Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine - January/February 2023

Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine

SERVING THE INDUSTRY SINCE 1912

ABMA Convention Schedule Of Events

ABMA Speaker Shares Advice: How To Maximize Human Capacity At Work & Positively Impact Employee Retention

Corona Brush’s Michael Waksman Discuses The Family Company And The Paintbrush Industry

Import/Export Analysis

Raw Material Imports

Mixed, Finished Goods

Up, Exports Up For All Of 2022, Compared To All Of 2021

January/February 2023

ABMA To Hold

106th Annual Convention In San Diego, CA

Broom, Brush & Mop

ABMA To Hold 106th Annual Convention In San Diego, CA________________________6

ABMA Convention Schedule Of Events______14

ABMA Speaker Shares Advice: How To Maximize Human Capacity At Work & Positively Impact Employee Retention______20

Corona Brush’s Michael Waksman Discuses The Family Company And The Paintbrush Industry _______________30 Industry News__________________________43-47

MARCH 4-7, 2023

The Inspired Home Show

McCormick Place • Chicago, IL 847-292-4200

MARCH 22-25, 2023

ABMA 106th Annual Convention

Hotel del Coronado • Coronado, CA 419-878-2787

MAY 20-23, 2023

National Restaurant Association

Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show

McCormick Place • Chicago, IL 864-699-6435

Raw Material Imports Mixed, Finished Goods Up Exports Up For All Of 2022, Compared To All Of 2021 __________________32

December 2022 Import & Export Statistics ___34

PUBLISHER

Linda Rankin lrankin@consolidated.net

EDITOR

Harrell Kerkhoff rankinmag@consolidated.net

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Rick Mullen rankinmag@consolidated.net

GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION

Kris Bott

David Opdyke

OFFICE MANAGER

Carrie King

NOVEMBER 13-16, 2023

ISSA Show North America

Mandalay Bay Convention Center • Las Vegas, NV 800-225-4772

MAY 22-24, 2024

World Brush Expo

BolognaFiere Exhibition Centre • Bologna, Italy www.abma.org

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The 106th Annual ABMA Convention will be held March 22-25, 2023 at the Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado (San Diego), CA.

The annual meeting and convention program will include three days of meetings, education, networking, and social activities to help build relationships and grow business.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22: 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Concurrent Workshops: What, When, Why, and How:

The following are topics to be addressed during the session:

• Internet Marketing and Social Media for B2B;

• Sustainability, Carbon Footprint Analysis, Green Initiative Strategies;

• Microsoft 365: Gain Efficiency Through Teams, OaneDrive, SharePoint, etc.; and,

• ABMA Members Portal: Update Your Information and Enhance Your Profile

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

ABMA Educational Institute

“Leadership Matters”

Speaker: Larry Broughton

FRIDAY, MARCH 24: 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Face 2 Face Meetings

Past attendees have this to say regarding connections and networking during the event:

"You might gain a connection with someone who you need the services of and just not know it yet! I have found several times that I am looking for something for a segment of my business, and I have successfully tapped those resources."

~ Kristin Draper - Draper Knitting

REGISTERED AS MANUFACTURERS ARE THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES:

Abtex Corp., Allied K&R, Atlas Graham Furgale, Braun Brush, Carolina Brush, Delaware Paint, Felton Brushes, Gordon Brush, Hamilton Brush Co., Hillbrush Co., Industrial Brush, Inc., Industrial Brush Corp., Keystone Plastics, Le Brosses Lacasse, Magnolia Brush, Malish Brush, Masco Applicators, Michigan Brush Mfg. Co., MillRose Co., Newton Broom and Brush, Nexstep Commercial

Products, Osborn International, Pferd, Inc., Power Brushes, Inc., Precision Brush Co., Ram Manufacturing, S.M. Arnold, Inc., Schaefer Brush Mfg., Sherwin Williams, SIT Societa Italiana Technospazzole, Spiral Brushes, Inc., Torrington Brush Works, Weiler Abrasives, Wooster Brush Co. and Zephyr Mfg., Co.

REGISTERED AS SUPPLIERS ARE:

American Select Tubing (AST), Borghi Spa, Borghi USA, Boucherie USA, Brush Fibers, Celanese (formerly DuPont Filaments), Composite Cutter, Deco Products, Deligh Industries, Draper Knitting, Easy Reach Supply, Epic Resins Inc., Filiature Lemieux, Filkemp S.A., Franklin Automation, Lanoco Specialty Wire, Lotters Wire/Rothstein Draht, MFC, Ltd., MGG North America, Monahan Filaments, Monahan Partners, Monterey Mills, Multi Brosses, PelRay, Perlon Group/Hahl Inc., PMM, Stainless Steel Products, Unimac s.r.l., WCJ Pilgrim Wire, Wöhler, Zahoransky AG, and Zahoransky USA.

Registrants courtesy of ABMA current as of February 14, 2023

ABMA CONVENTION IS:

"Contacts I have made at ABMA Conventions have led to almost $1-million in sales annually for our company. Not a bad way to spend 4 days at a luxury resort!"

~ Ken Rakusin, Gordon Brush

CONVENTION DRESS / ATTIRE

For ABMA events, comfortable and casual dress is appropriate. Daytime attire is casual and sportswear is customary (golf shirts and slacks or shorts for men: slacks, shorts or skirts/dresses for ladies). Evening activities are “nice” informal or daytime business casual attire, and may include sport coat for men; pantsuits, slacks, skirts/dresses for ladies.

SUPPLIERS RECEPTION THEME: BEACH PARTY

Attendees are asked to wear Tommy Bahama style shirts/tops and flip-flops.

CLIMATE

San Diego average daytime temperatures in March are in the high 60s (F) into 70s (F). Nighttime temperatures average in the mid 50s (F). Rainfall averages four days and 1.66 inches in March.

The 2022 convention attracted over 170 attendees.

An Excellent Way to Build Your Business and Relationships

TRAVEL INFORMATION

HOTEL DEL CORONADO

A living legend for 130 years, “The Del” celebrates its rich heritage as the proud host to celebrities, royalty, U.S. presidents and beach-loving guests for generations. Built in 1888 by Elisha Babcock Jr., and Hampton L. Story, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, Hotel del Coronado is an American treasure.

Hotel del Coronado

1500 Orange Avenue

Coronado (San Diego), CA 92118 USA

(619) 435-6611

AIRPORT INFORMATION

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

DIRECTIONS FROM THE AIRPORT:

• Turn left onto N. Harbor Drive, follow for 1.4 miles

• Turn left onto W. Grape Street, follow for 1/2 mile

• Take the Interstate 5 South on-ramp from the farright lane

• Take the California 75 – Coronado Bay Bridge exit

• After driving over the bridge, continue straight onto Third Street

• Turn left onto Orange Avenue

• Follow Orange Avenue approximately 2 miles

• Turn right onto R. H. Dana Place (the traffic light immediately before the hotel)

• Enter the 2nd driveway on the left

Built in 1888 for the cost of $600,000, the Hotel del Coronado’s room rates started at $2.50, which included three meals per day.

Working

solutions

ABRASIVE FILAMENTS

Round or Flat Profile

• Grit Sizes of 36 up to 4000

From 0.25 mm (0.010 in) to 3.00 mm (0.120 in) Diameters

Level or Crimped Filaments

• Cuts, Spools or Hanks

Cuts from 44 mm (1.73 in) to 1405 mm (55.31 in)

In a Broad Variety of Colors • SiC, AO, Ceramic or Diamond Grit

106th Annual ABMA Convention SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

March 22-25, 2023 • The Hotel del Coronado • San Diego, CA

TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2023

5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Directors' Finance Meeting

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023

8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.

Convention Committee Breakfast Meeting

9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

Public Relations Committee Meeting

10:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

Membership Committee Meeting

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Registration / Founders Hall Foyer

12 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

Statistical Committee Lunch Meeting

1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.

Safety & Standards Committee

2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

All Division Meeting / Founders Hall Foyer

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

ABMA All-Attendee Educational Workshops

6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

New Members & First-Time Attendees

Welcome Reception / Vista Terrace

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Paul M Miller Welcome Reception / Vista Terrace

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2023

6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.

Sunrise Stretching / South Paseo Lawn

7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast / Founders Lawn

8 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.

Opening Business Session / President's Welcome

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lunch on own

12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Golf Scramble Tournament

Coronado Golf / Option: Pickle Ball

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Mid Convention Reception / Sun Deck Front

7:30 p.m.

Dinner on Own or ABMA Networking Dinner for the ABMA Foundation at the Sheerwater Restaurant

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2023

6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.

Sunrise Stretching / South Paseo Lawn

7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast / Founders Lawn

7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

Supplier Face 2 Face Setup

8 A.M.-12:30 P.M.

ABMA “Face 2 Face” Suppliers Display

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Companion Program / Sandcastle Building

Noon to 1 p.m.

Buffet Lunch

1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Optional: U.S.S. Midway Tour or Beach / Lounge/Umbrella

7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Suppliers' Reception Beach Party / Windsor Lawn

SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023

8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

ABMA Board of Directors Meeting

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

ABMA All-Attendee Educational Institute

Networking Activities on your own

“LEADERSHIP MATTERS”

ABMA EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE • SPEAKER: LARRY BROUGHTON

Former Green Beret and number one bestselling author, Larry Broughton, is an award-winning entrepreneur, CEO, and keynote speaker. As a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, serving eight years on Special Forces A-Teams, Broughton has parlayed the lessons learned from his time in service to his country and applied them to the business arena attaining extraordinary success.

CBS News has called Broughton, “the nation’s foremost expert on leadership and entrepreneurship.” He is the founder and CEO of Broughton HOTELS (www.broughtonHOTELS.com) , a leader in the boutique hotel industry; and yoogozi.com , an inspirational online learning forum for leaders and high achievers.

He has received several business awards, including Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year®, the National Veteran-Owned Business Association’s Vetrepreneur® of the Year, Coastline Foundation’s Visionary of the Year, Passkeys Foundation’s National Business Leader of Integrity, and his firm was awarded HSMAI’s Best of the Best Hotel Management Company of the Year, and has also been included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Hot 500 List of Fastest Growing Private Companies.

Broughton has authored several articles and books on leadership, team building and entrepreneurial significance, including his newest book, an Amazon number one best seller, VICTORY: 7Revolutionary Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Launch Your Business, Elevate Your Impact and Transform Your Life, and FLASHPOINTS for Achievers

His upbeat, creative approach to business and life has been featured in newspaper and magazine articles across the country, and he’s been a guest on news and TV programs on every major network, including multiple appearances on CNBC’s The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, MSNBC’s Your Business with JJ Ramberg, and Travel Channel’s, Hotel Impossible.

He has presented to, coached, and mentored thousands of current and aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs across the country. He has delivered keynote addresses and training programs on topics including entrepreneurship, leadership, and overcoming fear and failure to Fortune 100 firms including Walmart and Toyota, universities, non-profits, medical facilities, and even the Pentagon’s Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Broughton has attended the Executive Program at Stanford University; studied Russian at the Defense Language Institute; and he studied political science at University of California, Santa Barbara.

Larry Broughton

“FACE 2 FACE”

SUPPLIERS DISPLAY

For 2023, ABMA is again using a pre-planned meeting schedule to allow for 15 minute scheduled conferences, which eliminates the expense of suppliers of bringing display booths/equipment to the meeting.

ABMA supplier meetings are from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to register early to schedule meetings. The Meeting Request Form is available from ABMA.

FORMAT:

Suppliers stay stationary at their respective tables with chairs for visitors. Meetings cycle every 15 minutes. Scheduled format allows 15 minute “power meetings” for higher-level discussions. People rotate per their schedule.

Scheduled meetings are determined weeks in advance by using scheduling software which can be accessed from ABMA.

ABMA advises that the meeting selection process is never perfect. It is hard to accommodate all requests. This is why there are ample networking opportunities throughout the convention, which allows people to meet regardless of schedules.

ABMA POLICY:

Suppliers: may only bring what can fit on the table. This rule applies to everyone to keep things fair.

Allowed Items:

• Literature

• Tablecloths

• Price Sheets

• Tabletop Lit racks

• Counter Cards

• Sample products

• Laptop to stream video and share reporting

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED:

• Free Standing floor display

• Banner stands

• Large table top displays

• Wall hung displays

Several functions are also planned for social and networking interaction including the ABMA Golf Tournament, Pickle Ball, the ABMA Foundation Networking Dinner, and the closing dinner event with a Beach Boys style cover band on the beach at Hotel del Coronado.

Regarding the World Brush Expo, additional information will be available soon. To help build the communications database for BolognaFiere, those interested in attending or getting more information should sign up here: https://abma.org/about/world-brush-expo/ to optin to receive the latest news directly from the convention hall. More details and information will be shared regarding this event at the ABMA Convention.

For additional information, email info@abma.org.

Suppliers Face 2 Face 2022

ABMA Speaker Shares Advice:

How To Maximize Human Capacity At Work And Positively Impact Employee Retention

By Harrell Kerkhoff | Broom, Brush & Mop Editor

To properly build a quality workforce in today’s competitive environment, two questions must be asked by company leaders:

What are we doing to maximize the human capacity in our business and impact retention?; and, What tools are we providing to our leaders so they can influence those objectives?

G.D.F. S.R.L. unipersonale

Finding qualified employees — and helping them succeed while working as a team — remains a high priority for all types of business owners and managers. The problem is, this is often easier said than done. To properly meet such objectives, two questions must be asked:

• What are we doing to maximize the human capacity in our business and impact retention?; and,

• What tools are we providing to our leaders so they can influence those objectives?

Addressing these and other issues related to hiring and retaining the best employees were two representatives of In2Great (www.in2great.com) , which specializes in, “Equiping leaders with simple systems to: Engage, Develop, and Retain fulfilled employees.”

In2Great Executive Vice President Nicki McLeod and Senior Leadership Consultant Tim Butler discussed, “Tools For Leaders To Maximize Human Capacity And Impact Retention,” during a recent educational institute webinar, sponsored by the American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA).

It Catches7 IEverything! t Catches7

A large percentage of business leaders state that hiring challenges are negatively impacting their ability to operate at full capacity. The value of talent has skyrocketed due to the scarcity of talent. The end-result is employees have more power than ever. Producing better retention rates have also become a key part of today’s business strategy.

According to McLeod, it’s important for company leaders to recognize the unused human capacity that exists in their organizations. Equipping leaders with simple systems, gives them the ability to create an environment where individuals are fulfilled and begin to reach their potential.

“The Predictive Index data is one of the tools we use to help leaders better understand themselves, and the people they lead,” McLeod said.

She noted many employees are promoted to supervisory positions after showing they are really good at their current jobs. The problem is, that does not guarantee success as a supervisor.

“They might be really good at managing projects, processes and priorities, but they may never have been trained to lead people. There is a difference between being really good at what you do, and understanding how to lead people,” McLeod said. “We (at In2Great) believe one of the keys to understanding how to lead people, is understanding the people you are trying to lead. You cannot lead somebody you don’t understand.”

To properly understand a person, it’s important company leaders are development focused. People connect a business strategy to business results, but it’s just as important to understand the development of people. This can be done through the lens of data, which helps leaders and teams gain higher levels of awareness. Being insight driven and

“We (at In2Great) believe one of the keys to understanding how to lead people, is understanding the people you are trying to lead. You cannot lead somebody you don’t understand.”

~ Nicki McLeod

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action oriented are other essential elements, according to McLeod.

Another key part to understanding employees is recognizing a large gap can exist between those people, within an organization, who are highly engaged and those people who are actively disengaged.

McLeod noted that Gallup, Inc., an American analytics and advisory company, has been studying engagement for approximately 50 years.

“I recently listened to an interview with (Gallup Chairman) Jim Clifton, who explained managers account for approximately 70 percent of the variance in employee engagement,” McLeod said.

Such variation is thought to be responsible for low employee engagement.

“Now, make no mistake, we are not saying that managers are bad, or there is something wrong with them. However, it shows there are a few things some managers do to contribute to the variance,” McLeod said.

To help move that “needle” in a positive direction, McLeod stressed there is power in one meaningful conversation per week, between a company leader and a person who reports to that leader.

“Many employees are usually onboard with that type of interaction with their leaders,” she said. “However, what we find, when working with leaders, is that there can be up to four main challenges to having such conversations.”

They are:

No. 1 — Leadership Fatigue: In the current state of the world, leaders are tired;

No. 2 — Time Scarcity Mental Map: With all the time spent finding the right employees, retaining them, developing young leaders and helping older leaders shift their mindset about leadership, there is often little time to “do one more initiative,” when it comes to moving the needle to greater engagement, and thus, company growth;

Tim Butler

“Data shows that if there is no outlet for an individual to do what he/she is good at, that person will begin to burn out after just 20 hours of work per week.”

~ Nicki McLeod

No. 3 — Know-How Scarcity Mental Map: “Many times, we find leaders who just don’t feel equipped to have those one-on-one conversations in a way that leads to engagement and fulfillment,” McLeod said; and,

No. 4 — If We Are Honest, Fear.

THE 1:1 CONVERSATION

There is help for leaders trying to achieve one-onone meaningful interaction with employees, in an effort to better create an future environment of development and engagement.

“Gallup found five areas that can move the needle among employees — from actively disengaged to highly engaged,” McLeod said.

Generally speaking, employees want to know, “someone cares about my development,” and that they will have an opportunity to do what they are good at.

“Data shows that if there is no outlet for an individual to do what he/she is good at, that person will begin to burn out after just 20 hours of work per week,” McLeod said. “If that is the case, it must be asked, ‘What is the employee doing during the remaining work week?’ They are showing up, and maybe performing pretty well, but what is the impact of that burnout for not only the person, but the organization?”

She added that “performance does not always equal fulfillment.” That is why an employer may be surprised when an employee hands in his/her resignation.

The good news is, if leaders are having meaningful oneon-one conversations with employees, and using data to better understand employee concerns and needs, greater fulfillment is possible.

Employees also want to make sure their opinion counts, and that “leadership cares about my well being at work.” It also helps if employees have a best friend at work.

It’s been proven, according to McLeod, that working with employees to improve all five areas can help companies move the needle to greater employee engagement.

Employees also want to make sure their opinion counts, and that “leadership cares about my well being at work.” It also helps if employees have a best friend at work.

~ Nicki McLeod

UNDERSTANDING DATA-CENTRIC DEVELOPMENT & THE PREDICTIVE INDEX

According to Sherlock Holmes in, “A Study In Scarlet,” by Arthur Conan Doyle, “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.” That is as true today as when the novel was published in 1887.

McLeod spoke on the importance of “Data-Centric Development” and “Predictive Index” testing. She likened Data-Centric Development to vegetable gardening.

programs. Data gives us insight into how somebody adapts to change — and we are all different,” McLeod said.

She noted some people are better adapted to change than others. Important conversations should take place between leadership and employees on what is expected with changes that occur within a company. The same is true with conflict.

“When it comes to conflict, many people will say, ‘It’s important to compromise.’ The problem is, that implies both parties will win something and both parties will lose something. In reality, that is not always possible,” McLeod said. “Although you can tie behavioral data to how somebody will naturally approach conflict, it doesn’t mean that person will always handle conflict in a particular way. His/her natural tendency, however, may fall into a couple of categories.” McLeod added tension is a natural result of conflict.

“Anyone who has ever grown vegetables in a garden knows that if you plant good seed in the ground, give it water and access to sunlight, it may still not produce very good fruit. The soil may deficient in something, or has too much of something else. It’s all about having the proper nutrients,” McLeod said. “In a sense, the same is true for people. Proper data gives us insight into what individuals need in order to develop and be fulfilled in the workplace.”

Predictive Index testing, meanwhile, involves a personality test administered by an employer, to evaluate how suitable a potential employee is to a specific role.

McLeod said there are 17 employee profiles associated with the testing, such as a “venturer,” “maverick,” “specialist,” “artisan,” “promoter,” or “strategist.”

“Let’s say somebody has been identified as a ‘venturer.’ One of their needs may be ‘independence.’ They may seek autonomy when problem-solving, and freedom to act on initiatives and risk taking,” McLeod said. “You can imagine that if a person likes to solve his/her own problems, while working with a leader who also likes to solve problems, there might be future conflicts. This is why honest conversations between the two should take place.

“The leader might ask during such conversations, ‘Do you want help with that or do you want autonomy in solving that problem?’ An employee might respond, ‘Yes, I need some help,’ or ‘No, if you would just let me do it, that would be better for me,’” McLeod added. “Through such one-on-one conversations, the employee and the leader can better focus on the work that matters, with less frustration behind the scenes, due to better communication and clarity.”

One part of Data-Centric Development centers on change and conflict management.

“‘Change’ and ‘conflict’ are associated with leadership

“I say to clients all of the time, ‘Get comfortable with tension.’ That doesn’t mean you have to become somebody different, but (dealing with tension) is how people grow, develop and handle situations in a healthy way. Tension can tell a person something, and therefore it’s important to get comfortable with tension,” she said. “It’s important to also understand, if conflict is taught ‘in a vacuum,’ people may not properly recognize why certain situations are more comfortable than others, and why certain people have specific defaults. In other words, it’s good to figure out why ‘people behave the way they do.’”

She gave the following example.

“This is a story of a plant supervisor and his team. The plant supervisor is a ‘maverick,’ and likes to give employees plenty freedom, as opposed to a tight structure. His entire team, however, is wired opposite of him, and needs that structure. The leader, without knowing it, assumes everybody is comfortable with his leadership style. His team feels otherwise,” McLeod said. “It’s important to remember that people will behave in a way that makes the most sense to them. We are all wired differently, which is why behavioral data is so important. It provides insight. What a leader assumes to be true may not be the same as what his/her team needs.”

Important conversations should take place between leadership and employees on what is expected with changes that occur within a company. The same is true with conflict.

~ Nicki McLeod

“I say to clients all of the time, ‘Get comfortable with tension.’ That doesn’t mean you have to become somebody different, but (dealing with tension) is how people grow, develop and handle situations in a healthy way.”

~ Nicki McLeod

Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine’s Associate Editor Rick Mullen reached out to Michael Waksman, of family-owned and operated Corona Brushes, Inc., (Tampa, FL) with a series of questions pertaining to the industry, and business at Corona Brush. Waksman discusses challenges, and how business has changed for the company following the COVID-19 pandemic, and its official end. Corona is a manufacturer of high-end paintbrushes and rollers as well as home maintenance, industrial and promotional brushes. Corona also produces paint roller kits, trays, extension poles and accessories, marine products and more.

Michael Waksman

Q: How was business at Corona Brushes the last quarter of 2022 and into the early part of the new year?

A: Business has been good, and we are pleased with our performance over the last quarter of 2022 and into the early part of the new year. Last year we had a focus on shipping orders, and the steps we took (expanding our workforce, training new employees, developing new efficiencies in production) have been successful without sacrificing the level of quality that painters look for in a Corona brush and roller. We've seen continued demand for our tools in the markets where we are established, and we continue to explore new opportunities for growth and expansion.

Q: Now that the president has declared the COVID-19 pandemic is over, in what ways, if any, did your journey through the pandemic change the way you conduct business going forward?

A: The pandemic has certainly had an impact on our operations, and we have adjusted our approach in certain aspects of our business as a result. While we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our employ ees and customers, we have resumed most in-person interactions, and have adapted our processes to ensure that we are able to continue delivering high-quality products to our customers. The communication tools that we adopted out of necessity during the pandemic, we are now seeing integrated into our ongoing commun ications. A video meeting may be held instead of a phone call, for instance, or instead of waiting for all parties to be available for an in-person meeting.

Of course, there are things that the pandemic did not change. We are still making brushes and rollers by hand, paying close attention to the process so that our finished product meets the requirements of painters who have established Corona as their tool of choice.

Q: During the pandemic, the use of such platforms as Zoom and others were often used more than before the pandemic. Are you seeing this kind of communication now more as business as usual?

A: In short, yes. These platforms have become another communication tool. Not as a total replacement of other forms of communication, but certainly as augmentation. We might have a video meeting in place of a phone call, or we might have one instead of waiting for everyone to be available and present for an in-person meeting. But we still have phone calls and in-person meetings.

Q: The last time we spoke, there was a spike in COVID going on which hindered your ability to get out in the field to get feedback from painters. Now that COVID is officially over, has this situation returned to normal?

A: We remain committed to finding innovative solutions that allow us to continue gathering feedback while prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone involved. In many ways we are back to normal, but there are still people being infected with COVID and it is my understanding that for some it could still be very dangerous.

Q: How are your innovative lines of products, including your Champagne Nylon™ series of paintbrushes, the UltraFast™ paint roller and Chinex® line doing? Are there any other new products you would like to share with our readers?

A: The lines you mention are still doing well, and they are still getting strong demand from painters. We have held off this year introducing new products, but we are looking at 2024 and beyond. Our main focus still is shipping orders while maintaining the level of quality in our tools that painters have come to expect.

Q: Discuss raw material prices and availability. Are there still the same issues with the supply chain as last year? Is obtaining China bristle still a problem?

A: We have good sources, and we want the best quality. Availability of the highest quality material has been a challenge for years, but we are satisfied we are obtaining the best quality raw materials available. But the problem right now is not just limited to Chinese bristles. There continue to be other delays in the supply chain, and we continue to work with our partners to produce and deliver the best quality brushes and rollers.

Q: What are your thoughts about the future of your company in 2023 and beyond?

A: We plan to continue investing in our manufacturing facilities and workforce to maintain our high level of quality and efficiency. We remain interested in expanding and pursuing new markets, without taking focus away from providing our existing customers with a high level of service and products. n

As we move through the new year, Broom, Brush & Mop asked Corona executive Michael Waksman to offer his assessment of how his company has fared the past year, any lasting impact now that the COVID-19 pandemic has wound down, as well as his thoughts about the future of his company.

Imports/Exports

RAW MATERIAL IMPORTS MIXED, FINISHED GOODS UP, EXPORTS UP FOR ALL OF 2022, COMPARED TO ALL OF 2021

By Rick Mullen | Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor

U.S. government trade figures for December 2022 indicated raw material imports were up in three categories outlined: hog bristle, broom and mop handles, and metal handles, compared to December 2021. For all of 2022, raw material imports were also up in three categories outlined: hog bristle, broom and mop handles and metal handles, compared to all of 2021.

Import totals for December 2022 were up in four of the finished goods categories outlined: brooms and brushes of vegetable material, toothbrushes, shaving brushes and paint rollers, compared to December 2021. During all of 2022, import totals were also up in four categories outlined: toothbrushes, hairbrushes, shaving brushes and paint rollers, compared to all of 2021.

RAW MATERIAL IMPORTS

Hog Bristle

The United States imported 9,263 kilograms of hog bristle in December 2022, down 83 percent from 5,075 kilograms imported in December 2021. During all of 2022, 171,205 kilograms of hog bristle were imported, down 32 percent from 134,316 kilograms for all of 2021.

China sent all of thehog bristleto the United States during all of 2022.

The average price per kilogram for December 2022 was $39.09, down 32 percent from $57.45 per kilogram for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per kilogram was $33.48, down 29 percent from $46.87 for all of 2021.

Broom And Mop Handles

The import total of broom and mop handles during December 2022 was 1.6 million, up 7 percent from 1.5 millionfor December 2021. During all of 2022, 20 million broom and mop handles were imported, up 33 percent from 15 million for all of 2021.

During all of 2022, the United States received 7.7 million broom and mop handles from Honduras and 6.7 million from Brazil.

The average price per handle for December 2022 was 63 cents, down 32 percent from 93 cents for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per handle was 71 cents, up 4 percent from 68 cents for all of 2021.

Brush Backs

December 2022 imports of brush backs totaled 108,165, down 83 percentfrom 641,383for December 2022. During all of 2022, 5.4 million brush backs were imported, down 4 percent from 5.6 million for all of 2021.

Canada exported 1.8 million brush backs during all of 2022, while Sri Lanka sent 1.7 million.

The average price per brush back was 78 cents during December 2022, up 42 percent from 55 cents for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price was 54 cents, up 13 percent from 48 cents for all of 2021.

Metal Handles

The import total of metal handles during December 2022 was 2.7 million, up 42 percent from 1.9 millionfor December 2021. During all of 2022, 28.9 million metal handles were imported, up 26 percent from 23 million for all of 2021.

During all of 2022, China sent 16.4 million metal handles to the United States, while Italy exported 6.8 million and Spain sent 5.3 million.

The average price per handle for December 2022 was $1.27, down 7 percent from $1.37 for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per handle was $1.10, up 10 percent from $1 for all of 2021.

FINISHED GOODS IMPORTS Brooms Of Broom Corn Valued At More Than 96 Cents

The United States imported 305,541brooms of broom corn valued at more than 96 cents per broom during December 2022, down 14 percent from 354,034 for December 2021. During all of 2022, 3.8 millionbrooms were imported, down 22 percent from 4.9 millionfor all of 2021.

Mexico sent nearly all the brooms to the United States during all of 2022.

The average price per broom for December 2022 was $2.57, up 10 percent from $2.33 for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per broom was $2.52, also up 10 percent from $2.30 for all of 2021.

Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable Material

The import total of brooms and brushes of vegetable material during December 2022 was 223,413, up 38 percent from 162,347 brooms and brushes imported during December 2021. For all of 2022, 2.1 millionbrooms and brushes were imported, down 9 percent from 2.3 millionall of 2021.

During all of 2022, Sri Lanka exported 880,238brooms and brushes to the United States.

The average price per unit for December 2022 was $1.46, down 21 percent from $1.84 for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per unit was $1.53, up 46 percent from $1.05 for all of 2021.

Toothbrushes

The United States imported 102.4million toothbrushes in December 2022, up 4 percent from 98.9 million imported in December 2022. During all of 2022, 1.4 billion toothbrushes were imported, up 5 percent from 958.5million for all of 2021.

China sent 947.6 million toothbrushes to the United States during all of 2022.

The average price per toothbrush for December 2022 was 23 cents, down 18 percent from 28 cents for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per toothbrush was 24 cents, down 14 percent from 28 cents for all of 2021.

Hairbrushes

December 2022 imports of hairbrushes totaled 6.5million, down 2 percent from 6.6 million for December 2021. During all of 2022, 80.1 million hairbrushes were imported, up 31 percent from 61.3 million for all of 2021.

China sent 62.3 million hairbrushes to the United States during all of 2022.

The average price per hairbrush was 19 cents during December 2022, down 14 percent from 22 cents for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per hairbrush was also 19 cents, down 14 percent from 22 cents for all of 2021.

Shaving Brushes

The United States imported 5.5 million shaving brushes in December 2022, up 49 percent from 3.7 million imported in December 2021. During all of 2022, 99.81 million shaving brushes were imported, up 51 percent from 66.2 million for all of 2021.

China sent 84.1 million shaving brushes to the United States during all of 2022.

The average price per shaving brush for December 2022 was 9 cents, down 47 percent from 17 cents for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per brush was 10 cents, down 17 percent from 12 cents for all of 2021.

Paint Rollers

The import total of paint rollers during December 2022 was 9.8 million, up 42 percent from 6.9 million for December 2022. During all of 2022, 95.2 million paint rollers were imported, up 8 percent from 88.5 million for all of 2021.

China sent 65.8 million paint rollers to the United States during all of 2022.

The average price per paint roller for December 2022 was 35 cents, down 29 percent from 49 cents for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per paint roller was 43 cents, down 9 percent from 47 cents for all of 2021.

Paintbrushes

U.S. companies imported 17.1 million paintbrushes during December 2022, down 36 percent from 26.8 million for December 2021. During all of 2022, 264.2 million paintbrushes were imported, down 19 percent from 327.4 million for all of 2021.

China shipped 243.6 million paintbrushes to the United States during all of 2022.

The average price per paintbrush for December 2022 was 34 cents, down 8 percent from 37 cents for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per paintbrush was 34 cents, down 1 cent for all of 2021.

Upright Brooms

The total import of upright brooms for December 2022 was 1 million, down 44 percent from 1.8 million for December 2021. During all of 2022, 18.1 million upright brooms were imported, down 11 percent from 20.3 million for all of 2021.

China sent 14.5 million upright brooms to the United States during all of 2022.

The average price per broom for December 2022 was $1.48, the same as for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per broom was $1.54, up 5 percent from $1.46 for all of 2021.

EXPORTS

Export totals for December 2022 were up in three categories outlined: shaving brushes, artist brushes and paintbrushes, compared to December 2021. For all of 2022, export totals were also up in three categories outlined: shaving brushes, artist brushes and paintbrushes, compared to all of 2021.

Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable Materials

The United States exported 3,058 dozen brooms and brushes of vegetable materials during December 2022, down 43 percent from 5,403 dozenfor December 2021. For all of 2022, 77,483 dozen brooms and brushes were exported, down 12 percent from 87,877 dozen for all of 2021.

The United States sent 35,192 dozen brooms and brushes to Canada during all of 2022.

The average price per dozen brooms and brushes was $45.38in December 2022, down 9 percent from $49.96 for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per dozen brooms and brushes was $39.15, up 12 percent from $34.93 per dozen for all of 2021.

Toothbrushes

During December 2022, the United States exported 4.4 million toothbrushes, down 21 percent from 5.6 million for December 2021. During all of 2022, 81.7 million toothbrushes were exported, down 12 percent from 93 million for all of 2021.

The United States exported 23.1 million toothbrushes to Canada.

The average price per toothbrush for December 2022 was $1.28, up 6 percent from $1,21 for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per brush was 95 cents, up 7 percent from 89 cents for all of 2021.

Shaving Brushes

The United States exported 1.2 millionshaving brushes during December 2022, up 38 percent from 871,410for December 2021. During all of 2022, 18.4 million shaving brushes were exported, up 23 percent from 15 million for all of 2021.

During all of 2022, the United States exported 10.3 million shaving brushes to Mexico.

The average price per shaving brush for December 2022 was $1.04, down 23 percent from $1.35 for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per shaving brush was 85 cents, down 20 percent from $1.06 for all of 2021.

Artist Brushes

December 2022 exports of artist brushes totaled 892,981, up 81 percent from 493,917 for December 2021. During all of 2022, 8.3 millionartist brushes were exported, up 51 percent from 7.6 million for all of 2021.

Canada received 4.2 million artist brushes from the United States during all of 2022.

The average price per artist brush was $2.43 during December 2022, down 33 percent from $3.63 for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per artist brush was $2.71, down 30 percent from $3.87 for all of 2021.

Paintbrushes

The export total of paintbrushes during December 2022 was 375,879, up 136 percent from 159,004 for December 2021. During all of 2022, 3.4 million paintbrushes were exported, up 31 percent from 2.6 million for all of 2021.

Canada imported 1.7 millionpaintbrushes from the United States during all of 2022.

The average price per paintbrush for December 2022 was $4.38, down 38 percent from $7.12 for December 2021. During all of 2022, the average price per paintbrush was $5.71, down 7 percent from $6.15 for all of 2021.

Domestic Merchandise

1404902000 Broomcorn (Sorghum Vulgare Var. Technicum) Used Primarily In Brooms Or In Brushes, Whether or Not In Hanks or Bundles

9603100000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or Other Vegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles

DECEMBER EXPORTS BY COUNTRY

9603290000 Shaving Brushes, Hairbrushes, Nail Brushes, Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use on the Person

9603300000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes and Similar Brushesfor the Application of Cosmetics

9603900000 Hand-Operated Mechanical Floor Sweepers, Not Motorized, Mops & Feather Dusters; Prepared Knots & Tufts for Broom or Brush Making, NESOI

Horsehair and Horsehair Waste, Whether or Not Put

9603109000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or Other Vegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles, NESOI

9603210000 Toothbrushes, Incl. Dental-Plate Brushes

9603294010 Hairbrushes, Valued Not Over .40 Each

9603294090 Shaving Brushes, Nail Brushes, Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use On The Person, Valued Not Over .40 Each

9603302000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application Of Cosmetics, Valued Not Over .05 Each

Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application of Cosmetics, Valued Over .05 But not Over .10 Each

Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application Of

Valued Over .10 Each

9603404020 Paint Pads (Other Than Of Subheading 9603.30)

9603404040 Natural Bristle Brushes, Other Than Brushes Of

World Brush Expo Dates and Location Set

The American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) and the European Brushware Federation (FEIBP) have announced the creation of a new show for the industry, World Brush Expo, which will take place May 22-24, 2024, in BolognaFiere, Italy.

Donna Frendt, ABMA executive director said, “We have been working on this show since it became apparent at the ABMA meeting last March that Interbrush in Freiburg was untenable. Shortly after the completion of the ABMA convention, ABMA reached out to FEIBP to see if there was interest in putting on an industry show, by and for the industry.”

Since that time, a joint task force from the two associations has been working together to determine a pathway to create and hold an industry show. Fons Ceelaert, FEIBP managing director said, “The process to come together has been very good for both associations and we look forward to partnering with ABMA to make World Brush Expo the show for the industry.”

The task force invited Daniel Strowitzki of FWTM (the owners of Interbrush) to make a presentation to continue the show in Freiburg and to submit a proposal for Salzburg, Austria. The task force and ABMA/FEIBP thanked Daniel Strowitzki, FWTM, and the Messe in Freiburg for 45 years of partnership, and for past InterBrossa/Interbrush shows. In addition to the proposals from Freiburg and Salzburg, the task force entertained proposals from Bologna, Modena, and Parma Italy. Eventually Bologna was selected as the host venue for 2024.

Greg Miller, ABMA president said, “I am very excited to see a new industry show rise from the ashes. The entire industry hasn’t been able to get together since 2016, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that this will be a great event for the industry, and I can’t wait for 2024.”

On behalf of FEIBP, Andrew McIlroy added, “The Bologna venue is world class, and Bologna is a fascinating city and will appeal to attendees from all over the world. In addition, their infrastructure is excellent for our show; attendees and exhibitors alike will enjoy the variety of hotel accommodations and the easy logistics of the Bologna site.”

The BolognaFiere Exhibition Centre (https://www. bolognafiere.it/en/venues/bologna/ ) covers 375,000 square meters of indoor and external areas. Its exhibition services area covers 36,000 square meters. The venue has 20 halls which are fully wired, airconditioned and equipped with state-of-the-art IT systems. Multiple events can be held simultaneously thanks to five separate entrances. Flexibility and mobility are ensured by a network of walkways and by a system of carparks for a total of 14,500 covered parking spaces. Vehicle owners can reserve space in advance. BolognaFiere is the first exhibition center with its own motorway toll booth, that provides direct entrance to the venue. A “BolognaFiere” railway station handles special trains for exhibitions with a large number of visitors. A heliport is located on the roof of halls 16-18.

Bologna, Italy, is one of Italy’s great and historic cities. It has a major airport (BLQ) and supports over 13,000 hotel rooms in the city. The exhibition center is near the city center making for convenient logistics. Bologna is home to the oldest university in Europe, and has many nearby attractions for attendees and visitors alike.

ABMA said exhibitor registration information will coming soon, interested parties are encouraged to visit the website for more information as it develops: https://worldbrushexpo.com/.

About ABMA:

The American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) was founded in 1917 to assist North American Brush Manufacturers and their suppliers by enhancing industry knowledge, providing a variety of networking opportunities, and promoting sustainability for its members.

About FEIBP:

The European Brushware Federation (FEIBP) is the representative EU trade federation in the field of the brushware industry, a traditional, but innovative sub-sector, providing an impressive variety of brush products, both for professional and consumer markets.

Stainless Steel Products Adds New Brush Wire Processing Facility

At the start of 2023, Stainless Steel Products moved all of its brush wire crimping, straightening, and bunching operations to a new and larger facility in Mohnton, PA.

The move to Mohnton was instigated by customer demands to expand production capacity, especially for SSP’s crimping and bunching lines, and to reduce lead times.

According to SSP President Ralph Rosenbaum, historically, the company has prided itself on short lead times using kan ban systems, blanket orders, and other similar methods. However, as demand for the company’s productive capabilities has expanded greatly in the past couple of years, lead times have gotten rather lengthy. As a result, in 2022, the company undertook a sizeable expansion of inventory including more quantities of brush wires in stainless steel oil tempered steel, and copper based brush wires such as brass, phosphor bronze, and nickel silver.

During the first quarter and into the second quarter of 2023, the company is undertaking an expansion of machinery, and productive capacity, now that there is more space available in Mohnton, PA, to do so. The expansion of machinery also includes next generation upgrades to the company’s existing systems with new spoolers, payoffs, and crimping machines.

Stainless Steel Products began operations in June 1995, and became a member of the ABMA in 1997. The company serves industrial manufacturers in North America with value added services including application engineering assistance, responsive customer service, and quality products.

For more information, contact sales@stainlesswires.com or call 631-243-1500.

Joseph A. Graham of Atlas Graham Industries

AGF Ltd. has announced the death of Joseph Allan Graham, former chairman of Atlas Graham Industries. He died December 30, 2022.

According to the announcement, “Joe joined his father in his broom and brush manufacturing business at Atlas Brush Ltd. in 1960, which was later renamed Atlas Graham Industries.

“Joe’s impact at Atlas Graham began in sales, where his goal was always to stay true to his father’s vision of building superior quality products and servicing the customer better than the competition, with unsurpassed honesty and integrity. It was Joe who was made aware of the first looped-end mops being developed by Seco Industries in the early 1970s, and a deal was completed to make Atlas Graham the only licensed manufacturer of the product in Canada.

“Joe will be remembered for instilling a customer-centric business philosophy, which is still our primary focus today, and why AGF has been successful for 82 years. While making his customers a top priority, he also made all his employees feel as if they were family, which was reflected in their tenure.

“It was Joe’s integrity and passion for the industry that led him to establish long lasting relationships with customers and vendors that still exist to this day. Many of these relationships evolved from business to personal and is something that he cherished.”

Donations be made to the Linda Joanne Graham Trust at the Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 – 1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. R3B 0X3.

Hillbrush Celebrates 100 Years

Throughout the year, Hillbrush directors Charles Coward and Andy Coward, Chairman Philip Coward, managers, and employees have been commemorating the company's 100th anniversary. The Rt. Hon. Dr. Andrew Murrison, MP for southwest Wiltshire, England, officially opened the new “Centenary” warehouse on Friday, November 18. The new warehouse has extra storage capacity for products and ensures a wide range of stock availability for Hillbrush customers.

Hillbrush also hosted a corporate celebration day for its distribution network, which included factory tours, discussions with various departments, and a networking event at its visitor center “Visit Hillbrush.”

Hillbrush said it is proud of its 100-year heritage, and is looking forward to the next 100. Contact sales@hillbrush.com.

Joseph Graham

Filiature Lemieux Becomes ABMA Member

ABMA has announced a new member, Filature Lemieux, Inc., 125 Rte. 108 East, St-Ephrem, Quebec, CA.

Serge Lemieux is president.

The company produces microfiber yarns, mop yarns: synthetic, rayon, cotton blend for wet and dust mops.

Those attending the upcoming ABMA convention in California will have an opportunity to meet Lemieux in person.

Shurhold Names Forrest Ferrari COO

Shurhold, a manufacturer of cleaning and maintenance products for marine, RV, automotive and aviation, has hired Forrest Ferrari as its chief operating officer (COO). Barry Berhoff, CEO, made the announcement.

According to the company, “In his new role, Ferrari designs and implements data-driven systems that further advance Shurhold operations. By armoring the company's supply chain, he ensures its products retain their high quality and availability. Ferrari fosters improved communication and coordination between office and factory staff, sales reps and vendors.”

"I'm excited to be part of this great company and look forward to working closely with Barry in delivering a premium user experience to our customers," said Ferrari.

“Ferrari comes to the marine industry with a history of leadership, business development and strategy, and quality assurance. With a strong IT background, he is accomplished in systems process improvement. Most recently, he was the COO at Construction Journal, a provider of construction project information. Ferrari holds a B.S. in biochemistry and biophysics from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in genetics and virology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“We're exceptionally pleased to welcome Forrest to the Shurhold senior executive team," said Berhoff. “He's a transformational leader and proven change agent with success in a wide range of industries. I am confident as we continue to expand our product offerings and explore new markets he will be a tremendous asset to Shurhold.”

For more information, visit www.shurhold.com.

Celanese Acquires Majority Of Movility & Materials Business From DuPont

Celanese Corporation, a global chemical and specialty materials company announced it has completed the acquisition of the majority of the Mobility & Materials (M&M) business of DuPont (Nov. 1, 2022).

“We are excited to welcome the M&M team to Celanese and I want to thank the teams that worked diligently to successfully close this acquisition today,” said Lori Ryerkerk, chairman and chief executive officer. “With the addition of M&M’s industry-renowned brands and product portfolios, we have established Celanese as the preeminent global specialty materials company. As one team, we will be better positioned to elevate the growth trajectory of engineered materials and to create value for our customers and shareholders.” according to a release from Celanese.

The company announced the acquisition of M&M in February 2022. As part of the transaction, Celanese has acquired a broad portfolio of engineered thermoplastics and elastomers, industry-renowned brands and intellectual property, global production assets, and a world-class organization.

Celanese Corporation is a global chemical leader in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications.

“Our businesses use the full breadth of Celanese's global chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees, shareholders and the corporation. As we partner with our customers to solve their most critical business needs, we strive to make a positive impact on our communities and the world through The Celanese Foundation.

Based in Dallas, Celanese worldwide had 2021 net sales of $8.5 billion,” according to the press release. Visit www.celanese.com.

Serge Lemieux

Forrest Ferrari

Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine Purchased By Better Newspapers, Inc.

To Our Loyal Readers and Advertisers,

The production of this issue of BBM marks the beginning of my retirement, and the sale of Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine to Better Newspapers, Inc., under the able leadership of Greg Hoskins, president and publisher.

Better Newspapers, Inc., is a family-owned publishing company that operates mostly weeklies and shoppers in central-southern Illinois and in southern Missouri. It is an organization founded on family loyalty. His wife, Linda, works in the editorial department. His son, Scott Hoskins, is the vice president of operations, and his other son, Mark, is the regional manager for the main newspaper printing plant, and several newspapers in and around Altamont, IL.

Better Newspapers, Inc. has been diversifying into printing, signage, broadcast, digital and magazines in the past few years to become a full service marketing company.

BBM and Discover Central Illinois magazines represent the 35th and 36th publications for Better Newspapers, Inc.

Broom, Brush & Mop began in 1912, when brothers Frank F. and W.L. “Roy” Collins, also publishers of the local Arcola, IL, newspaper, began production of the Broom And Broom Corn News. The inaugural issue was published February 28, 1912. Even before that, the Broom Corn Corner appeared as a page in the Collins’ local newspaper, The Arcola Record Herald, continues today as part of the Better Newspapers Group, so you could say, BBM has truly come full circle.

My late husband, Don Rankin, and I began our years in the industry (as owners and co-publishers) in 1977, of the Broom And Broom Corn News, which later became Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine.

It has been a privilege and pleasure to be a part of this fine industry. Many refer to the broom, brush and mop industries as niche. Don and I found the industry was not only niche in the sense of the innovative and diverse products created, but a niche because of the fine people who lead the great companies that make up our industry. We found an industry with leaders who honor and respect the diversities of companies and people — all with the positive goal of moving the industry forward — companies and competitors who help one another in times of adversity, and share in times of joy — friendships and associations, and respect that continues through generations including today’s leaders.

Don and I had a truly great and loyal team producing BBM, including Editor Harrell Kerkhoff, Associate Editor Rick Mullen, David Opdyke, and BBM’s lead designer Kris Bott, a great team of talented and professional employees, but even more importantly, all fine people.

As Greg’s team takes over leadership, you will find a group of people dedicated to providing BBM’s readers and advertisers with a product that will continue to inform, educate and promote the industry. The Hoskins are looking forward to attending the convention.

My sincere thank you, warmest regards, and best wishes for the future.

Linda Rankin

106th Annual ABMA Convention

March 22nd-25th, 2023

• Opportunity for 1 on 1 meetings with target vendors and customers

• Industry networking and education

• Members only event, – If you’re not an ABMA member, join today!

For more information about the Convention and to join ABMA, please visit www.abma.org

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