What's included in this month's newsletter:

🇺🇸 President's letter

📋 Call for submissions

💼 September poll: convention workshops

📰 Updates from NIFDA members

💲 Flag business for sale

🎉 Welcome SIX new members!

✨ Member spotlight: Erin Rope Corporation

🌟 Sponsor Spotlight: Concord American Flagpole

⏰ LAST CHANCE to register for convention

💡 25 Blog ideas for your flag business

🏛️ How members can help with H.R. 4137

📖 Online benefits for NIFDA members

Please note: this newsletter may get clipped in your inbox. If this happens, you can simply click "View entire message" at the bottom to view the entire email.

You Get Out What You Put In

As with most things in life, the more you put into your NIFDA membership, the more you get out of it. You’ve paid your membership dues, but are you actively participating in NIFDA? It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get involved. Here are five opportunities:

1. Register for convention (last chance!)
2. Take the monthly poll (below)
3. View NIFDA roundtable recordings
4. Join the members-only Facebook group
5. Share your work and share what works (see Call for Submissions below)

Unfortunately, we have failed with #5 (thus far). When NIFDA announced our Call for Submissions months ago, I assumed we would be flooded with member projects and best practices. Why? Because NIFDA members impress and inspire me every single day. I’m constantly checking out your flagpole installations, storefronts, websites, social media channels, awesome teams, business operations, and custom flag and banner projects.

Here are a few highlights:

Eder Flag – Glance at the company’s Facebook page to discover a range of employee celebrations including baby showers, retirements, work anniversaries, and holiday parties. From their walking program to their Emmy-nominated documentary, it’s obvious that employee engagement is intentional.

Are these team-building experiences successful in meeting workforce goals? 

Arkansas Flag & Banner, Inc. – Check out their YouTube channel for a series of how to, flag etiquette, and fun with flags videos. Some of the most popular videos include how to attach snap hooks to rope (128k views), how to replace your flagpole rope (57k views), and how to fold the American flag (10k views).

Do YouTube views translate to sales and customer loyalty?

Flagpoles, Etc. – Follow their journey across the country for impressive flagpole projects. In recent months, they installed a 120’ flagpole in El Reno, OK, a 164’ flagpole in Baltimore, MD, the largest (140’) flagpole in the Netherlands, and collaborated with Raising Freedom to service a 100’ flagpole atop a 43-story building in Houston, TX.

What equipment, training, and skills are needed?

Impressive projects and industry best practices are abundant within the NIFDA network, yet we hesitate to reveal the details. I encourage you to take a “You Get Out What You Put In” approach, submit pics of your recent projects, and share what’s working well in your business.

Submit ASAP and I promise you won’t be alone. In the past year, Fly Me Flag celebrated our largest custom order and most visible flagpole installation. I’ll be sharing details to recognize my awesome team, brag a bit, and hopefully inspire those who inspire me… YOU!

~ Stacey Stewart, NIFDA Board President 

NIFDA members have a wealth of business knowledge and flag industry experience. The Annual Convention offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, discover best practices, and spark inspiration. We want to highlight your company and learn from YOU - members are invited to share your work and share what works!

NIFDA is now accepting submissions in two categories: 

1. Share Your Work: submit a project!

Share impressive, challenging, and/or unique jobs, projects, and accomplishments. Take this opportunity to toot your own horn and celebrate a job well done.

2. Share What Works: submit a dealer best practice!

Share tips, tricks, and tactics that have impacted your business operations and/or bottom line and could be easily adopted by fellow flag dealers. 

🚨 CONVENTION POLL 🚨

Workshop Participation

Would you please take just a couple minutes to contribute to the discussion, if you are planning to attend convention?

Annin Flagmakers

• Annin Flagmakers has all US flags in sizes in 6x10 and smaller in stock and with ample quantities.
• We also have historical flags like Betsy Ross, Bennington and Star Spangled Banner in stock in all sizes and also 3x5s in cotton.
• We continue to build large inventory on Armed Forces, State and International flags. 
• We are catching up on large US flags so please reach out to your Annin Regional Sales Manager to get an update of what is presently in stock.

Eagle Mountain Flag & Flagpole

• We are now offering a Marine Grade power supply for the StarGazer downlights. In addition, we offer power surge protection in all StarGazer power supplies as an adder to be factory installed.
• Pole Setting Compound in lieu of concrete is now offered in larger cubic foot configurations. Inquire with our office on cost and availability.

Étendard Flags & Banners (NEW)

• Happy to be a new NIFDA member. Étendard is a Canadian flag maker, we are in Quebec (the French part of North America). Étendard is the official Canadian and Quebec government flag supplier. We are 3 new owners, we will be part of the convention in Scottsdale. We are exited to benchmark best practices with you. See you in Scottsdale. www.etendard.com

A Complete Flag Source (DEALER REQUEST)

• is seeking a 6’x10’ Croatia flag. If you have this, please contact Jim directly: jim@completeflags.com or (601) 506-1103

Fly Me Flag (DEALER REQUEST)

• is seeking a 12”x18” Slovakia flag with heading and grommets. If you have this, please contact Stacey directly: stacey@flymeflag.com or (920) 435-3524

Apartment Flags by Susan (FOR SALE)

Apartment Flags by Susan has proudly provided curb appeal for apartment communities and Management Companies nationally for over 15 years (2008) FBS is located in Lakewood Colorado (suburb of Denver CO) currently a home-based business due to the pandemic.

DBA Flags by Susan has been synonymous with excellence, quality, and a commitment to making communities shine and building relationships and referrals. Its legacy of delivering top-tier service has garnered a reputation that apartment communities have come to trust. Flags by Susan can customize designs, themes, and styles that perfectly align with each community's character, allowing every apartment community to tell its own unique story. FBS interactive website makes it easier for clients to see what they are ordering.

www.FlagsbySusan.com

It is time for me to retire from the working world and turn over Flags by Susan to a company that would like to add to their business base and grow. I have built endless relationships with clients, and I would like to see my relationship carry on. The apartment industry is fun, creative and very satisfying. FBS provides so many products and opportunities for curb appeal.  

FBS has provided: 

• US & State flags
• Attraction flags
• Custom flags
• Flagpoles
• Non-helium Balloons
• Custom Clubhouse/Leasing Office door mats
• Banners/Avenue Banners
• Signs

Please contact Susan Lind if you are interested in purchasing Apartment Flags by Susan:

(303) 317-3612 Office

(720) 252-7364 Cell

Susan@FlagsbySusan.com

8321 West Evans Avenue

Lakewood, CO 80227

All members are invited 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).

Baldwin Priesmeyer (D)

Cole Werner

1244 Creve Coeur Mills Rd

St Louis, MO 63146

(405) 414-2653

www.baldwinflags.com

DDB Enterprises (D)

Dianne Armstrong

220 Hillbrook Blvd.

Siler City, NC 27344

(919) 742-5965

Étendard (M)

Patrick Coutu

3775 Rue Jean Marchand

Quebec Quebec G2C2J2, Canada

(418) 845-2121

www.etendard.com

Glendale Parade Store LLC (D)

Jose Barreto

12754 Oconnor Rd

San Antonio, TX 78233

(786) 553-5576

www.glendale.com

Military, JROTC, ROTC, First Responder supplier

Uncommon USA (M)

Ed Reeder

5025 S 36th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85040

(602) 438-8088

www.uncommonusa.com

The Original Telescoping Flagpole Manufacturer

Veterans4You (M)

Lulu Farrell

1180 SW 36th Avenue

ATTN 351897 0

Pompano Beach, Florida 33069

(954) 366-4484

www.veterans4you.com

Military recognition products with flags offering custom packaging

Erin Rope Corporation

Erin Rope Corporation is a family-owned and operated domestic rope manufacturer and distributor in Blue Island, Illinois, located just six miles south of Chicago.

Founded in 1998 by Jim and Fran Doherty, Erin Rope has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the basement of their home. Erin Rope has grown over the years, expanding its manufacturing capabilities with new state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, which allows us to produce consistent, high-quality products for our customers. With one of the largest inventories in the rope industry, we can provide same-day shipping from stock.

The exceptional quality of our products is a direct result of our highly skilled workforce. Our operators have an average of 10+ years of experience as Erin Rope employees. Their extensive expertise and experience, coupled with fair wages and a safe work environment, results in the unmatched quality you can expect from all of our U.S. Made products.

Our business philosophy is simple. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best products, customer service, and competitive pricing every day.

Erin Rope is one of the only domestic, U.S. manufacturers of high-quality flag pole halyard. We carry the following SKUs for your flag pole halyard needs: 

• Solid Braid Nylon
• Solid Braid Nylon with Galvanized Aircraft Cable Core
• Solid Braid Polyester
• Solid Braid Multifilament Polypropylene

Join our growing list of satisfied customers. We assure you that our prices will entice you, but our quality and service will keep you coming back. Contact our sales team today at sales@erinrope.com for support with your next order.

From left to right: Bryan Doherty, Chief Operating Officer; Fran Doherty, Chief Financial Officer; Jim Doherty, President

One of the most valuable benefits of being a NIFDA member is the gift of having flag friends all the over the U.S.! Help us get to know each other by using the Member Spotlight Form below to share your story:

Previous member spotlights can be found in the newsletter archives on the Members Only website here.

REGISTRATION CLOSES TOMORROW!

Thank You 2023 Sponsors & Exhibitors!

NEW POST ON THE NIFDA BLOG

Your Dreaded Website Blog: an untapped tool for traffic? 

People may not be searching for your business, but they are searching for your products and the services you offer. A blog can help capture their attention, build their trust, and ultimately benefit your bottom line (discover the many benefits of blogging here).

Q. So, why do we dread blogging? 

A. Because we have no idea what to write about. 

Here are 25 fresh ideas for NIFDA members to take control of their creative writing.

1. How did you get into the business? This can be a more detailed/personal version of what’s on your About Page. 
2. Show behind the scenes. Share how you make flags or install flagpoles, the various stages, and the final product.
3. What are some common myths people might have about flags? Write a post to put their mind at ease… and reassure them your flags are 100% made in America. 
4. Share a case study. Show the problem someone was having, how your product/service solved it, and the final outcomes.
5. Publicize your affiliations. Share your experience as a NIFDA member, a certified FMAA retailer, or a member of your local Chamber of Commerce.

For 20 more ideas, click the button below to access our Members Only Resource Center:

THE MAKE AMERICAN FLAGS IN AMERICA ACT of 2023

House Bill #H.R. 4137

Senate Bill #S.2001

NIFDA Members have been the driving force and motivation for this bill since its inception.

This is the ONLY proposed legislation in Congress that addresses concerns about online sellers misleading the public with American Flags not properly labeled with Country of Origin Tags. 

The "Make American Flags in America Act” is bipartisan (currently with 32 co-sponsors, and bicameral (an identical bill was introduced in the Senate)). It is also the only Legislation that was written at the urging of the domestic U.S. flag industry, and members of NIFDA. The draft for this bill was presented to the NIFDA Board of Directors for input prior to its original introduction on July 5, 2022.

NIFDA has endorsed & is publicly promoting the "Make American Flags in America Act" ➡️ https://www.nifda.net/flag-bill-hr4137

Congressional Staffers are back in session this week and working diligently with the leadership of the committees of jurisdiction to move the bill forward in the legislative process.

NIFDA Members can help the movement:

1. Download the sample support letter, found on The NIFDA website.

2. Write to the following politicians and ask them to co-sponsor the "Make American Flags in America Act of 2023"

• Find your Representative in Congress & ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 4137.
• Write to the Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Congressman Jim Jordan, & ask him to co-sponsor & support H.R. 4137.
• Write to the Chair of the Energy & Commerce Committee, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, & ask her to co-sponsor & support HR 4137.
• Write to the Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, & ask him to co-sponsor & support H.R. 4137.
• Write to the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Chuck Schumer, and ask him to co-sponsor & support Senate Bill #S.2001.
• Find the U.S. Senators for your state & ask them to co-sponsor & support Senate Bill #S.2001.

3. Make your Customers, Vendors & Suppliers aware of the Make American Flags In America Act and ask them to write letters too.

4. Flood your social media channels with photos & information about H.R. 4137 & S.2001. Tag the posts with #MakeAmericanFlagsInAmericaAct.

5. Get creative. Share with NIFDA how you are helping to promote H.R. 4137, so other NIFDA Members can do the same.

Click the icons below to access the NIFDA website:

Create Your NIFDA Account

Join Members-Only Facebook Group

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