Another year has passed, and another NIFDA convention, too.
Last week, son Gray and I divided our duties. He went to the NAVA (North American Vexillological Association) convention while Grady and I went to the NIFDA (National Independent Flag Dealers Association) convention.
This was Gray’s first NAVA conference and he loved it! He said he had never seen so many enthusiasts in one room who were there for no other reason than their shared love of history and flags. My son, the famous Flag Facts guy, found his people.
My conference was different, and I too loved it. Along with my peers and friendly competitors, we met, talked about our industry, and forecasted future sales and trends.
I was a panelist for one of the sessions on “Diversifying Your Business.” I have certainly done a lot of that over the past 52 years in business. i.e., buying a flag factory in Florida, and launching Our Corner Market.com, Brave Magazine, Up In Your Business podcast, Friends of Dreamland non-profit, and now my newest adventure, the Dreamland Lounge. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, I’m slinging drinks, visiting with patrons, and having a ball.
So What does NIFDA do?
One of the things NIFDA does that makes me especially proud is trying to keep American Flags Made in America.
In 2024, we went to Washington D.C. to try and get legislation passed requiring American flags be made in America. Seems like a no brainer but you would be surprised how hard it is.
But don’t despair, NIFDA is having more success on the state level. This map shows states that have passed state legislation requiring all government buildings to fly only American made flags with the seal.
There is a reason this seal matters, which years ago, was the brainchild of a NIFDA convention. It is because too many of us are duped by fraudulent imports claiming to be made in America. If this matters to you, look for the seal when buying your next American flag.
As we say in the biz, “Be Happy and Wave Every Day!”
About the Author
Kerry McCoy founded FlagandBanner.com in 1975 with just $400 and a dream, building it from door-to-door flag sales into a multi-million dollar enterprise. With over five decades in the American flag and banner business, her insights into patriotic trends and flag sales patterns come from serving customers nationwide during times of celebration, crisis, and everything in between.
Kerry is also the host of Up in Your Business with Kerry McCoy radio show and continues expanding her business empire through Kerry McCoy Enterprises while sharing the entrepreneurial wisdom gained from decades of building the American dream.
