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The Importance of Your Associations

Having a vibrant industry association that advocates and advances all member companies is paramount to achieving success in whatever industry in which you compete. The common bond that is forged among member companies elevates the position of the industry in the minds of customers and prospects. Everyone benefits from a rising tide. This is one of the many reasons why Victory Energy is a member of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA).

This camaraderie and willingness to share and learn was evident at the 2018 ABMA Manufacturers Conference in Tulsa during the first week of October. Many of the association’s member companies are located within close proximity to Tulsa. This provided the perfect venue for the conference. Over three days, well over 100 attendees learned from some of the best and brightest minds about far-reaching subjects – from influencing the specification sale to better understanding how to best manage and motivate independent manufacturer’s representatives.

Keynote speaker, Jerrod Murr, spoke about the subtle nuances of understanding the essence of “us vs. them” and how to identify the difference between great teams and dysfunctional groups. Retired Navy SEAL Darren McBurnett delivered a spirited and heartfelt talk about the never-quit attitude of Navy SEAL’s and their continual quest to be a great team. Both presented compelling concepts to apply in our respective businesses to drive future success.

Two of the days featured plant tours at four local companies, including our Collinsville operation. We’re always proud to have people see what we do every day in the manufacture of boilers, burners and heat recovery products. It’s especially gratifying to share it with peer companies, including our competitors. Although we compete intensely, there is a mutual respect that exists among all of the companies, and it is one of the main reasons why the ABMA is so vital. The industry is better because we’re all advocating together for a stronger business.

As with any conference, it wasn’t about just the meeting. It is what happens in and around the organized meeting setting. The value is often in the impromptu conversations that happen over dinner or drinks, and also the benefit of catching up with colleagues or forging new relationships. Where else can you share industry insights and outlook with people who are also in the trenches, the very people that make the boiler industry a great place to work?

As with any great association, the people from the ABMA member companies are the drivers behind success. Based upon the buzz heard across all three days, it is apparent that the boiler industry is in a great place moving forward.

We’re proud to be a strong member of the ABMA. It’s an association that’s built to last.