The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), St. Louis, recently received four $100,000 donations to its Education and Research Foundation. Dakota Supply Group, Fargo, N.D; Border States, Fargo, N.D.; Stuart C. Irby Co., Jackson, Miss.; and The Hite Co., Altoona, Pa., each made $100,000 donations.
“I’ve always shared my father’s belief that electrical distributors need a clear action plan and a resource for training, education and industry research,” said R. Lee Hite, president and CEO of The Hite Co. “NAED has been the authoritative voice for our industry and the Education & Research Foundation meets our industry’s needs in these areas. A contribution to the foundation is an investment in our industry’s future. I believe firmly that the work of NAED’s Education & Research Foundation is critical to the growth and development of our industry.”
“As a long-time member of NAED, we thought we should join with other distributors in taking the foundation to the next level,” said Stuart M. Irby, president of Stuart C. Irby Co.
“Training is a significant element of our corporate culture here at our company,” said Ben Herr, chair-emeritus of NAED and CEO of Dakota Supply Group. “Highly trained and educated associates distinguish electrical distributors from alternate channel suppliers. This investment will not only benefit our associates here at our company, but will also strengthen NAED and its membership.”
Said Tammy Miller, executive vice president of Border States, “We firmly believe that the work of the NAED Education and Research Foundation is critical to the growth and development of our industry and wholeheartedly support the Foundation’s efforts.”
The donations will become part of an endowment fund for the NAED Education and Research Foundation. The principal amount of the endowments will remain untouched, while the interest will be used to commission future projects and studies. The $100,000 donors will have permanent positions on the Channel Advantage Partnership Council, which will help select future educational programs and research projects.
For information about how to contribute to the NAED Education and Research Foundation endowment, contact Bill Elliott at (936) 569-1184 or [email protected].