VMA News

VMA Board of Directors Meet and Address Critical Industry Issues

Led by Chairman Matt Thiel, President, AUMA Actuators USA, VMA’s Board of Directors held its first meeting of 2023 in March, with a few critical issues on the agenda including PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl), ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and sustainability, government affairs, industry education and networking, along with general Association business issues.

Both here in the U.S. and globally, there is a focus on a grouping of chemicals called PFAS due to some of the harmful, cancer-causing chemicals in that grouping being found in drinking water. There are possible implications for the industrial valve industry, and more information on those can be found in VALVE Magazine’s Winter 2022 issue. Because of this and the recent actions, VMA’s Technical and Government Affairs Committees will continue to work on this issue on behalf of the industry.

Working to help customers reduce fugitive emissions, running safe and compliant plants through environmental, health and safety programs, and being a good corporate citizen are not new to the valve industry, with many companies including these activities as part of their ESG or sustainability efforts. However, the terms ESG and sustainability have risen in visibility recently with the global focus on reducing carbon, community and workforce interest in the environment, and social justice as well as the call for more public reporting from companies on these topics.

VMA’s Board of Directors agreed to develop a VMA and industry message on ESG to demonstrate the value our industry provides and to define our view of ESG. Additionally, as member companies choose to define what ESG and sustainability mean to them, VMA will be developing a tool kit on considerations for this process, as well as examples and benchmarks of what other companies in the industry are doing.

With many end-use market customers also asking for information on ESG activities, ways to approach setting a baseline to measure against will also be included, especially on the environmental activities related to ESG. VMA’s Sustainability Task Force will lead this effort.

The Board of Directors also discussed VMA’s current educational, networking and event offerings and reiterated the importance of these activities. The continued opportunities in projects related to hydrogen, energy transition and security, the change in workforce with retirements, geopolitical implications to our industry, reshoring, and supply chain – along with the other critical issues addressed earlier – all underscore the need for VMA members and the entire industrial valve and flow control industry value chain to convene. Other Association business items such as a review of the organization’s financial standing and membership were also discussed.

VMA continues all its efforts to develop more comprehensive industry statistics and information, work on manufacturing and workforce development, technical issues and more.

If you’re interested in becoming a VMA member, check out our membership ad on page , and learn how to join!

VMA Fly-In Returns to Capitol Hill for the Second Year

Also in March, VMA member company representatives joined together to meet with six House of Representatives offices, where they educated the offices on the need to reinstate the R&D tax credit, continue support of workforce/training legislation and closely monitor EPA’s focus on PFAS.

The day started at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce where participants received in-depth briefings from Chamber senior staff who provided the business community’s view on legislative implications of some top policy issues including:

Infrastructure Spending
Supply Chain Challenges
Tax Policy – Including the R&D Tax Credit
Federal Legislative and Political Update
Macro-Economic Outlook

VMA Welcomes New Member

VMA would like to welcome its newest member, CADENAS PARTsolutions!

CADENAS PARTsolutions is a leading provider of digital catalog services, helping component manufacturers increase qualified leads by delivering a streamlined digital customer experience, on-demand access to 3D product configuration, instant product previews and free 3D CAD model downloads.

Market Outlook Workshop Returns In-Person

VMA, VRC and Hydraulic Institute (HI) members will convene August 2-3 in Rosemont, Ill. for the 2023 Market Outlook Workshop.

The event brings together global and national economic experts, as well as the experts who research and follow the economic indicators for end-use markets important to the valve and pump industries, including oil and gas, hydropower, chemical, mining, water/wastewater and many more.

New markets for 2023 will include the renewables and liquified natural gas sectors respectively. With the event being in-person again, attendees will also have the chance to network during special events and between sessions.

“After four years of hosting the event virtually, VMA, VRC and HI members are excited for another opportunity to meet, connect and build long-lasting partnerships with each other,” said Heather Rhoderick, VMA president.

“With the addition of the renewables and LNG markets to this year’s program, the Market Outlook Workshop is truly a can’t-miss event for professionals responsible for business development, sales or marketing strategies and forecasts. Anyone in the flow control or fluid handling industries looking for a greater understanding of how economic, societal and other implications impact different market segments and their business should plan to attend and participate in the event.”

The Market Outlook Workshop is open ONLY to VMA, VRC and HI members. Learn more and register at www.vma.org/MarketOutlook

Valve Repair Seminar Program Focuses on Critical Issues in the Industry

The Valve Repair Seminar takes place May 31 – June 2 in Pasadena, Texas. It is produced by the Valve Repair Council, however this year it is open to anyone in the industry. This seminar 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. Small tabletop exhibits are also offered.

The event kicks off with a lunch and then a tour of the local SetPoint Integrated Solutions facility, which is always a highlight and provides a great opportunity for attendees to see another shop and network. Following that, topical presentations begin. After a five-year hiatus, there’s a lot to cover at this year’s seminar.

The program contains experts on the most critical issues affecting our industry, including:

Latest Advancements in PMI and Field Applications using XRF and LIBS Technologies
Achieving Low Fugitive Emissions Compliance
3D Scanning and Printing
Repairing Pipeline Valves
Base Metal Repair
MOV Repair
Training and Talent Retention
and more!

Plus, connect and build relationships with key valve repair industry professionals during a reception and in the tabletop exhibit area.

The event takes place at the Houston Area Safety Council in Pasadena, Texas. It is easily accessible to Houston Hobby Airport, and also an easy drive from anywhere in the Houston area. Registration rates include all the presentations, lunch and a reception. Member and non-member rates are offered and start at $525. Rates increase on May 4^{^th.}

Learn more about the Valve Repair Seminar and register at www.vma.org/RepairSeminar

Valve Forum Held in San Antonio

As this issue goes to press, the Valve Forum is wrapping up in San Antonio, Texas. With more than 120 people in total attendance, up more than 20%, the event opened with a networking reception in a ballroom with nearly 20 exhibitors participating.

The conference began on Tuesday with a general session covering manufacturing industry trends. After that attendees could choose from a variety of offerings in four different tracks: Technical, Valve Fundamentals, Manufacturing and Management & Marketing. Within the tracks sessions included topics including: a case study on a 168-inch diameter butterfly valve installation; nondestructive valve evaluation; additive manufacturing; using social media in your marketing mix; potential implications surrounding PFAS chemicals and becoming a data-driven organization.

Also this year a variety of roundtables were held where attendees had a chance to discuss topics in each of the tracks. Two students and a professor from Texas A&M’s Industrial Distribution program shared information about their coursework, what they are looking for in their careers from employers and more. Industry attendees also asked questions of the students and asked for their feedback on a number of topics.

Attendees had plenty of time for networking and reconnecting with each other, and had the chance to take a tour of the San Antonio River Tunnel Facility.

For more about this year’s event, visit the VALVE Magazine website.