A Message From FPDA President Richard Neels

I don’t need to tell anyone that 2009 was a challenging year for all of us. But, we hunkered down and mapped our own individual courses to battle the economic storm that threatened each and every one of us. I witnessed our industry’s ability to strategically plan every move. As we embark on a new year, I can tell you that I am optimistic about our industry’s future.

So here we are, on the cusp of a return to economic normalcy – albeit a new normal. We have planned and implemented the necessary actions to survive and position our companies for recovery.

The FPDA Motion & Control Network is much the same. We have charted our course for success, and we are bound for recovery. We have weathered the storm and are working to bring a renewed value to our organization and our industry.

Through newly-assigned task forces, we have explored FPDA’s specific niche in our marketplace. I am excited by the energy and enthusiasm exhibited by our Board, Committees and Task Forces. Let me share with you what’s new at FPDA.

We will soon introduce the M+CSP Certification which will set the industry standard for fluid power, motion control and automation technology solutions sales professionals. This certification will recognize qualified employees in the sales, marketing, customer service and specification functions for fluid power, motion control and automation technologies. A task force has been hard at work putting the finishing touches on this one-of-a-kind program.

The NEW FPDA Networking Summit, scheduled for October 4-8 at the PGA National Resort & Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida will provide double the value, networking opportunities and benefits, as we combine forces with the International Sealing Distribution Association. A new format has been created which will offer unique educational, networking and showcase opportunities and greater interaction among our members.

Our plans include building stronger ties to academia exploring the fluid power, motion control and automation industries. By sharing this research to our members, we will offer a forum for bringing the latest news and information to our members and we will showcase the students who will eventually join the ranks of our profession.

We will continue to help our members expand their knowledge base through unparalleled benchmarking opportunities including:

• The FPDA monthly Snapshot Survey provides a timely index of fluid power distributor sales, orders and inventory levels.
• A monthly economic indicator offers an in-depth analysis of sales, inventory, employment levels and more.
• The annual Profit Survey provides a financial analysis of distributor performance.
• The bi-annual Compensation Survey, to be conducted again in 2010, explores executive and employee compensation with comparative data from more than thirty other distribution industries.

As you can see, we are well on our way to making 2010 a year of distinction for FPDA and our industry. We hope you will join us as we position ourselves for a new era of prosperity.

Richard Neels is the President of the FPDA Motion & Control Network and the President of Hydraquip Distribution, Inc., a Tribute customer and full line, stocking distributor of fluid power components and accessories serving Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.