PMPA in Las Vegas

What happened in Vegas did not stay in Vegas. The PMPA Annual Meeting held October 2019 at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas was filled with dynamic speakers, networking and a fun-filled awards banquet. PMPA members brought home new ideas, new strategic relationships, renewed friendships and shiny awards. (A lucky few may have brought home some casino winnings, too.) 

Board Meeting/GMAS Agreement

The week started off with a board of directors meeting that resulted in the much-anticipated signed management agreement with Gardner Metalworking Association Services (GMAS). (Note: Gardner Business Media is the parent company of GMAS and publishes Production Machining magazine.) The PMPA board of directors, staff and membership are excited about this new endeavor as GMAS that will provide valuable resources to advance the PMPA mission.

Learning and Networking

Friday was busy with speakers such as Nick Pinchuk, CEO of Snap-On Tools, who motivated the audience to up-skill the workforce. Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas, showed up with his signature yellow tux and high-energy talk about designing the ultimate customer service. Todd McLees discussed the future of manufacturing, while PMPA’s lobbyists, Omar Nashashibi and John Guzik from The Franklin Partnership, shared valuable information and insights from Washington, D.C. In the meantime, spouses were learning how to play Texas holdem, blackjack and roulette in a special event just for them. The day ended with a PAC reception that raised over $17,000!

Saturday speakers included Jason Tuchen and Jason Torey from Randori Inc. They are former Navy SEALs who shared incredible stories and lessons about leadership. Patrick Ungashick from Navix Holdings, LLC gave an electric talk on generational planning and valuing our businesses. Saturday afternoon was enjoyed at the PMPA poolside cabana where members had a chance to enjoy Las Vegas sunshine, talk with each other and relax.

Awards Banquet

The Annual Awards Banquet was held Saturday evening during which PMPA members dressed up and filled the Monet Ballroom to celebrate each other and their accomplishments. Awards included 25 Years of PMPA Membership earned by Avanti Engineering Inc., L&M Precision Products Inc., Langolf Co., Logan Clutch Corp., and Northwest Automatics Inc. The 50 Years of PMPA Membership plaque was awarded to EMC Precision, Fox Manufacturing Co., Graycer Screw Products Co. Inc., and Millard Machine, while Tompkins Products Inc. was honored with its 75 Years of PMPA Membership plaque.
The Director’s Service Award was given to Aneesa Muthana from Pioneer Service Inc., James Preston Jr. from Meier Screw Products & Mfg. Co., and Debra Sommers from Lakeview Precision Machining Inc. 

Technical Member Participation Awards were earned by Absolute Machine Tools, Champion Screw Machine Engineering Inc., Henning Industrial Software Inc., Horn USA, Lester Detterbeck Enterprises Ltd., Peterson Tool Co. Inc., Somma Tool Co./Max-Bar Swiss Inc., Valbruna Stainless Inc., and ZPS America LLC. 

Committee Service Awards recognized Dave Seabrook from Micron Manufacturing Co. for the IT Committee; Kevin Coffman from Champion Screw Machine Engineering Inc.; Edward Brooks from Huron Automatic Screw Co. for the PMTS Committee; Kathleen Dibble from Prime Engineered Components for the Quality Committee; Tony Gemignani from R.F. Mau Co. for the Technical Program Committee; and Eric Somma from Somma Tool Co./Max-Bar Swiss for the Update Committee. 

Meeting attendance pins were given to Rich Henning from Henning Industrial Software Inc. and Michael Laughlin from Corey Steel Co. Inc. for 20 meetings. The 40 meeting pin was earned by James Fetcko from Ohio Screw Products Inc., and Joe Gentile from Hangsterfer’s Laboratories Inc. An impressive 80 meeting pin was earned by John Detterbeck from Lester Detterbeck Enterprises Ltd. 

The honors continued with the Technical Member Distinguished Service Award, which was given to Bob Drab from Corey Steel Co., in recognition of his career-long support of PMPA members. Three Gold Micrometer Awards were awarded this year to Larry Harrison from EMC Precision, Dennis Izzo from Prime Engineered Components, and Ted Force from Medical Device & Implants LLC. 

The evening ended with the “passing of the gavel” as Michael Reader from Precision Plus Inc. (and 2018-2019 PMPA president), passed out red “Making PMPA Great Again” hats and handed the president’s gavel to Victor DaCruz from DACRUZ Manufacturing. Victor gave a heartfelt speech and the dancing began. 

Welcome, Victor DaCruz, our new president. Congratulations to our award recipients. And a big pat on the back to all our members for making PMPA great. 

Note: For descriptions and criteria for awards, please go to bit.ly/PMPA-PM1219-Awards.