As PMA celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, we want you to get to know the people behind the scenes that have contributed to PMA’s success. Each month we will feature a key PMA staff member on our blog.
This month we are highlighting Marianne Sichi, who celebrated 22 years with PMA earlier this year. Read on to get to know more about Marianne and her role with PMA.
Name, title and time at PMA.
Marianne Sichi, Technical Program Manager, 22 years on February 2, 2022!
What made you want to work at PMA?
I had previously enjoyed working for a food broker which was moving its office to Pittsburgh, PA, and my choice was move to Pittsburgh or not. I heard that PMA was looking to hire a person in membership to help with recordkeeping, assist members and fulfill book orders. The organization and its members sounded like a perfect job, and I was fortunate that PMA chose to hire me. My job responsibility changed to meetings and events after several years.
How has PMA changed over the years since you started?
The biggest change is the office technology from pens and pencils, typewriters, index cards, paper mailings and files to computers, electronic files, e-mail and social media. PMA has changed from having its own METALFORM tradeshow to partnering with other industry associations to produce FABTECH. Also more recently, the remodel and new look of the PMA office!
First event/meeting that you worked on/attended.
The first event I worked at was METALFORM in 2001 at Rosemont Convention Center, Rosemont, IL. PMA’s booth then included a “bookstore” that I worked. It was great working in the booth and fun talking to folks. I also was amazed at the machinery and exhibits, and seeing so many people in the industry come together.
Favorite PMA memory?
There are many wonderful PMA memories, but one memory that stands out was when I worked registration at the 2016 Forming Our Future gala in Palm Springs and there was a Celebrity Jam Session gala in the ballroom next to PMA’s. I was starstruck as celebrity actors and musicians stopped at our registration desk asking for directions to their fundraising event. It was at this Forming Our Future when John Ratzenberger, actor Cliff from Cheers, and a manufacturing advocate, dropped in to PMA’s gala and spoke to our members. He even took a few of us into their event for a short time to hear the musicians. He later went on to be a speaker at PMA’s 2017 Forming Our Future conference.
What does PMA mean to you?
PMA means unity and togetherness. It means building relationships, growing and learning from each other while working together.
What is your favorite part of your job? What excites you about working at PMA?
The favorite part of my job is working on events and uniting with PMA members and nonmembers. Meeting people who work in this industry is exciting and enjoyable, and gives me a true appreciation of what they do that touches all of us in our daily lives—they make it happen! Also, being part of a wonderful association with superb leadership and colleagues makes working a pleasure.
What has been your biggest achievement/success while at PMA?
Working with colleagues and industry experts, and providing quality, successful technical seminars and events over the years.