PTDA Presents Prestigious Warren Pike Award to Alan Haveson


Chicago, Ill.-November 12, 2009-The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) has named Alan M. Haveson, CEO, Lee Linear (Middlesex, N.J.) the 20th recipient of its Warren Pike Award for lifetime achievement in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry.

Haveson received the award, named for PTDA's co-founder and first president, at the association's annual Industry Summit in San Diego, Calif. The award was established in 1984 to honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding, continuous, long-term support of PTDA and the PT/MC industry.

Known for his enthusiasm for the industry, Haveson was thrilled to receive this award. "Thank you to the founders of our association for their dream and sharing it," said Haveson. "Thank you to my fellow distributors who shared, worked, and grew with me. Thank you to the manufacturers who provided an opportunity for me to build a business, and thank you to PTDA for being a foundation for both distributors and manufacturers from which we have been able to create real value-added benefit for the world's industrial marketplace".

Haveson became involved with PTDA when his distribution company, Eastern Bearing, Inc, joined PTDA in 1969. Between 1971 and 1984, Haveson served on at least seven committees including the Industry Relations, Educational Resources and Membership Committees. He became a board member in 1978 and served as president in 1985, successfully leading the association through a difficult staff transition period.

In 2000, Haveson sold Eastern Bearing but stayed on to ensure a smooth transition. After a short attempt at retirement, he acquired manufacturer Lee Linear and brought that company into the PTDA family in 2004. Even during those "retirement" years, Haveson stayed connected with the industry as a member of the PTDA Foundation Board of Trustees.

In presenting the award, Mary Sue Lyon, PTDA executive vice president, said, "With a 40-year history with PTDA, you might think things would be getting a bit old hat for Alan. But if you believe that, you must not know Alan! Everyone, and I mean everyone, knows him as one of PTDA's most loyal and dedicated supporters. Alan exudes unparalleled passion for this industry and for this association."

Mike Kolman, president, Brewer Machine & Gear served on the board with Alan in the early 1980s and recognized Haveson's long-term commitment to PTDA. Kolman said, "The reason Alan became active was not for his own self-interest. He did it because he believed in what PTDA was doing."

Bill Childers, president North American sales, of Rexnord LLC echoed Kolman's comments. "I don't think I've ever met anyone with the passion that Alan has brought to both his business and PTDA. He's unbelievable," remarked Childers.

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 198 power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $10 billion in sales and span 3,500 locations in North America and 11 other countries. PTDA members also include 187 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.

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