The Association of Millwork Distributors (AMD) is hosting its annual convention this week in Louisville, Ky., and exhibitors and attendees alike report that the networking opportunities the show provides are invaluable.

Dan Barber, AMD outgoing president, Barnett Millwork, addressed attendees at the opening session on Wednesday morning and told them AMD members should “take advantage of everything the association has to offer.”

“At its core, AMD is about people and relationships and in our seminars those words were mentioned by every presenter,” he said.

Patricia Galt Steves was the recipient of AMD’s Ron Taylor Award.

Barber also mentioned AMD as a family and this was evident when Don Houghton, past president, presented the 2012 Ron Taylor Award to Patricia Galt Steves, Steves and Sons. When accepting her award, she mentioned that Steves and Sons is a sixth-generation company, including four grandchildren who were in the audience with other company employees and family members.

She told attendees, you get what you put into it and she should know—she has attended AMD meetings for nearly 60 years.

Former NFL quarterback Tom Flick then addressed the audience and talked about the skills of an effective leader. He said they chase big dreams, possess humility and drive people forward, among other attributes.

“It seems that since 2007-2008 [due to the economy], people have had a license to complain,” said Flick. “Not leaders. They speak differently … people love to be led and they love to be inspired.”

How do you do this? “Go first and lead the way,” said Flick.

Stay tuned to dwmmag.com for further updates from AMD including the products on display.