Are you maximizing your NIFDA membership? Here are five easy ways to make the most of NIFDA resources this week:

1. Take the NEW Member Poll. We’re starting something new at NIFDA! Each month we’ll poll members to learn about your business, operations, and opinions. Then, we’ll compile the results to be shared in the next NIFDA newsletter. It’s a simple way to contribute to the conversation with a few clicks. 

2. Register for the Virtual Roundtable. Whether you founded, inherited, or purchased your business, one day you will EXIT the company. On April 20th, NIFDA will host David Smith, from Murphy Business Sales, to share considerations for valuing your business, exit planning, and maximizing your company’s worth. 

3. Save the Date for #NIFDA2023. Mark your calendar NOW for October 15-17, 2023. Save these dates to join NIFDA in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, for our 2023 Convention. Stay tuned for the schedule of events, lineup of speakers, sponsorship opportunities, networking details, and more when registration opens in April. 

4. Tune Up your Google Business Profile. Google. It’s a noun, it’s a verb, and it’s essential for small business. If your biz serves customers in-person, it’s important to setup, maintain, and revisit your FREE Google Business Profile. We’ve rounded up a list of helpful articles for managing your search engine storefront.

5. Submit Your Member Spotlight. Read all about NIFDA member Kerry McCoy and her journey from founding Arkansas Flag and Banner and selling flags door-to-door, to being an early adopter of the dot com era with FlagandBanner.com, to expanding into a multimedia enterprise. Be inspired to share your own flag journey.

Member engagement will be rewarded! I challenge you to complete all five tasks… then, email me at stacey@flymeflag.com, include your mailing address, and be on the lookout for a sweet surprise in your mailbox! 

~ Stacey Stewart, Board President

From the stirring beauty of Scottsdale's lush Sonoran Desert to its chef-driven restaurants, upscale shopping, exciting activities and attractions, Scottsdale is bursting at the seams with unlimited possibilities. Join us for a rejuvenating getaway in Scottsdale where you'll get to experience an abundance of sunshine and inspiration.

More details to follow...! 🌵☀️

Annin Flagmakers

• We do have 3x thru 6x Nyl-glo in stock along with 3x thru 4x Tough-Tex. 5x and 6x Tough-Tex will be caught up in less than 2 weeks. The demand continues, as we are receiving very large orders and requests for all sizes of US flags. 
• We do have most Armed Forces, States and Intl flags in stock and continue to build our inventory.
• Custom flags are going out on schedule. 
• Please reach out to us for any of your flag needs.
• Dan Ziegler has been promoted to CFO of Annin & Co. He is responsible for managing the financial operations and overseeing all HR and IT functions for Annin Flagmakers and Annin & Co. divisions.  

Atlas Flags

• Over the last 12-18 months, we have invested in our operations to increase our production. Our team has grown, and we have added machinery and automation to better serve you. Our goal is to be a go-to resource for your custom printed, custom applique, & custom embroidered flag needs. We are proud to say we can now offer a faster turnaround time on custom printed orders, with a lead time of just 1 week. Custom applique in just 2-3 weeks. Rush Available!
• We've added another grand format embroidery machine-50”x55” sewing field. We also added another grand format dye-sub printer. With these new additions, we can deliver more efficiently and provide you with even better pricing.
• Thank you for your continued support and trust in us. We can’t do it without you, and we look forward to serving you even better in the future.

Concord American Flagpole

• CAFP is currently running a promotion offering decreased thresholds to reach quantity discounts.
• Orders of 1 or more flagpoles receive an additional 5% off.
• Orders of 5 or more flagpoles receive an additional 10% off.
• Orders of 8 or more Flagpoles receive an additional 12% off
• CAFP is running with full capabilities and prepared to deliver as we start the busy season!

Eagle Mountain Flag & Flagpole

• StarGazer - Canadian voltage drivers available, ships 2-3 weeks; Stocked in all color options, ships 48-72 hours
• Summit Universal Flagpole Truck Assembly - Stocked in all color options, single pulley and double pulley, ships 24-48 hours
• The Flag Sentinel - New packaging available end of March, 2023. Stocked in all lengths and pole diameter options, ships 24-48 hours
• RePatriot Flags - 3x5 through 6x10 in US and Texas in stock, ships 24-48 hours

Erin Rope Corporation

• Erin Rope has added three new rope braiding machines to help increase production on Solid Braid Halyard rope. Currently, Erin Rope has stock on all sizes of White Solid Braid Halyard rope as well Stainless Steel Aircraft Cable. Lead time on Colored Solid Braid Halyard rope and Solid Braid w/ Wire Center Core is 5 - 7 Days ARO.

FlagZone

• Production continues to churn out products, we are feeling really good about the upcoming season.
• Joe Guarini has been promoted to President of FlagZone LLC. Some of his responsibilities include involvement in the sales side of the business as well as continued growth of FlagZone.

J.C. Schultz Enterprises, Inc. / FlagSource

• FlagSource is now offering Printed US Flags in Size 12x18", 2x3', 2 1/2 x 4', and 3x5'. 2x3' and 2 1/2 x 4' flags are in stock. 12x18" and 3x5' printed flags will be in stock soon.
• FlagSource has increased their custom capabilities even more with new equipment and shorter lead times. We have the most up to date printing, steaming and washing equipment in the industry. Experience the FlagSource advantage on Custom Flags and banners.
• FlagSource is in stock on Nylon and PolyExtra US Flags 3x5' - 15x25'. (10x15' PolyExtra Flags leadtime is 3 weeks.)
• 20x30' - 30x60' US Nylon and PolyExtra Flag lead times are quickly being shortened. Call Customer Service for more details.

The National Flag Company

• Applique work is at 4-7 week lead times depending on quantity and design.
• Nation and Attention flags are starting to take longer than normal. Our main cutter is down and the repair team is not moving as quick as we would like. 1 to 3 week lead times.

Valley Forge Flag Company

• We continue to get caught up on our Spectra pro line of spun poly state and Military flags.
• We have healthy inventory on 2x3' to 6x10' Nylon and Poly US, and we have positive stock on some larger sizes through 12x18'.
• Please be on the lookout for our inventory updates. For further details please do not hesitate to reach out to Jeff Shaaber at jshaaber@valleyforgeflag.com. Thank you for your business!

Stars for Our Troops, Inc.

• We will gladly accept any American made 3' x 5' USA Flag with embroidered Stars ready for retirement for our Star Project.
• Questions about sending the cantons or flags, please contact Susan Wells at 518-235-1558 or get mailing information on the website: www.StarsForOurTroops.org

NIFDA is now inviting ALL members to share relevant news and updates in the monthly newsletter. Participation is optional.

You may submit your news and updates using the button below at any time. Form entries will be accepted until noon on the 14th of every month, unless otherwise noted (example: you can submit entries to be included in next month's newsletter any time between now and the 14th of next month).

American Flag & Pole (D)

RenRen Cicero

1138 E Van Buren St

Phoenix, AZ 85006

602-583-7963

www.amflagaz.com

Understanding the Value of a Small Business

Thursday, April 20th at 2:00pm CDT

Curious about selling and buying businesses? Wondering where to go next or struggling to keep the doors open? If that resonates with you, you won't want to miss this presentation about the value of small businesses. David Smith, former business owner and current business broker at Murphy Business Sales, will be sharing:

• Compelling statistics about small businesses
• Revealing facts about small businesses
• Exit planning options
• Tips for sole proprietors
• Calculating the value of your business

How Kerry McCoy Became an Enterprise

This multimedia empire began with $400 and a young woman brave enough to knock on doors. Orchestrating web, retail, non-profit, written and radio forums, Kerry McCoy Enterprises now umbrellas FlagandBanner.com, Dreamland Ballroom, Brave Magazine, and Up in Your Business radio talk show.

Originally from North Little Rock, Arkansas, Kerry McCoy moved to Dallas Texas in 1974. Through an employment agency placement, she began selling flags for a company called Betsy Ross Flag Girl. During a visit to Little Rock, Kerry checked the Yellow Pages to see the feasibility of opening her own flag company back home. To her surprise, Little Rock was virgin flag territory.

In 1975, Arkansas Flag and Banner was started with Kerry’s $400 life savings. She used that money to purchase a business permit, business cards and order forms. Many of the early days were spent distributing her cards to Central Arkansas businesses and selling flags door-to-door. With a rise in gas prices Kerry found it necessary to move her company towards a telemarketing sales strategy. She now spent most of her days making phone calls rather than in her car.

In 1979, she became a new mother, which presented an opportunity to reinvent her company again. A mail order and catalog sales strategy was enabling her to operate from home. It was during this time that Arkansas Flag and Banner began to solely support Kerry. Soon additional employees were hired and an office was needed.

Knowing her mother had some vacant rental property, she asked her for a rent-free year in exchange for minor repairs and paint. Her mother agreed. Arkansas Flag and Banner now had the needed office space for growth.

And grow it did! As sales volume increased, her vendor’s production time of custom-made flags grew longer and longer. A manufacturing niche in the market became apparent. Kerry bought a used industrial sewing machine and hired a seamstress. Custom flag delivery time shrank and customer base grew. It was a win-win for everybody.

The business experienced its first patriotic fervor in 1990 with the announcement of The Gulf War by President George H.W. Bush. Flags were in high demand and scarce. To meet this new consumer demand for US flags, Kerry expanded her manufacturing to include screen printing. Once again necessity dictated more space.

In 1995, while attending a luncheon, she heard about a new sales platform called the Internet. Within days Arkansas Flag and Banner entered the emerging Dot Com community. The business is now known worldwide as simply FlagandBanner.com with roughly 30% of current sales coming from e-commerce and over 22,000 products available to buy online.

The beginning of e-commerce was not easy. Consumers were leery of entering their credit card information online. But on 9.11, with the fall of the Twin Towers in New York, America came together under one flag…. The American Flag. The fear of online shopping fell with the instant surge of patriotism. Flags sold out across the country. In response to consumer requests for Red White and Blue on everything, a retail store on the first floor of the Taborian Hall aka Flag and Banner’s headquarters was opened to the public. This boutique boasts “More Than Just a Flag Store” with patriotic decorations, home and garden decor, clothing, jewelry, toys and more. All inventory was made available to purchase online, making FLAGandBANNER.com a global store.

In the true spirit of entrepreneurship, Kerry looks for opportunities everywhere. During the Flag and Banner staff meetings, she noticed there was always someone sharing a customer’s story of inspiration. It happened with such regularity, that she began to think AFB should share the stories with other people through a self-published magazine. In the fall of 2014, the first bi-annual edition of Brave was distributed to 8,000 flag customers statewide in Arkansas.

Due to her leadership, community involvement, longevity in a growing business and her uncanny approachability, Kerry is often asked business advice. One week it happened 3 times. After leaving the third encounter, Kerry had an epiphany. “Pay it forward!” She leapt into action and contacted a public radio station pitching an hour long talk show that focuses on mentoring small business owners and people that aspire to own their own businesses. The radio station immediately opened a spot for this refreshing forum and in September of 2016 ‘Up in Your Business with Kerry McCoy’ first aired. Each week she and a guest engage in conversations of curiosity and storytelling with live callers and real world advice.

During the past four decades, under Kerry’s direction, Arkansas’ Flag and Banner grew from a sole proprietor to a multi-million dollar distributor, retailer, manufacturer, and internet retailer with a multimedia presence. The product of this explosive expansion resulted in a slight identity crises. The businesses were connected, but not joined. In 2017, Kerry rebranded all of the different endeavors under the umbrella Kerry McCoy Enterprises.

Over the summer of 2020, when everyone feared businesses would close, Kerry bought a new online business, OurCornerMarket.com, to dovetail with the FlagandBanner.com brand.

Ever in growth-mode, Kerry purchased About Flags in December of 2020. About Flags was a Pennsylvania enterprise that garnered FlagandBanner.com a larger customer base.

On September 1, 2021, Kerry again grew her empire through the acquisition of Freedom Flags. The Miami-based company added a second location and dedicated seamstresses to the efficiency of Flagandbanner.com.

Stay tuned for what's next!

Spotlight your business in an upcoming NIFDA Newsletter. We would love to learn more about your business, leaders, team, special projects, and what makes you unique! Click below to fill out the form.

The members-only website gives you exclusive access to our membership directory, newsletters, virtual roundtable recordings, monthly industry news, and member announcements.

We strongly encourage you to review your current listing and make all the necessary updates so your business can be presented to our members in the best way possible!

Contact Marine, our Virtual Assistant at admin@nifda.net for questions or to update your logo and listing.

The NIFDA members only Facebook group serves as an online forum for selling excess inventory, finding products or services, posting job opportunities, and connecting with fellow flag friends. 



Are you looking for a hard to find or specialty product? Then reach out to the NIFDA Dealer Network. 

We send out Dealer Requests every Friday, or sooner if there is a tight deadline. Fill out the form here.