When VMA first combined three meetings into one—the Valve Industry Knowledge Forum—it did so with the idea that attendees would have a much more varied range of topics from which to choose as well as an opportunity to mingle and exchange information with peers in positions that are different from their day-to-day jobs. That exchange will occur this year at the second annual VMA Industry Knowledge Forum on April 9-11 at the Doubletree Hotel Perimeter Park, Birmingham, AL. “Attendees from the first combined meeting in 2018 extolled the value of an agenda with educational tracks that were both specific to what they do and cross into new areas for them. We believe by doing this, we’ve created a more meaningful exchange of dialogue and ideas,” says VMA President Bill Sandler.

Ask David Hughes, the new chairman of the Valve Manufacturers Association of America (VMA), what he sees as the most significant pressure the valve industry of today faces and he’ll point to the need to find new ways to offer and create expertise.

Hughes, who is director of Global Accounts-Final Control, Emerson Automation Solutions, took over as VMA’s top leader in September at the organization’s annual meeting.

Emerson recently honored three top officials for their many long years of service in promoting and growing the Fisher brand of valves within the process industries.

Retiring from the company are Terry Buzbee, Mike Mason and Dan Button. Collectively, those three men have served Emerson and Fisher for 124 years: more than 40 years each. They’ve also given time and resources to VMA: Terry Buzbee was chairman in 2001; Mike Mason served in that position in 2010 as well as a member and chair of the Valve Repair Council. Dan Button has worked on the program committee for the Leadership Forum for many years.

At VMA’s 2017 Annual Meeting, Oct. 13-15 at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Florida, members elected a new slate of officers, while several individuals were recognized for their service to the valve industry and the association.