FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LAUNCH OF A NON-PROFIT TRADE ASSOCIATION FOR
THE INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR MARKET

—Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA) to raise
the level of quality in the independent distribution industry—

PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ, April 8, 2003– Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA)—a non-profit trade association that will represent the independent distributor market segment, raise quality through the establishment of standards, and educate members and those who are willing to take the necessary steps to meet the standard—launched today. A board representing both large and small distributors in the independent distribution industry will run the organization.

“We are ready, as an industry, to take the next step forward in our evolution and let the world know that we represent quality, superior customer service, and sound business practice,” said Daniel J. DiMase, member, IDEA board of directors. “An advocacy group like IDEA, the first and only association representing the independent distributor market, will continue to raise the bar of quality that will not only benefit the independent distributors, but also their existing and potential customers.”

IDEA will provide a vehicle for customers who share the same quality, business and ethical standards to identify quality distributors from which to buy. IDEA will establish basic quality and ESD standards and provide informational seminars, panel discussions, and conferences where networking and discussions about new technologies and techniques to improve businesses can transpire. With a large enough organization, IDEA can take advantage of reduced shipping rates, CPA or attorney fees, insurance, ISO certifications and ESD product suppliers.

Following are IDEA’s objectives:

• Promote the independent distribution industry through a media advocacy campaign.
• Improve the quality of products and services through a quality certification program, educational seminars, and conferences.
• Promote the study, development, and implementation of techniques and methods designed to improve the business of independent distributors.

The charter members, who will serve as the interim board of directors, are Bill Pursley of Smith and Associates, Nick Davis of Husky International Electronics, Inc., Dan DiMase of SemiXchange, Inc., Brian Folkes of Abacus Electronics, Gregg Radell of Electronic Equipment Company and Tony Romano of American Electronic Resource.

General (independent electronic distributors), manufacturing (manufacturers of electronic components) and associate (companies who service the electronic distributor industry) level membership opportunities are available. To learn more about IDEA membership, please contact Michael Maloney at 609-799-4900; e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text47521 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the website at www.IDofEA.org.

About IDEA

Based in Princeton Junction, NJ, Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA) is a non-profit trade association that will represent the independent distributor market segment with a cohesive voice, raise quality through the establishment of standards, and educate members and those who are willing to take the necessary steps to meet the standard. The organization, which will be run by a board representing both large and small distributors in the independent distribution industry, will provide a vehicle for customers who share the same quality, business and ethical standards to identify quality distributors in which to buy.