PTDA 2009 Canadian Conference focused on state of market.

Press Release Summary:



Held from May 28-30, 2009 PTDA Canadian Conference brought together power transmission/motion control industry's leaders for insiders' focus on Canadian industry trends. Jayson Myers, president of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, addressed Canadian economic forecast, and Mike Edwards, editor of Design Product News, offered participants insights into 10 technology trends that will impact PT/MC industry. Participants also attended various in-depth market briefings.



Original Press Release:



PTDA 2009 Canadian Conference Focused on State of the Market



Chicago, Ill.-June 29, 2009-The 2009 Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) Canadian Conference brought together the power transmission/motion control industry's leaders for an insiders' focus on Canadian industry trends. Held from May 28-30, 2009, at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and Conference Center in Niagara Falls, Ontario, participants left the conference with a heightened understanding of the drivers of the Canadian economy and associated opportunities for power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) manufacturers and distributors.

The conference was kicked off by Jayson Myers, president of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, who set the stage with an enlightening Canadian economic forecast. Myers reiterated the importance of manufacturing in Canada-manufacturing is the single largest business sector in Canada, accounting for 14 percent of Canada's GDP-and provided an in-depth economic overview. He also emphasized new market and business opportunities for Canadian manufacturers and distributors.

According to Myers' presentation, Canadian companies will continue to be challenged by the tightening of the U.S. credit market and high levels of risk and uncertainty, but there are a number of opportunities for companies that build a strategy around differentiation. Organizations that continue to innovate and explore new markets, while focusing on what customers value and eliminating waste, have an advantage as the economy stabilizes.

Following Myers' analysis of the domestic and global indicators affecting Canada, conference attendees attended in-depth market briefings on

  • Infrastructure with Martin Doble, global managing director, Hatch Engineering;

  • Mining with Tim Gallant, Iron Ore Company of Canada;

  • Hydroelectric with Rick Everdell, project director, Niagara Tunnel Project, Ontario Power Generation; and

  • Aerospace and industrial engine manufacturing with Kevin Sodhi, commodities management global purchasing and Antonio Columbo, key supplier initiatives, Pratt & Whitney Canada.

    Wrapping up Friday's presentations, Mike Edwards, editor of Design Product News, offered participants his insights into the 10 technology trends that will impact the PT/MC industry.

    1. Web 3.0 (video capabilities, advanced monitoring)

    2. 3D visualization tools.

    3. Rapid prototyping.

    4. Nanotechnology.

    5. Smart grid/environment.

    6. Hybrid vehicle technologies.

    7. Green components.

    8. Servo vs. fluid power.

    9. Wireless control.

    10. Haptic technology (interfacing user with the sense of touch).

    Attendees reconvened Saturday morning for an update on PTDA as well as a presentation by Pat MacDonald, director of consulting for continuing education for Mohawk College; Ted Chisholm, vice president of finance and IT for BDI Canada Inc.; and Richard Ayuen, regional vice president Central Canada for KINECOR LP on the Industrial Careers Pathway® program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.

    A partnership between industry leaders and the college has yielded the unique Industrial Distribution Leadership certificate program at Mohawk College, helping local distributors hone key skill sets in business principles, operational awareness, client service principles and leadership training/coaching. A cohort of nearly 25 students is making its way through the program which includes five core courses and a capstone course that provides an opportunity for students to apply the program's lessons to their own work environments.

    An energizing closing keynote by Larry Smith, president and CEO of the Montreal Alouettes Football Club, closed the Canadian Conference. Smith is an expert on successfully managing people within an ever-changing environment and shared the strategy he uses to bring out the best in a team. Smith emphasized the importance of developing a personal life plan that includes lifelong learning.

    Join PTDA next year when the 2010 Canadian Conference will be held June 3-5, 2010, in Montreal, Quebec. The program is open to all PTDA members selling product in Canada-distributors and manufacturers-as well as non-members who qualify for membership. For more information, visit www.ptda.org/CanadianConference.

    Founded in 1960, the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. A U.S.-based trade association, PTDA represents 204 power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $10 billion in sales and span 3,500 locations in North America and 12 other countries. PTDA members also include 198 manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.

    PTDA is dedicated to providing exceptional networking, targeted education, relevant information and leading-edge business tools to help distributors and manufacturers meet marketplace demands competitively and profitably. For more information, visit www.ptda.org.

    Contact

    Ann Arnott

    PTDA

    aarnott@ptda.org

    +1.312.516.2100
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