New Bern, N.C. (April 2019) – The National Association of Police Equipment Distributors (NAPED) and North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) Conference and Exhibitions drew over 367 distributors, exhibitors and attendees to the Hyatt Regency, April 7 – 9, for their annual meeting.
The event featured over 80 exhibitors in the uniform and public safety equipment sector. Local law enforcement also attended the exhibits, increasing the opportunities for exhibitors to meet new customers. The combined conference was a sell out in both booth space and attendees.
As part of the annual meetings, NAUMD awards top achievers in the Best Dressed Public Safety Award® Departments:
- For First Responder in Medium-Sized Department – Lakewood West Metro Fire Protection District, by Elbeco
- For First Responder in a Small Department – City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue by Global Trading
- For Large Department – D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, by Muscatello’s
- For Medium Department – Toledo Police Department by Superior Uniform Sales
The 2019 Innovation Awards went to:
- Tie for Badge or Emblem Design – Penn Emblem for Iowa State University Police and Smith & Warren for Tuskegee Police
- Best Footwear Innovation – Rocky Boots for the Rocky Code Blue boots
- Public Safety Product Innovation – ASP, Inc. for the ASP Transport Kit
“Combining events offered our NAPED members the opportunity to meet new distributors within the uniform market that were either already carrying or considering carrying additional public safety equipment to supplement their sales and customer needs,” James Witmer, president of NAPED and CEO of Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc., said. “I feel the access to additional distributors was an overall benefit to our members.”
“Although the numbers aren’t in yet, the exhibit floor was considerably busy and we saw a lot of manufacturers writing orders,” Steve Zalkin, president of NAUMD, commented. “We anticipate our next event, which will be held April 26 – 28, 2020 in Reston, Virginia, to be just as, if not more successful, for our members.”
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About National Association of Police Equipment Distributors (NAPED):
NAPED was created by bringing together law enforcement distributors, industry professionals and manufacturers to form a network for the purpose of mutually sharing the vast amounts of market experience, resources and product knowledge comprised within its membership. NAPED acts as a forum for member manufacturers and distributors to form long-term, profitable relationships. www.naped.com
About North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD):
The NAUMD was founded in 1932. This association is a community for the uniform and image apparel industry. It is composed of manufacturers, distributors and associated companies that have a common bond in the future of our industry.
We exist to enable our members to create opportunities for a better future. We do this by connecting ideas and people in ways that provoke conversations and inspire innovation. The NAUMD is about building a community where strategic relationships are formed, problems are solved and meaningful information empowers a better future. www.naumd.com
