10/08/2013

An Invitation to Participate in Our Future

From Michael A. Hamzey Jr., FPDA President

I am honored and excited to serve as current president of the FPDA and look forward to the coming year.  We’ve just returned from a successful Annual Summit in California where the programming and networking were outstanding.

When I assumed office, I announced the development of a new task force structure designed to help FPDA focus on three critical areas to more effectively shape the future of our association. I want to personally invite each of you to get engaged with our association through your involvement in our newly created task groups. These task groups are designed to guide our efforts in supplying each member with the best in tools and education to support your businesses.

The following groups will be getting down to business soon. Take a look and see where your skills and talents can be used to their fullest. Then, click here to complete a form telling us how you would like to get involved. We will take the next 30 days to finalize assignments and report back to you. I look forward to getting as many members involved as possible!

Our Professional Development Task Group will explore, create and support professional development services and educational programs for FPDA members, help to determine the continuing education needs of members and provide appropriate opportunities for members to obtain education both within the Annual Summit format and other avenues. Also, this group will oversee our involvement in the University of Industrial Distribution, which FPDA sponsors. In 2013, 29 of our members participated, and here’s an interesting fact: Since 1994, 488 of our members have gone through this program.

Our Membership Task Group will strengthen and expand FPDA’s value with members and within the fluid power marketplace by regularly reviewing our member services and programs including business analytics, value partnerships, communications and any related programs. They will help to onboard new members and provide guidance in all membership-related activities.

And, finally, we want to get our young executives actively engaged with our YES Task Group (Young Executives Symposium). Designed for age 40 and under executives with corporate-level responsibilities who work for an FPDA member organization, this group will provide opportunities for young industry professionals to become engaged in industry initiatives, education and networking. So, if you would like to get involved in one of these areas, be sure to tell us. I can tell you from personal experience, the more involved you are, the more you will take away from FPDA. Click here to get involved.