AHTD November 2025 Newsletter

November 2025

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Congratulations to Enlighten.net, the winner of FM25's 3-month Taste of Cornerstone drawing!

Learn how your logo

could be here.

It's That Time - Dues Invoices are Now Available

2026 is right around the corner so it's time to ensure your team's uninterrupted access to all of AHTD's members-only benefits. However you choose to renew, please know we appreciate your continued membership and dedication to #doinghightechbetter. Details were sent out to members last week. Please feel free to contact Leigha with questions.

ITR November Report - Optimize for Growth

US industrial production and manufacturing are growing, but the pace is sluggish, with high-tech sectors outperforming traditional ones. Rising input costs and elevated long-term interest rates are putting pressure on margins, so businesses need to focus on efficiency. The PMI and other leading indicators point to mild, sometimes volatile growth, suggesting companies should prepare for steady but unspectacular conditions and prioritize cost management.

Read the full report here.

Meet A Future Leaders Alum

We're excited to shine the Future Leaders spotlight on Steve Mathis, Product Manager at Scott Equipment Company. This recent graduate of AHTD’s Future Leaders Program credits networking opportunities as the program’s most valuable aspect, helping him build the meaningful connections that continue to support his ongoing growth. Today, Steve applies these insights to foster strong team dynamics and leverage collective strengths.

Click here to learn more about Steve.

Looking to Elevate Your Internship Program?

Have you dreamed of employing interns but don't know where to start? Do you have interns at your company, and don't always know what to do for them? Maybe you have an intern program you are looking to make better? It's a competitive world out there. Let AHTD help you stand out.

Plan TODAY! Small investment. Huge returns. ILP kicks off next June. Learn more and sign up here.

Marketing Minute -

The Real Power of Sponsorship

Not just a logo on a banner, a mention in a newsletter, or a slide at an event, the real power of sponsorship should go far beyond visibility. AHTD sponsorship is about creating lasting connections that benefit both the sponsors and the members they serve, and done well, sponsorship opportunities are designed to strengthen this two-way connection. Get a marketer's perspective on the power of sponsorship, and discover how it can empower decision-making, foster loyalty to YOUR company, and build a stronger foundation for our community. Click here to read more.

WIA - Moving From Good to Great

Embracing what’s within and realizing our potential is what change and growth are all about. In 2026, let’s move forward with courage and clarity to transform our lives and become our best selves. Join the AHTD-WIA as we dedicate 2026 to understanding what it takes to reach further and be great leaders.

Check it out here!

Stay connected year-round with your WIA LinkedIn group. Join us to share ideas, discuss hot topics, and continue building our supportive network!

Report from National Sales Compensation Survey

The National Sales Compensation Report provides an in-depth look at how organizations compensate sales professionals. This comprehensive report offers a scope and level of detail that surpasses many national surveys, at a lower cost, and offers valuable insights into compensation strategies across the industry, including data for positions in sales management, inside and outside sales, and route sales. Check out the updated National Sales Compensation Report here.

What's Up, Members?

As a member of AHTD, you’re tapped into a dynamic community of automation professionals. Check out some of these insights from our membership base.

Beijer Electronics unveils the X3 Series.
Cattron refreshes its portfolio with remote control system for industrial applications.
DYNICS showcases smart manufacturing solutions at Factory Booster Day.
Encoder Products Company achieves HUBZone Certification.
Fortress Safety obtains IO-Link Safety conformance certification.
Horner Automation Group shares new Academic Program Kits and more.
Wachendorff demonstrates how IO-Link encoder series creates real added value.
Weidmuller USA unveils new Thermal Transfer Printer & Applicator.

Have any company events or updates to share with fellow AHTD members in our "What's Up?" sections? Please send newsletter submissions to Heidi Wadzinski by the 2nd Friday of the month. Find guidelines and past newsletters here.

What's Up, Strategic Business Partners?

We're grateful for our Strategic Business Partners. These companies offer strategic products or services in the industrial automation distribution industry.

The company holiday party is a fantastic way to thank your team - food, fun, and maybe a toast or two. Remember, when the drinks start flowing, so can the “unfortunate consequences.” Check out MRA’s tips to minimize liability at the company party.

Meet Your Membership Committee

Responsible for prospecting campaigns and assisting applicants through the membership process, the AHTD Membership Committee is a year long resource to members and potential members alike. Committee members review applications to determine if they meet the membership eligibility requirements and continually evaluate membership prospecting campaigns and the application process. Check out this hardworking group here. BY members FOR members - YOUR AHTD!

Congratulations Power Drives!

At every meeting, AHTD recognizes our long-standing members for their commitment to the organization and to doing high tech better. Click here to see the entire list of Foundation Award recipients who have made their mark on industrial automation! Please join us in congratulating this year's inductee, Power Drives. We are at 29 award recipients and counting!

AHTDRocks!