Malcolm Watson Named Chair of NAED'S 2008 Centennial Celebration Committee

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - To help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) in 2008, NAED has named Malcolm Watson, past chairman of NAED and former president of Watson Electric Supply, Lindale, Texas, as the honorary chair of the associationÂ’s Centennial Celebration Committee.

Watson served as chairman of NAED in 1978; he has been a part of electrical distribution for over 50 years, since his family-owned company was founded in 1947.

“I’m honored and humbled that NAED has asked me to serve as the honorary chair of its Centennial Committee,” Watson said. “The 100th anniversary will provide us with a unique opportunity to move into the future by reflecting on our rich, shared history together as an association. By understanding where we’ve been, we can evaluate where we are today, and determine where we need to be in the future.”

In addition to Watson, all other past and current chairs of NAED have been invited to participate in the Centennial Committee.

“I can’t think of a more dedicated group of people to work with. They’ve cared and nurtured NAED through good and bad times, and I’m looking forward to working with them,” Watson said.

Watson also encourages NAED members to submit their ideas and input for the celebration plans through an interactive online Web site at www.naed100.org.

“We’ve planned several excellent initiatives to commemorate NAED’s Centennial year in 2008. On behalf of the committee, I’d like to invite both distributors and manufacturers alike to share your ideas and your stories with us and the NAED staff. This is one way you can help lead the association into its second century,” Watson explained.

NAEDÂ’s Centennial Celebration will begin with the 2007-2008 regional conference season, culminating with the 2008 Annual Meeting.