VMA News

VMA’s mission is to serve the growth and innovation of the U.S. and Canadian industrial valve industry globally by providing a forum that enhances a positive operating environment, increases knowledge, advances technology innovations, and facilitates business and government connections for manufacturers, distributors and service providers of valves actuators, and controls. This “VMA News” section of VALVE Magazine provides readers with a look into some of the VMA activities over the past quarter. For more information on any of these activities if you are a VMA or VRC member, or to learn about becoming a VMA or VRC member, contact VMA President Heather Rhoderick at hrhoderick@vma.org.

VMA Government Affairs Updates

Photo Credit: Getty Images

PFAS Work Continues

The North American and European focus on a full ban of all types of PFAS chemicals continues — as does VMA’s efforts to raise industry awareness and advocate on behalf of our members to our government. Such a ban, which would regulate all substances containing PFAS or broad categories of PFAS in the same way, is excessively broad and would have a significant impact on polymers of low concern — many of which are used in the industrial valve industry. In July and August of this year, VMA went on the record voicing our concern with this approach and submitted comments on both prospective legislation and EPA proposed regulation.

Outgoing Chairman Matt Thiel of AUMA addresses the group to start the annual meeting.

In September, the EPA announced a final rule on reporting data that requires all manufacturers (including importers) of PFAS and PFAS-containing articles in any year since 2011 to report information related to chemical identity, uses, volumes made and processed, byproducts, environmental and health effects, worker exposure and disposal.

To support VMA’s efforts further, VMA’s “fly-in” on October 25, 2023, focused on addressing PFAS concerns as well as issues around Section 174 Capitalization Legislation. VMA is proud to work with our members as we reach out to members of Congress and educate them on our vital industry, and the significant impacts that potential legislation and regulation would have.  

VMA Supports Expanding “529 Plans” to Help All Workers

On September 27, 2023, VMA joined with over 600 other associations and organizations supporting a workforce bill titled, “Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act.” The bill is important so that students, families and workers can better access the credentials and skills training that help grow strong, resilient careers, including those that are critical to the industrial valve industry and its end-use market customers. Under current law, 529 plan beneficiaries cannot use funds to obtain or maintain recognized postsecondary credentials, including professional, voluntary certifications, licenses and other valuable training and credentials. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act would expand qualified expenses under 529 plans to include postsecondary skills training and credentialing programs, such as licenses and nongovernmental certifications — many of which apply to workers in the industrial valve industry. VMA is proud to help champion this important effort for a trained manufacturing industry workforce.

VMA and VRC Annual Meeting Recap

Shaping the Future of the Valve Industry: A Recap of the 85th VMA Annual Meeting

The Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA) celebrated its 85th annual meeting, September 18-20, in Savannah, Georgia, where industry leaders came together to explore the dynamic landscape of the valve industry. With an array of insightful sessions and expert speakers, the event provided a platform to discuss political and economic outlooks that will shape the industry's future.

The meeting kicked off with a deep dive into the political realm, addressing the legislative, regulatory and trade issues impacting the valve industry. Attendees engaged in discussions on critical topics such as PFAS, infrastructure development, workforce challenges, tariffs, taxes and more. Expert insights from Eric McClafferty of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, and Omar Nashashibi of The Franklin Partnership, shed light on the Biden Administration's stance on U..S manufacturing and the regulatory hurdles ahead.

Eric McClafferty and Omar Nashashibi answer questions from members during the meeting, moderated by VMA member Stephane Meunier.
Photo Credit: Bud Johnson

Understanding the economic factors influencing the valve industry's growth and sustainability is paramount. Michael Halloran from Baird, and Ken Matheny from S&P Global Market Intelligence, provided valuable insights into forecasting and effective planning for the industry's future.

The annual meeting featured specialized sessions where industry leaders were updated on specific aspects. 

Energy & Politics Combination: Dr. Scott McKnight from the University of Toronto delved into the intricate connections between the energy crisis and global politics. Attendees gained insights into China's geopolitics and the dynamics of the oil and gas industry.

Sustainability Insights: Madelyn Street Tutewiler of Middleground Capital initiated discussions on the increasing demands for transparency and reporting on sustainability efforts within the valve industry. Attendees learned about customer expectations, sustainability best practices, and strategies to engage employees in these crucial efforts.

Future-Focused Leadership: The event concluded with Todd Hirsch providing futurist insights on various issues discussed throughout the meeting, including workforce challenges. Attendees left with practical tools to navigate the dynamic forces of the economy, geopolitics, and evolving societal trends.

The 85th VMA Annual Meeting provided a rich array of subjects, empowering industry leaders with knowledge and strategies to tackle upcoming challenges. In addition to the formal sessions, a number of networking and social activities ensured attendees had time to build relationships with their industry peers. The VMA and VRC take pride in offering this invaluable platform to its members. Looking ahead, VMA and VRC members should mark their calendars for the 86th Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 2-4, 2024, in Park City, Utah. As the VMA continues to collaborate with industry leaders and drive innovation in the industrial valve manufacturing sector, the future of the valve industry promises to be a dynamic and promising journey.

Congratulations to VMA’s Membership Award Winners

VMA 2023 Membership Awards recognize deserving individuals each year.  This year, the awardees are Ron Warren of Bray International and Nathan Brunell of Baker Hughes.

Photo Credit: Bud Johnson

VMA was honored to present Ron Warren with the distinguished Person of the Year Award. This award is VMA’s highest honor and is given to one individual each year. The winner possesses a passion for the industry and shares their knowledge with others to help advance VMA and the industry at large. Through his leadership this past year and over the past years, Ron has been instrumental in guiding VMA through a number of changes to benefit our members, including the focus on government affairs activities.

VMA’s Service Award recognizes individuals who provided outstanding service, expertise and guidance while participating on a committee or to VMA in another way. Nathan Brunell was recognized for his contributions over the year and in his support of others from Baker Hughes working on VMA Committees, including the newly formed PFAS Task Group.

“VMA is comprised of so many members who are the backbone of the association. We exist to serve our member companies and the growth and innovation of the U.S. and Canadian industrial valve industry globally. We could not do that without the exceptional efforts of individuals like Ron and Nathan, and are honored to have them helping to lead the Association,” says Heather Rhoderick, VMA’s president.

 

VMA Scholarship Winners Announced

The 2023 VMA William Sandler Scholarship Winners are official. Congratulations to the following students whose parents or guardians work for a VMA or VRC member company, and who are studying topics related to STEM and our industry. Each will receive $1,000 toward their studies.

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  Lucy Dunn

  Lucy Dunn – She is attending Tennessee Tech University and studying computer and electrical engineering. Her father, Jody Dunn, works for Quality Valve.
  
  
  
  
   
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  Jacob Mizer

  Jacob Mizer – He is attending Ohio University and is studying mechanical engineering. His father, Craig Mizer, works at AUMA Actuators.
  
  
  
   
  

  Daniel Triah

  Daniel Triah – He is attending Texas A&M and is studying computer engineering. His mother, Shitzuka Mita, works for KITZ Corporation of America.

Scholarship applications for 2024 will open in November 2023 and close in March 2024. For more information, visit www.vma.org/sandlerscholar.

Call for Abstracts: Hydrogen Valve Summit and The Valve Forum: Exhibits and Conference

Are you interested in providing a presentation at VMA’s newest event, the Hydrogen Valve Summit, or at the Valve Forum? If so, let us know your interest by providing the topic, a short description, learning objectives and presenters (if you know them). All submissions will be reviewed by the VMA committees responsible for developing the program. The presentations must be content-based and not sales-focused in nature. For more information about the events, visit VMA.org/ValveForum. To submit a presentation abstract use this link Surveymonkey.com/r/VMAabstracts or contact Abby Brown at abrown@vma.org.  See the ad on page XXX.

VMA and VRC Headquarters Have A New Address

VMA and VRC have moved offices from inside the District of Columbia to right over the Potomac River in Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia. The new office provides a modern layout and flexibility to meet the changing needs of staff and the way in which work is conducted today. It will have space available for VMA Committee meetings and also offers members a home base if they are in the DC area for business. The new location allows VMA to still effectively serve our members on Capitol Hill and meet with other like associations. A small display area filled with examples of our industry products — past and present — as well as an area to facilitate video content development are also part of the new office. The new office address is 209 Madison St., Ste. 303, Alexandria, VA 22314. All email addresses and phone numbers remain the same.

VMA Establishes Sustainability Statement

VMA’s Board of Directors approved a sustainability message for the VMA which will help to guide the organization as it develops tool kits and guidance for members working on their own sustainable initiatives. The full message, along with examples and links to information on how member companies are addressing sustainability efforts, can be found on the VMA website. A shortened statement is below. “VMA member companies recognize the importance of highlighting their own sustainability efforts to help provide a high quality of life for current and future generations,” says Heather Rhoderick. “VMA’s Sustainability Committee will help to guide VMA and our members throughout this effort with tools and information.”

Sustainability Message

The industrial valve industry is dynamic, innovative, vibrant and responsible. VMA member companies play a vital role in the production of products essential to improving the quality of life of the public and protecting the planet. VMA members provide essential products that support energy, health, water and wastewater, food and beverage, construction, and many other industries that are a part of the modern world.

VMA and its member companies recognize the challenges facing our society today, including climate change, meeting energy needs, economic security, and a healthy and safe quality of life for all. The products our members produce contribute to creating a more sustainable environment for all stakeholders. From fostering GHG emission reductions as societies work towards Net Zero targets to optimizing operations in support of sustainable manufacturing practices, valve products play a crucial role regardless of market sector.