The home delivery association was formed in 1975 by Red Shettler, curiously not a man directly connected with the home delivery industry. Red was an enthusiastic cookie and dry goods salesman. Red joined forces with a friend at the University of Wisconsin and organized the first association workshop. We can only speculate that Red and his friend understood how the home delivery industry could create sales of his goods, and the benefit of a workshop that would bring vendors and companies together to discuss compelling topics of mutual interest. The first workshop, held in Wisconsin, drew ninety people and the founding benefits of meeting together continue even today.
For years, Red and his "cookies" sponsored valuable workshops for those involved in the home delivery industry. The workshops were held in Wisconsin and most of those who attended were from the west coast of the United States. The additional support of Johnson Truck Bodies located in Wisconsin, and Stanpac, Inc from Canada allowed the association to expand its reach. In the late 1970's, the association penned its current name, The International Home Delivery Association, and held most of its workshops in California.
In the mid-1980's David Weinstock, a frequent and powerful speaker at many workshops took over the task of organizing IHDA events. With his enthusiasm and skills of persuasion, the workshops grew in attendance and benefit. They became the place to be if you wanted to survive in the struggling home delivery industry. Many dairies who attended the workshops during this time, gained valuable insight and resources for success, and through their hard work putting them into action, are successful and profitable today.
In the mid-1990's another transformation took place when Dave* could no longer be the IHDA coordinator. Murray Bain, Rob Armstrong, and Jim Carroll met with Dave in Canada to discuss and ensure the future of the association. One decision made at that "summit" was to alternate workshop locations throughout the United States and Canada to bring the benefits of the workshops to more in the home delivery industry. Jim Carroll took on the formidable responsibility of stepping into Dave Weinstock's shoes and organizing future workshops.
Since 1997 the workshops locations ranged from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Las Vegas, Nevada, and many locations in between.
We are now at a pivotal time in which the home delivery industry is experiencing new potential and renewal. At the same time there is ever increasing competition. The internet has changed our methods of transportation, solicitation, and industry exposure. So too, has the association come into the internet age with the addition of this website, thanks to Delivery Biz Pro in Colorado. But one thing remains constant and true. The IHDA workshops, thanks to the hard work of many, continue to be one of the most valuable opportunities to network, educate, and revitalize our respective companies and our passion for the industry. It is the foremost way to discuss and brainstorm about your unique ideas and needs with those who specifically understand and can help - because they too are there to do the same! We hope you take the time to look at the testimonials on the website and plan to attend future workshops. See you there!
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