Belt Line

12 2016

Vol. 15 Issue 5

A Publication of NIBA The Belting Association

2017 NIBA/PTDA Joint Industry Summit

By Kerry Meacham, NIBA Marketing Committee Chair, Flexco

uring the recent NIBA and PTDA meetings, the Board

of Directors of both organizations approved the
plans for the 2017 NIBA/PTDA Joint Industry Summit
at the Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, FL. NIBA
President Vernon Smith discussed this during the 2016 NIBA
Convention and Town Hall Meeting, but I wanted to provide
you a little more information and answer some common
questions I was asked by several members.
This is a true co-convention. There will be a handful of
separate activities each organization will provide to their
participants to preserve some of their history and culture. All
business activities such as Board and committee meetings,
first timer/new member receptions, annual business meetings
and NIBAs town hall will be separate. Activities such as
the welcome, farewell and other receptions, tours/activities,
educational sessions, golfing and meals will be conducted
jointly by both organizations. The MD-IDEX and NIBA EXPO
will be combined to ONE activity. The daylong event will be
a true combination of the two programs.
This is not an annual event, but rather a one-time coconvention to see how the groups interact and determine the
value of bringing the two organizations together at the same
time. No plans for future co-conventions are planned.

Lightweight
Conveyor Belt
Covers

Annual Go
for the Gold
Sponsors Levels

The exciting part of the co-convention is that each group will

increase their networking opportunities. Distributors will
have access to additional manufacturers, and manufacturers
will have access to additional distributors. This will provide
everyone with the chance to expand their business circle.
In the coming months NIBA will provide you with more
details about this event and why we believe it will be a great
opportunity for you and your company. Please mark your
calendars for September 27th 30th, 2017 and plan to have
a great time in sunny Florida.

Member to
Member

11

2016 Gem
Levels

6737 W Washington St, Suite 4210, Milwaukee, WI 53214 414.389.8606 FAX 414.276.7704 www.niba.org

Letter from the President

rue collaboration. The concept is now a reality. Three years ago a plan was
put in place to have a joint convention, NIBA and PTDA coming together
for a one-time summit.

POWERING THOUGHTS. CONVEYING IDEAS. is the theme for the 2017

Joint Industry Summit. The task forces are now in high gear assembling the best
program the synergies of NIBA and PTDA can offer. An Expo with over 200
exhibitors, three dynamic speakers, planned networking times, and much more
for members to enjoy at the spacious Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood Florida.
Dates are Sept 27th Sept 30th, 2017. Mark your calendars now and be ready
to make your plans when the hotel room block opens mid-January.

Vernon Smith,
2017 NIBA President

In 2017 NIBA will also begin implementation of the new three-year strategic
plan. The plan was developed in July 2016, and committees are working closely
with leadership to accomplish the initiatives set forth with a motivating level of
enthusiasm and dedication.
The commitment of NIBA member companies who encourage their
employees to participate and contribute to the success of NIBA should not go
unrecognized. NIBA appreciates the dedication of these companies and the time
the volunteers from these companies spend to make NIBA a strong organization.
2017 will be a busy year for NIBA. I am looking forward to all the new exciting
programs, the Joint Industry Summit, and the opportunity of serving as your
President.
Sincerely,

NIBAs logo, videos, written materials, etc.,

are proprietary material. Please submit a
written request to NIBA Headquarters to
receive permission for use in web sites,
catalogs, promotional materials, etc. All
articles in the Belt Line may be reprinted
with prior written approval from NIBA.

Belt
Line
Executive Director........ Jennifer Rzepka, CAE
Account Coordinators.........Ashley Swendseid
Jessica Trippler
Graphic Designer.................... Dan Dudzinski
Digital Media Coordinator........ Sarah Thomas

Editing of all member submissions for

inclusion in the Belt Line is a NIBA Board of
Directors requirement. Generally, comments
regarding quality, value, cost, etc., will be
deleted.

Vernon Smith
NIBA President
Universal Belting Resource

2016 NIBA
Membership
275 Members
148 Distributor/Fabricator
113 Manufacturer
14 Affiliate
Down 1.43% from this point last year.

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

Lightweight Conveyor Belt Covers

Doing a lot more than protecting the fabrics!
By Eugenio (Gene) Torres, Bs. Sc., NIBA Education/Technical Committee 2016-17

arallel with their cousins

the heavy duty conveyor
belts, lightweight belts
(belts under 150 pounds per
inch of width), and in the
majority of cases; the fabrics
(top and bottom) for lightweight
belts require protection by a
compound - not just for wear
resistance, also to achieve
other desirable characteristics
for conveying, processing food
and non-food items, and in the
transmission of power. Further, there are standards that must
be met fire retardancy, ability to be cleaned repetitively
without deterioration, FDA, USDA, European certifications,
HACCP compliance, electrical conductivity, etc.
So, what to use? Your selection depends on factors such as
product being conveyed, operating temperatures, conveyor
design, splice, and other parameters. Experience in
lightweight belt covers selection teaches there is more than
one belt compound that could work in a specific condition.
Is the belt compound Thermoplastic or Thermal set? Heavy
duty rubber conveyor belts are usually thermoset, light duty
(European Style) are usually thermoplastic- however, there
are variations. Thermoplastic compounds turns liquid at
certain temperatures, regains most properties when cooled
so you can perform finger and other hot splices, and
fabrications. Thermoset compounds become permanently
rigid when heated and cooled, like in vulcanization.
Important characteristics that should be remembered.
Always strive to pick the best product for the application
keeping in mind that other factors, such as product
availability (delivery time), installation possibilities;
(vulcanized- run in a press, glued or mechanically spliced)
and commercial factors such as who are you competing
against, time allowed for installation, availability of tools and
equipment, price sensitive sales, etc. All these, and more,
will affect your final belt (and covers) selection.
Covers:
Belt Manufacturers offer basic (standard) compounds, as
well as specialty blends. Using the NIBA Key Principles
and Best Practices of Lightweight Belting programs as
reference, some covers to be evaluated are:
No Covers Bare or impregnated covers to obtain low
friction / sliding characteristics. Could be cotton, cotton

Belt Line December 2016

Polyester, natural wool, synthetic felt or Cotton-Nylon for

dough processing applications. Could be hard-woven,
abrasive-resistant bare nylon top surface like in the
Slip Top belts. Could be protected with a light rubber
skim coat for increased grip, or a light, hard urethane
impregnation (U0) for accumulation and fabric protection.
Also used for some high temperature applications.
SBR shared with our heavy duty cousins, this is a popular
compound for general purpose thermal set rubber, used
for example in package handling and other conveying
applications.
Neoprene rubber compound chosen for chemical, heat,
fatigue and other mechanical properties.
Nitrile Oil resistant rubber compound, with excellent
grease and oil resistance. In some applications, used when
resistance to certain fuels is required. For years White
Nitrile was the standard cover of choice for most food
processing applications. Still available, still used.
Carboxilated Nitrile highly abrasion resistant blend of
Nitrile, seen often in paper industry , wood and other
applications where wear resistance, increased operating
speeds and life are determining factors for a good cover
selection.
Gum or Pure Gum is a natural rubber offering high
grip, no marking and long wear life. Used in paper industry
and other applications.
Silicone Thermoset rubber. Excellent high temperature
and release (non stick) properties. Some silicone covers are
compounded to have a sticky surface to convey products
in place, some are compounded for higher heat, etc.
Found for example in confectioneries, folder-gluers and
diaper manufacturing and with some inclined package
applications.
PVC A thermoplastic material with almost universal
presence in the lightweight belt world. Broad range
of durometers can be compounded for limited low
temperature applications, and embossing friendly for
most cover designs. Initially a skim material for solid
woven PVC belts, these compounds are probably the
universal lightweight belt compounds as rubber was in
years past for our mining and aggregate friends.
PU - Polyurethane Can be Thermoplastic or thermal
set. Broader temperature range than PVC, superior release,
abrasion resistance, durometers from 55-95 shore A and
higher in thermal set compounds.
Lightweight Conveyor Belt Covers continued on next page

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

egistration for the 2017 UID program is now open!

Be sure to register as a member of NIBA for lower
rates. For more information, go to univid.org.

Rates before January 11th, 2017:

Association Members US: $1,095
Non-members: $2,095
Rates after January 11th, 2017:
Association Members US: $1,295
Non-members: $2,185
About UID

The University of Innovative Distribution is a

concentrated educational program focused on the unique
needs of the wholesale distribution industry. 2017 marks
the 24th year that UID has been serving the supply
chain. Known worldwide for excellence in education,
UID is sponsored by the leading distribution professional
associations, in cooperation with the Department of
Technology Leadership and Innovation of Purdue
University. Working together, these groups take great
pride in providing a superior learning experience.

NEW in 2017

In 2017 UID will be offering new exciting courses for

our members. Some of these included Feedback with
Impact, Women Mean Business, and Big Data
Analytics for Wholesale-Distributor. Each course
description includes instructors notes, indicating who
the course is primarily designed for, and who would
gain the most from attending that course (job titles, level
of experience, etc.). We suggest you use this as a guide
when selecting each of your courses.
CEOs, Branch Managers, Sales & Marketing Managers,
Purchasing Managers, Sales Personnel, Human Resources
Directors, Operations Managers, Manufacturers Personnel
working with Distributors, Inventory Managers and
Training Managers will all benefit from attending UID.
Chad Ackerman
Ammeraal Beltech Inc
Products & Services Committee Member

Lightweight Conveyor Belt Covers continued from previous page

Polyolefin - Thermoplastic broad temperature range,
high abrasion resistance, excellent release. Resistant to
extractive oils & fats. Used in food industries, and in
packaging.
Teflon - Thermoset High temperature resistance when
used with high temperature fabrics (you can cook in this
surface), excellent release, low friction cover, chemical,
UV resistance.
Polyamide (Nylon) Thermoset very hard material,
when used as a cover is suitable for non-contaminating
automated die cutting machines used in medical and clean
room electronic applications.
Blends this is a term used during NIBAs lightweight
seminars , meaning a combination of various compounds
to obtain specific belt characteristics for example PU

and silicone to obtain good release and thermoplastic

properties, or Urethane and Carboxylated Nitrile offering
the most resistance to abrasion of all rough top belts.
In conclusion: The selection of covers for lightweight
conveyor belt applications is an important part of the
equation, for a successful application. This article is a short
overview not all inclusive on popular cover (top and
bottom) materials, nor covering compound possibilities
for intermediate layers between plies. These subjects are
presented in detail during NIBAs Key Principles / Best
Practices of Lightweight Belting Schools and other available
educational opportunities from belt manufacturers,
experienced product specialists and others. There are many
cover choices available Lightweight belt manufacturers
should be consulted for exploring further options.

Belt Line December 2016

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

2017 NIBA Scholarships

Now Available
By Bo Fisher, Maxi Lift Inc &
Laura Hoggan, Rubber & Plastics Inc,
2017 Products & Services Committee

ear after year, family members from NIBA companies

are rewarded with financial scholarships thanks to
the generous support of NIBA member companies,
and the individuals they employ. 2017 is no exception,
featuring a total of 18 scholarships for eligible candidates to
help offset the costs of college education.
Presidential Scholarships
The NIBA Presidential Scholarship gives 6 awards valued
at $4,000 each to deserving candidates pursuing their
educational goals at a 2 or 4 year college or university. This
scholarship is named in honor of the NIBA Past Presidents
who have dedicated so much time and energy building
NIBA into the great organization it is.
Applicants will be assessed on academics, leadership,
community and volunteer service and the all-important
essay. The application can be submitted online at
www.niba.org/scholarship/Presidential

NIBA Presidents Club Welcomes

Four New
Members
Bullitt County Belting & Supply
Motion Industries Inc
WAGENER Schwelm GmbH & Co
Uniband USA
These members have donated a
cumulative total of $1,500 each to the
NIBA Scholarship Fund. Presidents Club
members are noted in the NIBA
Membership Directory as well as on the
Presidents Club Plaques on display at the
Convention each year.

Memorial Scholarships
NIBAs Memorial Scholarship awards 10 scholarships
valued at $2,000 each in memory of NIBA members for
their dedication to the organization. Candidates should
be attending/planning to attend a 2 or 4 year college or
university.
Memorial Applicants will be graded on involvement in
community, church or school service. Leadership roles are
also highly valued. A well-written essay is key to success
in the application process. Applications may be submitted
online at www.niba.org/scholarship/Memorial
Rubber Ron Scholarships
The Rubber Ron Roalson scholarship honors the memory
of a great friend to NIBA thanks to the generosity of his
family. This scholarship is awarded to selected participants
in NIBAs continuing education program for Heavyweight
belting.
Be sure to promote the NIBA Scholarships to your staff as
one of the great benefits of our organization. If you have
questions, please contact the NIBA office at 414-389-8606
or visit www.niba.org for more information.

Belt Line December 2016

Download the NIBA

Proud Member Logo
The Marketing Committee
encourages all members
to use the logo on their
company websites,
brochures and other
marketing materials.
Download the logo here
at the bottom of the page:
www.niba.org/resources
The logo usage policy may be found here:
www.niba.org/members/logo-usage-guidlelines/
For other file formats, please email the NIBA
office at staff@niba.org

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

Annual Go for the Gold!

See page 11 for a cumulative list

of companies at each Gem level.

Thank you to these companies for their contributions to the NIBA Scholarship Fund in 2016

Gold Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors continued

(Contribution of $800 or more in 2016)

AccuPad Inc
AFM Industries
American Biltrite
Apache Inc.
Belt Power LLC
Chiorino Inc
Colmar Belting Company Inc
ContiTech NAFTA
Conveyor Accessories Inc
Derco B V
Flexco
Forbo Siegling LLC
Green Rubber Kennedy Ag
Habasit America
Industrial Supply Solutions Inc
LewisGoetz
Nashville Rubber & Gasket Co Inc
Nitta Corporation of America
Reichel-Korfmann Co Ltd
Shanghai YongLi Belting Co Ltd
Southwest Rubber and Supply Co Inc
Thaman Rubber Company
Uniband USA
Universal Belting Resource

(Contribution of $399 or below in 2016)

American Eagle Manufacturing LLC
Ammeraal Beltech Inc
Applied Industrial Technologies
Applied Power Products Inc
Arch Environmental Equipment Inc
Auster Rubber Company Inc
B&J Rocket America Inc
Bailey-Parks Urethane Inc
Baldwin Supply Company
Bando USA Inc
Belt Tech Industrial Inc
Belterra Corporation
Beltservice Corporation
Benetech
BMG Conveyor Services of Florida Inc
BRECOflex CO LLC
Chemi-Flex
Chemprene Inc
Connect Conveyor Belting Inc
Depreux (COBRA America)
Dunham Rubber & Belting Corporation
Elastotec P/L
Empire Rubber & Supply Company
Epperson & Company
Fenner Drives Inc
Fenner Dunlop Engineered Conveyor
Solutions
Flujotecnia Encologica SA de CV
Fonmar SA
Forbo Movement Systems Transtex Belting
Forech India Ltd
Frankes Wood Products
Gates Mectrol Corp
GGD Bandas y Servicios SA de CV
GRT Rubber Technologies
ICE-Trade sprl, International Conveyor
Equipment & Trading
ICL America Limited
IMTECH Rubber Products
International Rubber Tech Pvt Ltd
ITW Polymers Adhesives
J A Emilius Sons Inc
Jerry Bros Industries Inc
JTE Machine Systems, Inc
Kaman Industrial Technologies
Khosla Profil Pvt Ltd
Knoxville Rubber & Gasket Co
Konus Konex
Legg Company Inc
Lippert International
LMI Custom Mixing LLC

Martin Sprocket and Gear, Inc

Marubeni America Corporation
Maxi-Lift Inc
Midwest Industrial Rubber Inc
Mulhern Belting Inc
Newtech Trans (India) Pvt Ltd
NGB Technologies for
Industry & Conveying Ltd
NILOS GmbH & Co KG
Norwesco Idustries (1983) Ltd
Novex Inc
Oriental Rubber Industries P Ltd
P R C Industrial Supply PANG Industrial
PANG Industrial
Phoenix Conveyor Belt Systems
Pooley Inc.
Power & Rubber Supply
Precision Pulley and Idler
Price Rubber Corp
Qingdao Huaxia Rubber Industry Co., Ltd.
R/W Connection Inc
Ram Belting Company Inc
Regional Conveyor Services Inc
REMA TIP TOP NA
Rematech-Division Bremo Inc
RGA Rubber & Gasket Co of America
Richmond Supply Co & Rubber Div
Richwood
Rocua Internacional, S.A. De C.V.
Rubber & Accessories Inc
Rubber & Plastics Inc
Rulmeca Corporation
Sampla Belting NA LLCA Megadyne Group Company
Sempertrans Conveyor Belt Technology
Shaw Almex Industries
SIT Indeva Snake River Supply Inc
Snake River Supply Inc
Souhegan Wood Products Inc
Splawn Belting Inc
Stroup & Son Ltd
Ton-Tex Corporation
Tour de Force Inc
Tribute Incorporated
TS Global
US Prime Belting
Van Gorp Corporation
Virginia Carolina Belting
VIS USA LLC
Voss Belting & Specialty Company
Vysisa de CV

Silver Sponsors
(Contribution between $400-$799 in 2016)
Aarubco Rubber Co
Accurate Industrial Inc.
Advanced Flexible Composites Inc(AFC)
AirBoss Engineered Product Inc
All-State Belting LLC
BEHA Innovation GmbH
Blair Rubber Company
Bullitt County Belting & Supply
Canadian Bearings Ltd
Conviber Inc
Equipment & Supply (W.I) Ltd
F. N. Sheppard & Co
Fabricated Extrusion Company, LLC
Great Lakes Belting & Supply Corp
Megadyne Group Companies
Midwest Rubber Service & Supply Co
Motion Industries Inc
Nitta Corporation of Holland
Passaic Rubber Company
Quality Belt Maintenance Ltd (QBM)
Scout Belting SA de CV
Sparks Belting Company
Vaughn Belting Company Inc
WAGENER Schwelm GmbH & Co
Westech Group Ltd

Belt Line December 2016

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

Thank You to these companies for their

Gold Sponsor support of the NIBA Scholarship Fund in 2016

Belt Line December 2016

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

MEMBER TO MEMBER

New Personnel

solutions by providing a top-class urethane sealing option to

go along with existing Flexco products.

Dyson Conveyor Maintenance in Hueytown, Alabama

recently hired Mr. Guy Waldrop to provide sales and
direction to our north Alabama and Tennessee accounts.
Guy has plus twenty-five years experience and is a welcome
addition to our team.

Flexco recently unveiled the newest cleaner in its line of belt

conveyor products, the Mineline Extreme Duty Precleaner
(MXP). Available for use with belts ranging from 42 to 120
(1500mm to 3000mm) wide, pulley diameters 48 (1200mm)
and up, and belt speeds up to 2000 fpm (10 m/sec), the MXP
is the largest, most rugged cleaner in the Flexco offering.

New Leadership
Midwest Rubber Service and Supply Company of Plymouth,
Minnesota announced the appointment of Brent T. Anderson
as the companys President, succeeding Douglas Turk.
Anderson will guide and oversee Midwest Rubbers global
operations as a manufacturer, distributor and fabricator of
specialty rubber products.He has held a number of positions
at Midwest Rubber including General Manager of their U.S.
and Europe operations. Anderson spent four of the last five
years in the Netherlands starting a business unit to serve the
European marketplace.

New Products
Fenner Drives New Eagle SureConnect connector/
polyurethane belting system: eliminates welding, drastically
cuts downtime and labor costs.

Newsworthy Items
Apache Inc. was selected for the Recognition award in
the Manufacturing category at the 2016 Business 380
Excellence Awards. Awards were presented to companies
and organizations from the 380 Corridor, in 12 different
categories. Apaches Manufacturing Recognition Award
follows receipt of the Excellence award in the same
category the prior year. Acknowledgements were given to
the company for the kickoff of their employee learning and
development program, Apache University, in late 2015.
Apache, a 100% employee-owned company, is the national
market leader in the fabrication of hose, belting, cut and
molded rubber, and industrial consumer products.

Eliminate the need to weld with new Eagle SureConnect

patent pending flexible connectors and unique matching
polyurethane belting. Eagle SureConnect is a belt and
connector system that is made to length by simply twisting
the threaded connector into the matching belt, providing a
strong, consistent, SURE connection in a few simple steps.

No more wasting time on questionable welds.

Eagle SureConnect enables conveyor lines to be properly
repaired and returned to service in approximately five
minutes, versus almost 40 minutes with traditional welding.
Because welding isnt needed, users can save the purchase
of welding equipment and eliminate the need to bring in
a skilled welder when a conveyor belt breaks. Anyone on
the maintenance staff can handle the repair immediately;
extensive welding training is not required.
Flexco recently announced the release of its Standard
Urethane Skirting, a welcome addition to its line of load
zone products. The new skirting will supplement Flexcos
skirt clamp systems, load-zone products, and transfer chute

Flexco is pleased to announce that ATEX-approved versions

of the EZP1 and MSP precleaners are now available for order.
ATEX is a European directive that details what products
are certified for use in explosive environments. The ATEX
versions of the EZP1 and MSP precleaners have blades
made from a FRAS (Fire Resistant Anti-Static) urethane
and tensioners that include a grounding wire to ground
the cleaner to the conveyor structure. The FRAS blade and
grounding wire help to minimize the chance of an explosion
caused by static buildup. Flexco will continue to expand its
ATEX cleaner offering, so stay tuned.
Flexco was, once again, named to the Chicago Tribune list of
Top Workplaces, ranking 19 among midsize companies.
Teijin Aramid has received the 2016 Global Enabling
Technology Leadership Award , recognizing the company.
This award recognizes the unmatched performance of
conveyor belts reinforced with Teijin Aramids high-

Belt Line December 2016

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

MEMBER TO MEMBER
performance aramid products, which enable the mining
industry to realize a lower cost of ownership, longer lifetime
and reduced energy consumption.

New Promotions
Flexco recently set dates for its 2017 Training Schools.
Flexco offers three different schools Heavy-Duty, LightDuty, and BCP that provide technical training, application
insights, and common-sense problem solving tips for each
line of products. For more information on the schools and a
complete lineup of 2017 dates, go to www.flexco.com.
Tribute, Inc. staff enjoyed meeting with customers and
prospects at the NIBA convention in September. Tribute
congratulates current president Vernon Smith and the new
board along with Tribute customer, Glenn Siemer of Accurate
Industrial, who serves as membership chair this year.
Tributes software is aimed at the rubber product & belting
distribution industry and has features that allow belting
distributors track belting in two dimensions, buy product in
one dimension and sell in another, and manage important
information such as: lot assignment parameter, date received,
activity type & description, user ID, and lot numbers. For
more information visit www.tribute.com or call 800-8742883.

New Equipment
Regional Supply Inc
Sold to Probandas Mexica a 36 open throat V guide
machine along with multiple pulleys.

Membership
Renewals
Dear NIBA members,
By now you should have received
your 2017 NIBA membership renewal
information by email and mail. We
hope that you have found value in NIBA
and will continue to be a part of our
organization. Renewals are due back to
the office by December 31st. If you need
another copy, please contact the NIBA
office at staff@niba.org.
Reminder: You can also renew your dues
online at www.niba.org.
Please email or call the NIBA office if you
have any questions.
Thank you,
NIBA Staff
414-389-8606
staff@niba.org

Sold to Habasit Argentina a 1.2 meter open throat perforation

machine with vacuum system along with 10 dies of
customers choice.

NIBA Online Training Materials Free to Members

se the new website to access all of NIBAs Electronic Training

Materials FREE TO MEMBERS! Each member company
has their own password which can be passed along to any
employee to access the training, take the quizzes, and print off
completion certificates.
All employees in the company can have their own log-in, then visit
the Training tab in the new site. Under that tab will be news about
upcoming live trainings on the left, then the instant access to online
trainings on the right. For assistance logging on, contact the NIBA
office at staff@niba.org or 414-389-8606.

Belt Line December 2016

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

NAW: National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors

By Chris Jacobs, Power and Rubber Supply Inc.

n todays global business economy of mergers, acquisitions

and buyouts the wholesale distributor landscape is evolving
and changing on a daily basis. This is why distributors are
looking for the highest profit margins that can be obtained and the
greatest return on capital investments that are available. We are
looking for the best angle and a cost savings that will allow our
businesses new growth opportunities and the ability to increase
our revenue streams. There are many different areas of our
businesses that greatly impact the bottom line such as insurance
(risk management, employee health, and general liability) to
accounts receivables, accounts payables, freight cost, and
everyday operating costs.

www.naw.org

By utilizing the National Association of Wholesalers

information and materials that is produced and provided for its
members, you can continue to thrive as a wholesale distributor
for many more years. Distributors need to take advantage of
these benefits and services so they can better understand the
challenges that our industry is facing daily and map out a plan
to create a strategic advantage with customers.
Get online today and see what NAW offers that will help you
protect your business.

NIBA TECHNICAL SEMINAR:

Lightweight Splice Seminar



Tuesday, April 18th 8:00 am 4:30 pm

Wednesday, April 19th 8:00 am 4:30 pm
Grand Rapids, MI
Flexco Training Center
NIBAs Lightweight Splicing Seminar gives new employees, or
those new to lightweight belting, the opportunity to learn the
basics in a focused, two-day setting.
Look for Registration Materials COMING SOON!
Plan now for your employees to attend this belt specific
training opportunity.

10

Belt Line December 2016

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

SBLC Legislative Reports

By Jeffrey E. Leach, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer,

Passaic Rubber Company
he SBLC (Small Business Legislative Council) is an independent coalition of trade
and professional associations that share a common concern for the future of small
business.

The purpose of the SBLC is twofold: First, to consolidate the strength and maximize the
influence of business on Federal legislative and regulatory policy issues of importance to
the entire small business community. Second, disseminate information on the impact of
public policy on small business.
NIBA is a member of SBLC, which means your company being a member of NIBA is
entitled to receive all communications and fact finding results that SBLC releases.

THE SMALL BUSINESS

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
REPORT

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE

_____________________
13
_____________________
_____________
____

Throughout his campaign

Donald Trump
promised to get rid of
many of the regulations
that were implemented
during the Obama
Administration. Trump
coming into office with
this promise and a Republic
an majority in the
House and Senate brings
into question the
future of a number of
regulations including
the new overtime regulatio
ns that are set to go
into effect on Decembe
r 1, 2016.
That said, the process
for eliminating or
changing regulations is
far more complex than
campaign talking
points often suggest.
Moreover, as to the
overtime regulations
specifically, it is unclear
whether a Trump
Administration will have
the incentive or time.
Here are the key points as
to where things stand.
The new overtime rules
are set to go into
effect on December 1,
2016. There is
currently a case pending
in federal court in
Texas challenging the
new overtime rules
(Plano Chamber of Commerc
e v. Perez).
The judge in that case
will be issuing a
decision next week as
to whether he will
grant a preliminary injunction
that would
temporarily
stay
the
immediate
implementation of the new
overtime rules.
Most experts who have
been following this
case believe that there is
a solid chance that
the request for an injunction
will be denied.
That said, at the end of
October, another
district court judge in
Texas issued a
temporary injunction staying
a big DOL
government contracting
regulation that was
set to go into effect the
next day, so a last
minute injunction as to the
overtime rules is
certainly not outside
the realm of
possibility.

Assuming that no injunction

is issued, the
regulations will go into
effect
1, 2016. President Obama on December
would certainly
veto any bill that Congress
passes before
then to repeal the rules
and there are not
enough votes to override
such a veto. That
said, there is currently
a Democratsponsored bill pending
in the House (H.R.
5813) that would amend
the new overtime
rules to phase in the new
salary threshold
and
eliminate
the
provision
to
automatically update the
threshold every
three years. With the
Trump
unclear whether the Democra victory it is
ts will still be
interested in supporting
such a compromise
or if the Congressional
Republicans would
be interested in anything
short of a
complete repeal.
Again, assuming that
no injunction is
issued, the overtime regulation
effect for fifty days before s will be in
Trump even
takes office. Every day
that the regulation
is in effect and that
businesses do not
comply with the regulation
is another day
for which a misclassi
fied employee can
claim overtime. In other
words, by the time
Trump takes office, most
businesses will
have already reclassifie
d employees or
increased employee salaries
and employees
will have seen the effect
of these changes.
From a political perspectiv
e, this may make
it more challenging, and
less palatable, for
a Trump Administration
to move for a full
repeal. This is particular
ly true
the fact that much of Trumps in light of
success was
due to support from
blue collar and
working class people,
a group that is
expected to benefit from
the new rules.
Unlike executive orders,
final regulations
that is all final regulation
s, not just the

See the most recent report & sign upon online here: www.sblc.org

2016 Gem Levels

Thank you to these companies for their contribution to
the NIBA Scholarship Fund.

Diamond Level
(Companies who have cumulatively contributed over $7,500)

Advanced Flexible Composites Inc

Chiorino
ContiTech - NAFTA
Derco B V
Flexco
Habasit America
Industrial Mining Supply Company Inc
Jerry Bros Industries Inc
Nashville Rubber & Gasket Co Inc

Emerald Level
(Companies who have cumulatively contributed between $5,000 $7,499)

AccuPad Inc
AFM Industries
Apache Inc.
Belt Power LLC
Blair Rubber Company
Fenner Dunlop Engineered Conveyor
Forbo Siegling LLC
Green Rubber Kennedy Ag
LewisGoetz
Martin Engineering
Nitta Corporation of America
Reichel-Korfmann Co Inc.
Shaw Almex Industries

Belt Line December 2016

Ruby Level
(Companies who have cumulatively contributed between
$2,500 - $4,999)

Accurate Industrial Inc.

All-State Belting LLC
American Biltrite
Ammeraal Beltech Inc
Atlanta Belting Company Inc
BEHA Innovation GmbH
Belt Corporation of America Inc
Beltservice Corporation
Colmar Belting Company Inc
Conveyor Accessories Inc
D P Brown of Detroit Inc
F. N. Sheppard & Co
Forbo Movement Systems Transtex
Friesens Inc-Conveying Solutions
Great Lakes Belting & Supply Corp
Industrial Supply Solutions Inc
Knoxville Rubber & Gasket Co
Midwest Rubber Service & Supply Co
NILOS GmbH & Co KG
Passaic Rubber Company
Quality Belt Maintenance Ltd (QBM)
REMA TIP TOP NA
RGA Rubber & Gasket Co of America
Rubber & Accessories Inc
Shanghai YongLi Belting Co Ltd
Sparks Belting Company
Universal Belting Resource
Vaughn Belting Company Inc
Voss Belting & Specialty Company
William Goodyear Company

11

Realize Your Dreams...

Realize your Dreams...

A Publication of NIBAThe Belting Association

Apply now for the

available NIBA scholarships:

Memorial Scholarship
(ten scholarships available; $2,000 each)
Application due March 1
Winners Announced in April!

Presidential Scholarship
(six scholarships available; $4,000 each)
Application due May 1
Asaamember
member
of NIBA
The
Belting
Association,
As
of NIBA
The
Belting
Association,
we
are
pleased
to
offer
you
and
your
children
we are pleased to offer you and your children the
the opportunity
to one
apply
for one
of two differopportunity
to apply for
of three
different
scholarships
from NIBA.
ent
scholarships
from from
NIBA.NIBA.
All two
scholardifferent
scholarships
Both
All
threehave
scholarships
have
established
ships
been
to honor
the
scholarships
haveestablished
beenbeen
established
toto
honor
the
memory
of
past
officers,
directors,
memory
past officers,
honor theofmemory
of pastdirectors,
officers, and
and
committee
members
for
their
strong
committee
members
for their
strong
directors, and
committee
members
leadership and dedication to the NIBA
leadership
and dedication
the
for their strong
leadership to
and
organization. Eligibility criteria varies per
NIBA
organization.
Eligibility
criteria
dedication
to the NIBA
organization.
scholarship, but many are looking for
varies
by
scholarship,
butbymany
are
Eligibility
criteria
scholarship,
applicants
with
a historyvaries
of active
participation
looking
for
applicants
with
a
history
of
many
are looking
for
applicants
with
inbut
school,
community,
and/or
church,
especially
in
NIBA
scholarships
allow
active
participation
in
school, communia leadership
history
ofroles.
active
participation
in school,
us
toand/or
honor these
past influential
by in
ty,
church,
especially
in leadership
community,
and/or
church,members
especially
awarding
scholarship
opportunities
to
individuals
who
roles.
NIBAroles.
scholarships
allow us toallow
honor
leadership
NIBA scholarships
want to continue to make a difference in the lives of others
these
past influential
bymembers
awardingby
us to honor
these pastmembers
influential
with which they have contact.

scholarship
opportunities
to individuals
who want
awarding scholarship
opportunities
to individuals
to
continue
make
a difference
in the
who
want totocontinue
to at
make
a difference
in the
See
eligibility
criteria
www.niba.org
lives of others with which they have contact.

For Details and to Apply Online visit:

www.niba.org/scholarship
For Details and Application
information visit:

www.niba.org

12

Belt Line December 2016