VALVE MAGAZINE Summer 2025

PERSPECTIVES

Looking Back, Planning Forward

As we reach the midpoint of the year , many of us find a natural moment to pause — whether it’s through a summer getaway or simply enjoying longer evenings with friends and family. For others, the summer months may bring a rare opportunity to focus on work and reflect while colleagues are away. Regardless of how you’re spending the season, mid-year offers a valuable opportunity to assess progress and adjust course. Looking back at a dynamic first half of 2025, one thing is clear: change continues to be the only constant. But with that change has come some much needed clarity. We now have a better understanding of the policy directions and regulatory shifts shaping our industry — ranging from trade and tax to environmental policy, a manufacturing-first agenda from the current administration and the growing patchwork of PFAS regulations at the state level. For many of our members, these developments have required adjustments to supply chain strategies, workforce planning and customer engagement. At VMA, we’ve also embraced this evolving landscape. Throughout the first six months of the year, VMA engaged with policymakers to ensure the interests of our members are represented. Further details on these efforts can be found in the VMA News section. Equally important has been our continued commitment to education and community. The first half of 2025 saw strong participation at in-person events such as the Valve Forum: Conference & Exhibits, the Hydrogen + Energy Valve Summit, and the Valve Repair Seminar. We also hosted a series of member-exclusive webinars and delivered timely updates through our eNewsletters. These activities were all designed to share knowledge, discuss trends and issues, and provide regular benchmarking opportunities. With the path ahead becoming clearer, now is the time to begin charting a new course — one shaped by a new policy, market and global paradigm. The second half of 2025 offers the opportunity not just to react, but to plan, adapt and lead. VMA is here to support you, and hope to see you at two upcoming members-only events designed to help members make informed, strategic decisions: • The Market Outlook Workshop (virtual), September 9–11, 2025, features economic and market forecasts from leading industry analysts. This virtual format enables broader team participation and provides access to presentations during the year. • The Annual Meeting, October 13–15, 2025, in Naples, Florida, brings together executives to explore the high-level trends shaping our industry — from evolving supply chain strategies and automation to technology’s growing influence on energy and infrastructure, as well as economic and workforce headwinds. As we move into the second half of the year, I encourage you to reflect on what’s been accomplished, realign your strategy if needed with this new paradigm, and take bold steps toward the future. Let’s move forward together!

Heather Rhoderick, CAE President

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SUMMER 2025

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