PTDA Summit To Involve ‘Next Generation’ Of Industry

Chicago, IL — As much as we don’t want to admit it, many of us are no longer ‘up-and-comers’ or ‘bright stars.’ Instead, we’re ‘been there, done that.’ And the experience we’ve accumulated along with our connections and contacts have helped us get there. Now, says the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), we need to help those following us to be as successful as we are in managing our companies, motivating our employees and developing relationships.

The association recognizes that there will soon be turnover at the top of most of its members’ companies and, to get the next generation ready, recently convened a Next Generation Task Force. The task force will be developing programs, products, services and opportunities to assist the next generation of leaders in the power transmission/motion control industry as they begin to take over the reins at their companies.

“PTDA is taking an active role in helping companies identify and prepare the next generation,” says Jeff Cloud, director of corporate affairs for IBT Inc. in Shawnee Mission, KS, and member of the PTDA Next Generation Task Force. “Business relationships and networking define the power transmission/motion control distribution business. Those of us who will be leading our companies in the future need to be able to connect with other distributors, with business partners and with industry professionals in order to meet the needs of our customers today and tomorrow.”

The first program for PTDA’s Next Generation members will take place at the PTDA 2008 Industry Summit in Miami Beach, FL. Keeping the demographics of the next generation in mind, the association will host a ‘Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes’ reception following the traditional welcome reception on Thursday, Oct. 30. Open to employees of PTDA members firms under the age of 40, the reception will give younger attendees a chance to network with their peers and colleagues, building those critical business relationships.

The task force will be developing additional programs as the network of ‘next generation’ individuals continues to grow. According to Cloud, “The PTDA Next Generation program will provide the framework for us to come together and exchange ideas with our peers that will make our companies successful into the future.”

For more information on the Next Generation program or the 2008 Industry Summit, contact PTDA at ptda@ptda.orgor call 312-516-2100.