Valuable Resource Redesigned

Making our way through the challenges of everyday business is so much easier when we don’t have to do it alone. Shops can often turn to their suppliers for help in refining machining processes. Other business associates can also be useful in strategic planning, as well as media resources such as Production Machining and its online counterpart, productionmachining.com.

One resource that shops sometimes don’t give enough consideration to is membership in trade associations. And for the North American precision machined products industry, the PMPA brings to the table an amazing amount of tools that should not be overlooked.

The Precision Machined Products Association has been in continuous operation since its inception in 1933 and has experienced great success because of the ongoing involvement of its members at the chapter level, committee level and on the board of directors. Member companies have developed a competitive advantage over competitors because of daily access to a range of programs and services designed to help them meet operational challenges and focus on new business opportunities.

PMPA recently took another step in its ongoing effort to keep its members ahead of the game by redesigning its website (pmpa.org) to include many new features and expand its already huge repository of information. The site not only boasts a fresh design, but it offers new information for members and non-members.

With clear navigation, the site details every aspect of the association, its members, the precision machined products industry and more. It includes a searchable membership directory, links to join the association or renew membership and a calendar of PMPA local and national events. A special PMPA Community section allows members to share information and build relationships by joining an email group or browsing the discussion archives. Committee meeting minutes are posted in this section, as well as a link to a searchable blog by PMPA’s Miles Free, titled “Speaking of Precision.” PMPA member survey reports are also published here. The list continues as visitors will find environmental resources, safety resources, regulatory information and more in the Knowledge Center. The new website also offers “Government Affairs” and “Careers” sections.

Next time you’re feeling a little out of touch with your industry or could use an extra voice in your brainstorming sessions, consider the advantages an association such as the PMPA can bring.