VMA News

VMA Welcomes New Member

The Welsford Company, formerly known as F.S. Welsford Company, has been a leading valve distributor across the eastern half of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York City since 1965. As a third-generation, family-owned business, Welsford Co. continues to specialize in problem solving for customers for their valve and instrumentation needs. In their commitment to expand and enhance their services, Welsford Co. launched their e-commerce division- ValveMan.com. Over the past 12 years, ValveMan has become one of the premier online valve distributors in the country and is committed to continuing to grow. (valveman.com and fswelsford.com)

VMA Launches Expanded Resources for Members

VMA is excited to provide our members with an expanded and updated Member Only Resources, available to all members on the VMA website. Examples of some of the information available to members include: “Introduction to the Valve Industry” tutorial (perfect few new employees or those new to the industry); legislative and regulatory analysis and information on issues affecting our industry such as PFAS, trade & tariffs; presentations from past conferences and webinars; and a library of VMA/VRC member e-newsletter, “Quick Read,” so that members can keep up with the latest VMA and VRC activities and announcements. All members must have an online profile to view the information on the site.

PFAS Implications for the Flow Control Conference & Member Exclusive Workshop Announced

VMA is expanding its offerings of education and tools to help the industry understand and prepare PFAS bans and increased regulation.  An industry-wide conference will be held on November 12, 2024, in Alexandria, Virginia. This conference will provide an overview of the global, federal and state PFAS activities to date, and cover research into replacements, testing, legal and liability considerations, insurance implications, current compliance requirements and supply chain implications.

An exclusive members-only workshop follows on November 13, 2024. The workshop will offer opportunities for further discussions with speakers from the previous day, and discussions on how different functional areas within companies are managing PFAS implications. The event is produced in conjunction with The Hydraulic Institute and Fluid Sealing Association. More information is available at www.vma.org/pfasconf or see page XX for registration and other information.

Dates and New Location for the 2025 Hydrogen Valve Summit and Valve Forum 

The VMA is excited to announce the dates for the 2025 Hydrogen Valve Summit and Valve Forum Conference and Exhibits. Both events will take place in Orlando, Florida, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando SeaWorld, and both events are open to anyone in the industry – with reduced registration rates offered for member companies. 

Following its resounding success in 2024, the Hydrogen Valve Summit will take place on April 8, 2025. Attendees can look forward to insightful presentations and discussions on current trends, governmental and academic perspectives, end-user applications, testing and qualifications, materials, and standards. The event concludes with a reception, will also serves as the opening activity for the Valve Forum, allowing attendees of both events the ability to meet with exhibitors.

Following the opening reception with exhibits on April 8, the event continues with educational sessions on technical, manufacturing, valve fundamentals, repair and business topics, as well as product demonstrations, hands-on opportunities, a tour of a local facility and numerous networking opportunities.  

Call for Abstracts Now Open!

Are you interested in presenting at the Valve Forum or Hydrogen Valve Summit? Join a renowned list of industry speakers — submit your abstract for consideration by October 28, 2024, by visiting the event websites or contact Caitlin Hughes at chughes@vma.org. 

See the Ad page X for more information.

Excitement Builds VMA’s 86th Annual Meeting

VMA’s 86^th Annual Meeting takes place in Park City, UT, October 2-4, 2024, in conjunction with the VRC Annual Meeting, and is open to VMA and VRC member companies. The event provides the most unique opportunity in the industry to network with leaders, benchmark with competitors and business partners and have discussions on the most pressing issues affecting the industrial valve and flow control industry.

Topics this year include: the energy transition; market insights in hydrogen, oil/gas, and mining sectors; PFAS activities; potential implications of the 2024 U.S. elections; global business views; economic forecasts and more. Networking activities, a robust spouse/guest program and a gala featuring membership awards and dinner round out the event. VMA and VRC members can register and learn more by visiting  www.vma.org/annualmeeting, and for those interested in VMA membership, contact VMA President, Heather Rhoderick at hrhoderick@vma.org.

VRC Board of Directors Ramps Up Activities

The Valve Repair Council (VRC) Board of Directors is gearing up for its annual business meeting at the VMA/VRC Annual Meeting later this fall. The Board is focused on developing a long-term vision and corresponding goals for the organization and has identified key priorities for growth.

First on the docket is finalizing the VRC Value Proposition which was originally brainstormed in 2021. Additionally, the Board will be working with legal counsel and the VMA Board of Directors to review and update the VRC Bylaws to ensure modern, efficient and relevant business operations. As part of this update, the Board will facilitate a call for nominations for new positions that will be announced later this summer.

Lastly, the Board is working to identify a date and location to hold the 2025 Valve Repair Seminar. Stay tuned for more exciting news and watch the VRC section of the VMA Member Only Resources for updates. The VRC Board invites all Valve Repair Council members to get involved with new projects and reach out to any of its members with questions or contact Caitlin Hughes at chughes@vma.org. 

Pulse Survey Information 

VMA is excited to provide our members with an expanded and updated Member Only Resources, available to all members on the VMA website. Examples of some of the information available to members include: “Introduction to the Valve Industry” tutorial (perfect few new employees or those new to the industry); legislative and regulatory analysis and information on issues affecting our industry such as PFAS, trade & tariffs; presentations from past conferences and webinars; and a library of VMA/VRC member e-newsletter, “Quick Read,” so that members can keep up with the latest VMA and VRC activities and announcements. All members must have an online profile to view the information on the site.

Save the Date

Don’t miss any of these events! Visit www.vma.org/events
 

• October 2 - 4, 2024: Annual Meeting - Park City, UT (Members only, register here)
• November 12 - 13, 2024: PFAS Implications Conference & Members’ Workshop - Alexandria, VA - Register now

• April 8, 2025: Hydrogen Valve Summit – Orlando, FL
• April 8-10: Valve Forum - Conference & Exhibits – Orlando, FL