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MLK Day Inspiration
President's Letter
Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a national day of service and federal holiday celebrating the civil rights leader’s life, legacy, and impact. Dr. King believed in the promise of America… “that all men are created equal and would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” He drew directly from the Declaration of Independence to share his dream and in turn inspired a nation to seek civil rights, social justice, and an end to racism. 

Dr. King never gave up on the American principles of liberty, freedom, and equality… values represented by our beloved U.S. flag. He encouraged activism and challenged us to reflect on “Life’s most persistent and urgent question: What are you doing for others?”. Across the NIFDA network, each of us has some level of influence on our industry, company, family, and community. How can we help to overcome complacency, create opportunities, and foster equity? 

As Americans display their U.S. flags today, let us – as flag dealers and manufacturers– be reflective of our role in upholding the values our flag represents, be reminded of our country’s incremental progress in advancing civil rights, and be proud to provide the greatest symbol of American ideals and persistent promise of equality.

P.S. How does your company celebrate MLK Day? Share your photos, comments, and experience at facebook.com/groups/nifdafriends

~ Stacey Stewart, Board President
January Manufacturer Updates

Annin Flagmakers
  • Due to the continuing demands we are still actively hiring new personnel at all of our factories. To greater incentivize our current employees and to acquire additional help we have raised wages in the factories again. 
  • As we continue to increase capacity, we now have an ample supply of 3x5 thru 5x8 ToughTex and 3x5 thru 4x6 Nylglo US in stock available for immediate shipment. Please check with customer service for an update or your Annin Sales Rep. 
  • As always we appreciate your loyalty and support.

Acme/Lingo Flagpoles
  • We have good stock of winches, winch handles and cylinder up/down lights.
  • We continue to increase our inventory of select satin finished internal and external flagpoles for quick shipping. 
  • Please give us a call for more information: 800-260-1897

Concord American Flagpole
  • CAFP is producing with full capabilities coming out of the holidays.
  • Anodizing and Paint lines are fully back to full production after holiday shut-down.
  • In case you are not already, we would encourage NIFDA Members to subscribe to our email list to stay current on all updates from CAFP.

Erin Rope Corporation
  • Erin Rope is building stock on White Halyard rope.
  • Colored Halyard rope lead time is 7 - 10 days.
  • Halyard rope with Wire Center lead time is 7 - 10 days.
  • Currently, stocking 7x19 Stainless Steel Aircraft Cable.

FlagZone
  • Nothing new at this time, same labor struggles as everyone else, but things are looking much better.

PLP Composites home of Zeus Flagpoles
  • We are fully staffed and able to ship orders with a 1-2 week lead time for most sizes up to 40'!
  • We have no new announcements, we are busy doing some R&D on Mailbox posts, outdoor planters, etc. to possibly be adding to our offerings. Not sure if these will be ready for 2023 but we are working on new products.

Valley Forge Flag
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.
24/7 Member Education
Missed a virtual roundtable? Access the roundtable recordings anytime in the members-only section of our website! Here's a roundup of our favorites:
📗 Digital Marketing Basics with Steve Latronica
💰 The Psychology of Price with Paul Erickson
🧑‍💻 Making Millennials Great with Randy Wilinski & Jeff Kortes
💻 Is Your Website Ready? With Rachael Kay Albers
🛍️ Shopper Psychology 101 with Lyn Falk
Promoting Patriotism with a Donation
NIFDA is proud to support the Congressional Medal of Honor Society with a donation of custom flags featuring their emblem. The flags were manufactured by Annin Flagmakers at their facility in South Boston, Virginia, and presented by two local South Carolina flag retailers and members of NIFDA: David McGehee from Columbia Flag & Sign Company, LLC, and Jason Brooke from Carolina Flag & Banner, Inc., on December 20, 2022.

This donation was prompted by Major General James E. Livingston, who delivered an impressive closing keynote address at the 2022 NIFDA Convention. NIFDA is proud to donate these flags in appreciation for General Livingston’s service, sacrifice, inspirational speech, and ongoing commitment to promoting patriotism and all the American flag represents.

Our members supply the greatest symbol of freedom the world has known – the U.S. flag – and are proud to support those who have served under its stars and stripes. We were pleased to present these flags to be displayed at the USS Yorktown and hope they serve as a visual reminder of Medal of Honor Recipients and inspire viewers to live the values of the Medal of Honor: courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, citizenship, and patriotism.
From left to right: John W. Falkenbury, Executive V.P. of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society; James E. Livingston, Medal of Honor Recipient; Jason Brooke, Owner of Carolina Flag & Banner; David McGehee, Owner of Columbia Flag & Sign Company
Contact a Board Member
Do you have ideas, questions, concerns, or feedback for NIFDA? The board will meet face-to-face in February to plan and discuss 2023 including the annual convention. More details will be announced at a later time, but right now is the time to reach out and make your voice heard!

Feel free to contact board members directly, or email members@nifda.net and your email will be forwarded to the appropriate party. We look forward to hearing from you!
From left to right: Dan Pitcher, Board Member; Beth Vosseller, Board Member; Dan Ziegler, Manufacturer Representative; Stacey Stewart, President; David McGehee, Board Member; Sheila Norton, Secretary; Jeff Shaaber, Manufacturer Representative; Laurie Olsen, Treasurer; James Giraudo, Vice President
Benefits of the NIFDA Website
The members-only website gives you exclusive access to our membership directory, newsletters, virtual roundtable recordings, and 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 an an online forum for selling excess inventory, finding products or services, posting job opportunities, and connecting with fellow flag friends.