On April 13, PMA districts kicked off their 2023 Suppliers Event series with the Chicago Suppliers Night at Venuti’s Banquet Hall in Addison, IL. Held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., 83 exhibitors and nearly 200 attendees came together to network, reconnect with industry colleagues and celebrate the PMA Chicago community’s achievements. Alongside showcasing the technology and services on display, district officers planned several new activities to enhance the show experience and address current workforce challenges.
Show Highlights
Recognizing Long-Time District Members
The PMA Chicago District was established more than 70 years ago. To honor its longevity and show appreciation to its members, all district members were recognized on a members wall banner and a ceremony was held to award long-time district member companies.
Representatives from eight member companies with 50 or more years of continuous membership attended the ceremony and received commemorative plaques from district officers. During the ceremony, the district also paid special recognition to Ron Pitcher of Pitcher Insurance Agency for his many years of volunteer service with the district.
Supporting the Local Workforce
In the last two years, the Chicago District has donated nearly $30,000 to the PMA Educational Foundation and
scholarships. At this year’s Suppliers Night, the district continued its efforts to support the local workforce by showcasing MZN Management Group, LLC – a 100% woman-owned, Chicago-based recruiting firm – to help manufacturers overcome the struggle to place quality employees.
At the PMA booth, online skill-sets for metalforming employee training were on display, featuring PMA’s online learning platform, METALFORM EDU. Several of PMA’s member-savings partners also showcased the money-saving and workforce-building programs offered through PMA membership.
Informative, non-commercial “Pulse of the Industry” presentations from workforce experts and technology solutions providers were held throughout the show. Presentations featured employee financial planning from Principal Financial Group, eliminating hazardous metalworking fluids in the workplace by Tower Metalworking Fluids, and company cybersecurity considerations by Systems X, a special guest speaker of event sponsor, Pacific Press Holdings.
Meet the District Officers
PMA District Suppliers Events are planned, organized and promoted by volunteers who work to create a successful experience. Get to know the PMA Chicago District officers, a diverse and dedicated group of experienced and next-generation leaders, who were behind the show’s success as well as the many activities and programs that strengthen the metalforming industry in Chicagoland and surrounding regions.
Thank You to Our Exhibitors and Sponsors
There couldn’t be a show without the support from exhibitors and sponsors. The technology and solutions displayed at the show can be accessed from the online exhibitors list, and the Sponsors Showcase lists the companies who contributed generously to sponsor the show.