PTDA Celebrates 50th Anniversary in 2010
Chicago, Ill.—February
10, 2010—Fifty years ago today, the Power Transmission
Distributors Association (PTDA) was founded to "solve problems plaguing
manufacturers and distributors through education and
communication." This year, the association celebrates its long
heritage of advancing distribution and providing its members with
exceptional networking, targeted education, relevant information and
leading-edge business tools.
At PTDA’s founding,
representatives from 41 distributors in 23 states came together to form
the “Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Distributors
Association,” as PTDA was then known. It was decided that
the association would serve as a forum for power transmission
distributors across the country to meet, exchange ideas, become
acquainted and explore ways to assist each other. Shortly after,
13 manufacturers and trade publishers joined the
association.
“For 50 years, PTDA has been
the glue that helps distributors and manufacturers forge and build
lasting relationships. That’s why I am excited to serve as
the association’s president in its 50th anniversary year!”
said Keith Nowak, president MPT Drives, Inc. and president of the PTDA
Board of Directors.
The association is commemorating
its golden anniversary with articles and features in its two
newsletters, a special anniversary issue of its Annual Report, Web
content and a birthday bash at the 2010 Industry Summit on October 21
– 23 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Ariz.
Nowak’s emphasis on
PTDA’s vital role in enhancing relationships is echoed by Randy
Breaux, vice president of marketing for Baldor Electric Company and
chair of PTDA’s Manufacturer Council.
“I have enjoyed my
involvement with PTDA over the past decade. As with any
organization, you typically get more out of it than you put into it,
when you really get involved. PTDA is no exception. I am
happy to say that many of the best relationships I have developed with
our customers are directly related (in one way or another) to the
involvement I have had with them through PTDA. Whether it be
serving on a committee with them or just having the opportunity to get
to know them ‘away from the office,’ PTDA has provided the
venue to grow our business, but more importantly, grow our
relationships.”
According to PTDA’s
Executive Vice President Mary Sue Lyon, who is retiring at the end of
the year, these statements are consistent with the founding principles
of PTDA.
“PTDA Founder Warren M. Pike
wrote, ‘In unity, there is strength. If we distributors and
manufacturers of mechanical power transmission equipment band together,
we will increase the recognition, the prestige and the status of all
distributors, manufacturers and their personnel.’ I think he
would be very proud to see the evolution of our association and hear the
comments of today’s leaders,” said Lyon.
“As we think about what the
association means to us in this landmark year, we must do more than
reflect on its long history,” added Nowak. “We also
have a responsibility to continue building a foundation for the next 50
years.”
Founded in 1960, the Power
Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading association
for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC)
distribution channel. A U.S.-based trade association, PTDA
represents 198 power transmission/motion control distribution firms that
generate more than $10 billion in sales and span 3,500 locations in
North America and 11 other countries. PTDA members also include
187 manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.
PTDA is dedicated to providing
exceptional networking, targeted education, relevant information and
leading-edge business tools to help distributors and manufacturers meet
marketplace demands competitively and profitably. For more
information, visit www.ptda.org.
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