VMA News

VMA is dedicated to driving growth and innovation of the U.S. and Canadian valve industry globally. Through collaboration, education and advocacy, we work to create an environment where manufacturers, distributors and service providers of valves, actuators and controls can thrive. The VMA News section of Valve Magazine highlights key initiatives, industry developments and opportunities we're championing. To learn more or explore membership with VMA or VRC, contact VMA President Heather Rhoderick at hrhoderick@vma.org.

VMA Board of Directors Energized Around Key Topics 

Led by Board Chairman Kirk Wilson, Flowserve, VMA’s Board of Directors held its first meeting of 2025 this April. Government affairs discussions focused on successes, due in part to VMA’s efforts, on slowing down the barrage of PFAS bans being considered by local, national and global governments. Tools and resources needed to help our members understand the changing trade policy and impact their business were discussed, and members can expect further updates on tariff impacts, with webinars planned to coincide with upcoming dates where new announcements are expected. 

The Board also discussed strategic planning activities taking place this year, which will culminate with a refreshed Strategic Plan to present at the Annual Meeting later this fall. To support this effort, members will soon receive a survey to help the Board understand how members view the current activities and value, as well as emerging industry trends. Additionally, the Board reaffirmed the importance of partnerships with other organizations aligned with the flow control industry.

VMA Works to Protect Member Interests with Capitol Hill Visits

Working together with our members, VMA amplifies our members and the voice of the industry on legislative and regulatory issues. VMA’s government affairs activities work to shape a business environment that supports growth, competitiveness and compliance, and educating policymakers on the vital role of our industry is an important part of the work VMA does for its members. In April, VMA met with the offices of Representatives Wesley Hunt (TX- 38), Brian Babin (TX-36), Tim Moore (NC-14), Randy Feenstra (IA-4) and Tom Emmer (MN-06) to discuss the importance reinstating 2017 tax provisions and consistent trade policy, and the need for a definition of PFAS substances that excludes fluoropolymers. 

Source: VMA

Progress Seen in Stopping the PFAS Bans 

Since the start of the year VMA has joined forces with other groups to help to educate state lawmakers on the importance of fluoropolymers in industrial uses. This has included four letters sent to state and federal officials, one of which was to the legislature in New Mexico. On April 8, 2025, New Mexico became the third state in the country with a broad ban on PFAS (following Maine and Minnesota). However, important to the valve industry are various carve outs for HVAC, semiconductor and other industries, and even more importantly — an exemption for fluoropolymers. This is a great precedent to have in place for our industry, and an approach we hope other states follow. 

VMA is currently developing comments to the state of Minnesota on their recent proposed rules around reports on products containing PFAS due to the state at the end of the year, and to the state of Maine on their recent notices which outline how “currently unavoidable use” (CUU) designations can be obtained. These efforts run parallel to our message on the importance of excluding fluoropolymers from any broad PFAS ban. Tools and resources to help VMA members comply with requirements are also being developed.

Online Tariff Response Center Launched for Members

While each company will determine its own approach to address changes in trade policies, VMA has launched a Tariff Response Center for members to provide summaries of current policies and potential implications to the industrial valve industry. In this Center, members will find webinars to watch, links to customs and other guidance, timelines of announcements, and importantly, what the current status is of various tariffs. This is available in the Member Resource Library.

A Successful Hydrogen + Energy Valve Summit and Valve Forum

The Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA) recently hosted its Hydrogen + Energy Valve Summit and annual Valve Forum: Conference & Exhibits in Orlando, FL. More than 100 professionals —manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and end users—gathered to connect and explore the latest in flow control technology.

The three-day, dual event opened on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, with the Hydrogen + Energy Valve Summit. Attendees engaged in forward-looking sessions covering topics such as the energy industry outlook, evolving energy policy and the role of nuclear and hydrogen in future energy systems. The day wrapped up with a thought-provoking panel moderated by VMA

President Heather Rhoderick, emphasizing the importance of diversified energy strategies and the interplay between economic factors and policy. The Summit provided attendees with a view of the energy landscape and information to help companies ensure their products and services are ready to meet the increased energy demand. 

The Hydrogen + Energy Valve Summit was sponsored by ASCO, AUMA Actuators and Valve Media.

Attendees discuss top-of-mind issues during roundtables.

The Valve Forum followed on April 9-10, offering four specialized tracks: Manufacturing & Repair, Technical, Business Management and Valve Fundamentals. The conference began with a keynote by Mitchell Anderson of Bray International Inc., the 2024 VMA Service Award recipient, who highlighted the industry’s role in advancing sustainability throughout the valve sector’s value chain, as well as approaches companies could take in their facilities to strengthen sustainability efforts (below).

With in-depth sessions across all tracks, participants engaged in lively discussions on industry trends, challenges and solutions. Attendees valued the dynamic content and meaningful networking opportunities, including the roundtable discussions on tariff impacts, PFAS and artificial intelligence. The exhibit display area provided opportunities for discovering products and services, as well as some fun with a hands-on test of valve knowledge!

Attendees network with exhibitors at Valve Forum.

On the final day, attendees toured Toho Water Authority’s cutting-edge North Bermuda treatment facility. The tour showcased how valves and actuators play a vital role in treating and distributing millions of gallons of clean water each day.

Attendees at Toho Water Authority’s North Bermuda treatment plant.

VMA thanks all the exhibitors and the sponsors who made this event possible. Sponsors of the Valve Forum included A&B Stainless, EFCO USA, Precision Spray & Coatings and Setpoint Integrated Solutions.
Stay tuned for an announcement later this summer with the date and location for the 2026 Valve Forum: Conference & Exhibits.

Valve Repair Council 

Valve Repair Seminar

The Valve Repair Seminar takes place June 2-3, 2025, in Pasadena, TX, and offers a one-and-a-half days of educational programming, two facility tours, multiple networking opportunities and tabletop exhibits. Hosted at the San Jacinto College Center for Petrochemical Energy & Technology (CPET), it is produced by the Valve Repair Council (VRC) and is open to everyone in the industry. This event is unique in that it focuses on issues specific to repairing valve assemblies and keeping them operating at peak efficiency, as well as addressing high-level concerns about what is happening in the industry, what pressures it faces and where it is headed. 

This year’s Seminar includes facility tours of both United Valve and the San Jacinto College’s CPET laboratories, giving participants a firsthand look at both operational and educational environments shaping the industry’s next generation. The conference program delves into a range of timely topics, such as:

• Motor-operated valve (MOV) repair best practices
• Repair in the field
• Fugitive emissions compliance and regulatory updates
• Welding processes and defects=
• OSHA safety protocols
• Updates from the National Board
• CNC machining

Attendees may earn up to nine (9) Professional Development Hours (PDHs), reinforcing the Seminar’s commitment to both technical enrichment and career advancement. 

Complementing the sessions is a tabletop exhibit area featuring industry suppliers showcasing tools, technologies, and services relevant to valve repair professionals. These exhibits offer not just product overviews but also a space for candid dialogue and shared troubleshooting.
For more information and to register, visit: www.vmaevents.org/valve-repair.

VRC Welcomes New Member

The VRC welcomes Scallon Controls as a member! For almost 50 years, Scallon Controls has been serving the “Golden Triangle” and adjacent counties throughout east and southeast Texas. Through history and experience, they leverage local knowledge and apply technical acumen to complete every project correctly, the first time. Scallon Controls is an authorized OEM repair provider for multiple valve manufacturers and is an Emerson Impact Partner. Find out more at www.scalloncontrols.com.

Save the Date!

Visit vmaevents.org for more information and to register for all events.
•    PFAS Interest Group Webinar: May 12, 2025. 1:00 p.m. EDT (Exclusive to VMA/VRC Members)
•    Tariff Response Webinar: May 14, 2025, 2:00 p.m. EDT (Exclusive to VMA/VRC Members)
•    Heroes MAKE America: Connecting the Military Community with the Manufacturing Industry: May 15, 2025 | Webinar | 1:00 p.m. EDT
•    Valve Repair Seminar: June 2-3, 2025 | Pasadena, TX
•    HVOF Coatings for Severe Service Ball Valves: June 26, 2025 | Webinar | 3:00 p.m. EDT
•    Tariff Response Webinar : July 15, 2025, 2:00 p.m. EDT (Exclusive to VMA/VRC Members)
•    VMA/VRC Annual Meeting: October 13-15, 2025 | Naples, FL (Exclusive to VMA/VRC Members)

Come Visit VMA at Valve World Americas

Source: KCI

VMA and the Valve Repair Council are excited to be attending Valve World Americas this year, taking place June 4-5, 2025, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. Visit us in booth 1745 to learn more about some of the key issues affecting the industry today — from tariffs and trade, PFAS bans, energy expansion, global relations, workforce and more — and what activities and resources has available for members to help them navigate the current business environment.  You’ll also be able to test your valve industry and product knowledge for a chance to win a free registration for one of our events!  Whether you are a current member, or just want to learn more, VMA is your resource.  To set up a specific time to meet, please contact Heather Rhoderick at hrhoderick@vma.org.  We look forward to meeting you at Valve World Americas!

Valve Basics Program Supports Company Training Programs

VMA’s Valve Basics Program brings together presenters with a combined 150+ years of flow control knowledge and shares this expert knowledge in a virtual format that allows individuals to complete it on their own schedule, at their own pace.  The Program content includes “101” and “201” levels that flow control industry professionals can use as an introduction to valves, and to also to enhance their knowledge on various types of valves, applications, actuators and other related components and topics.  

Source: VMA

The program is perfect for those new to the industry or those who want to refresh their industrial valve knowledge — especially end users, specifiers, manufacturers, distributors and suppliers.  The modules are available for purchase by an individual, or companies can buy a license for a group of employees. Member companies receive significant discounts and many companies use it to quickly bring new employees or employees in marketing or non-technical functions up-to-speed.
Bonus! VMA members can access the “Introduction to the Valve Industry” module as part of their membership — a great overview for all employees.  
New modules are being added to the program this year and as needed in the future.  For more information, contact Abby Brown at abrown@vma.org or visit vma.org/VirtualBasics