American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA)

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA), founded in 1901, is a trade association headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, serving U.S. manufacturers of hardware, tools, lawn and garden, paint and decorating, sports and toy materials and equipment.

Any international firm or corporation engaged in the manufacture or marketing of products for the hardware channel is eligible to become a non-voting associate member. Manufacturers’ agents and industry trade publications can also join as non-voting associate members.

AHMA provides industry conferences, events and workshops; legislative representation in Washington; domestic and international marketing support; technology initiatives; cost-saving programs; targeted publications; networking opportunities; and many other industry-directed services.

History1901 Key date to formulate AHMA conducted at Hollenden Hotel in Cleveland; 67 charter members.---- 1910 AHMA votes to draft legislation requiring branded manufactured articles to include name of maker on registered trademark.---- 1913 AHMA publishes its first “official paper” for its members—“American Hardware Manufacturer.”---- 1918 AHMA officers and committees form “Hardware Manufacturers Organization for War Service” for war work in cooperation with the government; hardware manufacturers cited for outstanding contributions to war efforts.

AHMA opens Washington office.---- 1925 Hardware Council of manufacturers, jobbers and retailers formed to combat waste and reduce costs.---- 1943 Senator Harry S. Truman speaks at AHMA Convention; Association purchases war bonds.---- 1951 100th Semi-Annual AHMA Convention held in Palm Beach, FL.---- 1958 Hardware manufacturers’ representatives can now join AHMA as non-voting, associate members.---- 1968 Begin regular distribution of AHMA membership directory.---- 1969 AHMA moves headquarters from New York to Cleveland.---- 1971 AHMA “Eagle” insignia registered as service mark.---- 1974 Sam Mitchell named Associate Managing Director—the first full-time executive of the Association.---- 1975 First AHMA-sponsored and conducted HARDWARE INDUSTRY WEEK and NATIONAL HARDWARE SHOW.---- 1976 AHMA moves office to Chicago.---- 1977 AHMA introduces three new member services: market trends research program, car leasing program and distributor/dealer market improvement program.

Sheldon London retained as AHMA’s Washington lobbying representative.---- 1979 First Government Relations Survey conducted.---- 1980 AHMA begins participation in Operation Enterprise program and forms Export Committee.

William P. Farrell joins AHMA as Executive Director.---- 1981 AHMA forms American Hardware Data Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary for computer order entry program known as Eagle-System.---- 1982 New AHMA office in Schaumburg, IL dedicated.

First issue of AHMA EAGLE is published.---- 1983 First AHMA program at Cologne Hardware Fair.---- 1984 Association begins producing Rep/Factory Contact Service Directory.---- 1987 AHMA receives “Presidential E Award” from President Reagan for contributions to exports.---- 1989 AHMA publishes industry Bar Coding Guidelines.---- 1990 AHMA forms Young Executives Council.

AHMA receives “Presidential E-Star Award” in White House ceremony.

Association acquires new headquarters building in Schaumburg, IL.---- 1991 AHMA sponsors first Technology Conference.---- 1994 AHMA begins developing European Logistics Network.

General Colin Powell speaks at Hardware Industry Convention co-sponsored by AHMA.

Former President George H.W. Bush delivers keynote address for HARDWARE INDUSTRY WEEK.---- 1995 AHMA President William P. Farrell named recipient of the “Spirit of Life” Award by City of Hope.---- 1996 AHMA develops Hardware Industry Relief Effort (HIRE) through the American Red Cross.---- 1997 AHMA receives the Illinois Governor’s Export Award.---- 1998 AHMA publishes “Do it Yourself Home Improvement in 20th-Century America” in conjunction with National Building Museum.---- 1999 AHMA Young Executives Council begins co-sponsoring Young Retailer of the Year program conducted by National Retail Hardware Association.---- 2000 AHMA publishes “Celebrating the Past…Creating the Future,” an 80-page book commemorating the association’s 100th anniversary as a trade organization.---- 2003 AHMA Item Synchronization Committee releases a final draft of “Implementation Guidelines and Concerns.”

AHMA changes bylaws to opening up membership to any company headquartered in the U.S. and engaged in the manufacture of goods for the hardware trade.

Timothy S. Farrell is elected president and CEO of AHMA during the Annual Membership Meeting.---- 2005 AHMA announces a new strategic direction for the Association and introduces six new member programs: AHMA University; AHMA Group Purchasing Organization; AHMA Strategic Sourcing; AHMA Low-Cost Country Sourcing; AHMA Supply Chain Skills Training; and AHMA Manufacturers Showcase. ---- 2006 AHMA undergoes a complete rebranding of the Association, including new AHMA logo and tagline, new HTF logo, new color palette and published Identity Standards. ---- 2007 AHMA purchases The Hard Fax: Home Improvement Industry News and retains publisher and editor Terrence V. Gallagher.