward®.

The good news is that we have the financial strength to weather this storm. We plan to access our financial reserves to make that happen. These reserves are intended to protect ISA in times like this and for investing in value added programs that benefit ISA members and our industry.

With this decision, we are prepared to refund 100% of all registration, booth and sponsorship fees. However, recognizing the significant impact on our reserves, we are asking for your consideration in donating your registration, booth fees and/or sponsorships to the ISA Foundation, all or in part, at the level your organization is able to support. Foundation funds will only be used for education, research and/or scholarships and your organization will be recognized as a supporting patron of the Foundation helping ISA continue its mission critical purpose. Your donation will help continue the momentum and fuel the future of the Industrial MROP Channel. We recognize the magnitude of this ask, but if each company can help in some way, together, we will strengthen ISA, our community and industry overall.

In the coming weeks, a member of the ISA team will contact all ISA Atlanta 2020 participants to discuss refunds and or donations. Due to the large number of companies and attendees we ask for your patience as we begin this process. This is a priority and will be given the urgency it deserves.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone that has reached out with overwhelming support and positive feedback regarding the path and mission we are on. To all, please keep an eye out for upcoming announcements regarding the Lifetime Achievement Award, Innovation Impact Awards, Phase 2 Analytics for Distributor, Manufacturers and IMRs, Scholarships and so much more.

On behalf of the ISA Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your patience throughout this decision-making process and your commitment to your association – ISA.

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