AHTD January 2025 Newsletter

January 2025

Looking Back, Moving Forward!

Like everyone, we have jumped into 2025 working hard on projects and planning. Even while looking ahead, I can’t help but pause to reflect on the milestones we achieved together last year. With more record-breaking meeting attendance numbers, increased committee participation, so many willing participants for our video projects, and your corporate philanthropy - your support and enthusiasm for the association are inspirational. Through our donations to Dress for Success and Treehouse, our AHTD Gives Back initiative helped to provide professional attire to women and men in San Antonio trying to get back on their feet and to clothe and provide school supplies to youth in Seattle trying to make a fresh start. What a great memory!

It is because of our members that I can say AHTDrocks and my gratitude for you all grows each year. The continued hard work and dedication of our volunteer committees - made up of automation professionals like you - have enabled us to provide the resources, education, and networking opportunities you have all come to count on from AHTD.

Your belief in doing high-tech better is the basis for everything we do, and we thank you all for being an integral part of the association.

Wishing you the happiest of new years.

Leigha Schatzman

Executive Director

Ready, Set, Georgia!

It's time to register for our #BetterWithAHTD Spring Meeting 2025 being held at Georgia's iconic Atlanta Marriott Marquis. With a lineup of talented speakers discussing our industry, technology, leadership, the economy, motivation, and personal development, you’ll want to access for yourself the education, tools, and networking members have come to count on from AHTD’s semi-annual meetings.

And don't forget to use that peachy new 2025 promo code when registering! Member companies received one (1) prepaid promo code with this year’s membership dues. It can be used to cover one (1) meeting registration anytime in 2025. Don't know your code? Contact Leigha Schatzman for more info.

Check out #AHTDSpring25's program offerings:

AGENDA | SESSIONS | HOTEL | REGISTERED GUEST PROGRAM

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

CODE OF CONDUCT | DUTY OF CARE

You look forward to all of the benefits of AHTD, so why not share AHTD with others in your organization?

There’s no time like the present! Make sure that as many of your staff as possible can view and participate in everything AHTD has to offer, including:

staying up-to-date with everything happening in industrial automation,
accessing industry statistics to compare your business performance with others,
hearing from informative topic specialists in our speaker series,
attending AHTD's fabulous semi-annual meetings hosted in world-class venues,
networking with industry leaders, and so much more!

Please send to Leigha the names, phone numbers, emails, and the job titles of anyone who would like to be connected. We are all #BetterWithAHTD!

ITR January Report - Invest in Top Talent

This year’s projections show subdued growth in many industries, with the exception of the industrial market which should rise in the near term. ITR predicts that we may be at a low point for borrowing costs, and we will likely see a continuing tightness in the labor market. What is the recommendation? Focus on hiring and retaining top talent!

Read the full report here.

WIA - Join Us In-person or Virtually

The WIA just held our first virtual meet-up for 2025 where we discussed Goal Setting and Building a Personal Brand. Mark your calendars to set aside the time to participate in the final two meetings in 2025's Personal Transformation Series - you won't want to miss the opportunity to learn and network with the Women In Automation. Check them out here. We would also love to see you in person in Atlanta in April!

Get to Know Your AHTD SPBs!

AHTD's Strategic Business Partners offer all of our members products and services for industrial automation distribution. From solutions for business intelligence, CRM, returns, ERP, and optimal pricing, to planning for succession, and management of e-commerce, leads, documents, HR, inventory, cataloging, and CAD content, check out their beneficial products and services and see how AHTD SBPs can help YOU in your quest for doing high tech better.

Show Your Logo Pride

Thanks to the members who proudly display AHTD's logo on their websites. How cool is that? Looking to add your favorite association's logo on your website? Click here to download the art files.

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.

Bishop Wiscarver expands automation solutions portfolio.
Centro, Inc. announces the acquisition of LECORP.
Fortress Safety shares six month update after expanding portfolio.
NSI Industries announces key changes to commercial sales leadership.
Piab expands the usability of all existing Piab suction cups.
Shingle and Gibb names Larry Ferracci President.
Weidmuller USA celebrates 50 years of growth and innovation.

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 Beringer Group shares the final of the 6 key questions to consider when planning for succession. Read more here.

Continuum has published the first-ever State of Distributor Product Returns report aimed at better reverse logistics.