The Ritz Carlton Lake TahoeTruckee, CA

September 25-27

2018

80th Annual MeetingValve Manufacturers Association

Cindy and I extend our warmest welcome to all of you for VMA’s 80th Annual Meeting at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Once again, there is something planned for everyone. Educational, social, and sporting activities for members and their guests make for a full agenda.

I once again encourage members to bring the up and coming professionals on their staff. Program Committee Chairman Bryan Burns (DeZURIK) and his Committee colleagues Bruce Johnson (Emerson), Dave Johnson (Metso), Stephane Meunier (Cowan), Matt Thiel (AUMA) and Jim Walther (Kitz), have come up with an outstanding program featuring excellent speakers.

In addition to educational opportunities, we have a full program of social and sporting activities. The Spouse/Guest Program continues to provide an opportunity for the spouses and guests of VMA members to reacquaint themselves with old friends and meet new attendees. This year’s Spouse/Guest Program will once again introduce attendees to the special attractions of the area.

As in the past, our Annual Meeting serves as a special occasion to recognize those who have served the industry through VMA activities. We realize that time given to VMA is especially valuable in these busy times so we are pleased that you are joining in an important VMA tradition, recognizing those special contributors with the Person of the Year Award and the Service Awards.

This year we will once again share the entire program with our colleagues from the VRC. I encourage your networking with their representatives during our meeting.

Additionally, we will once again be visited by our European colleagues.

I look forward to seeing you in Lake Tahoe.

Mark NahorskiPBM Inc.VMA Chairman

80th Annual Meeting

VMA chairman’s letter

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program chairman’s letter

2017 saw slight improvement for the valve, actuator and control industry and the 2018 forecast is for continued but slow growth. The Annual Meeting Program Committee is aware that there are challenges facing our industry and has put together a program that we feel will provide you with tools to meet these challenges.

This year, as in the past, you will hear from experts in their fields on topics that are relevant to our industry. Our program will begin on Tuesday afternoon with our annual domestic industry outlook, this year presented by Connor Lokar of ITR Economics. Keeping with the outlook theme we will next hear from Justin Leonard of Oxford Economics who will explain the workings of our new global forecast and provide the most recent data which is available to VMA members only.

On Wednesday morning we will shift gears. We will have two presentations dealing with the workforce. Our first presentation will deal with Cybersecurity the second with Unconscious Bias in the Valve Industry. The presentations will be preceded by our Annual Association Business Meeting.

Thursday’s breakfast speaker will be Stephen Moore, Distinguished Visiting Fellow at The Heritage Foundation who will address the mid-term elections and the Trump presidency. Later Thursday morning we will conclude the educational portion of our program with a presentation on Combating Complacency.

Join me in celebrating VMA’s 80th Annual Meeting and enjoy both the educational and social events at this special program.

Bryan BurnsDeZURIKChairman, VMA Program Committee

The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe

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tuesday, 9/251:00 – 2:30 pm

GENERAL SESSION I Valve Industry Domestic Economic Outlook Ritz Carlton Ballroom, Salon III

Connor Lokar, Program Economist, ITR Economics, Manchester, New HampshireConnor will discuss ITR’s latest forecast for the industrial valve industry as well as the end-user industries that are serviced by valve, actuator and control manufacturers. His economic insight and forecasting experience play a key role in ITR’s 94.7% forecast accuracy.

2:00 – 4:00 pm

SPOUSE/GUEST MEET & GREETBreath! The Tahoe ExperiencePondarosa Room

The VMA Spouse/Guest Committee invites to you to reconnect with old and meet new friends during the Meet and Greet Reception. Locally made wines will be featured along with light food. This reception will also feature an oxygen bar, that is proven to help reduce fatigue, lower stress levels and cure headaches sometimes associated with high altitude locations such as Lake Tahoe. Come mix and mingle and check out a new kind of bar! Event is complimentary to registered spouse/guests.

2:30 – 3:00 pm Coffee BreakRitz Carlton Ballroom Foyer

3:00 – 4:30 pm

GENERAL SESSION IIValve Industry Global Economic Outlook Ritz Carlton Ballroom, Salon III

Jeremy Leonard, Director of Industry Services, Oxford, Economics, London, EnglandJeremy will update the audience on VMA’s newest membership benefit, the Oxford Economics Annual Global Forecast. He will explains the mechanics of the forecast as well as the latest results for 2018 and beyond.

4:30 pm Adjourn

6:00 – 8:00 pm WELCOME RECEPTION (Spouse/Guests invited)Fireside Terrace (in case of inclement weather, the reception will be held in the Ritz Carlton Ballroom Foyer)

agenda

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wednesday, 9/267:30 am Continental Breakfast (Spouse/Guests invited)Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer

8:15 – 9:15 am

GENERAL SESSION IIIVMA Annual Association Business MeetingRitz-Carlton Ballroom, Salon III

VMA Chairman, Mark Nahorski, PBM, PresidingThere will be a presentation by VMA Legal Counsel, Skip Hartquist on the most recent tariff and trade legislation.

8:15 – 9:15 am VRC Annual Association Business MeetingRitz-Carlton Ballroom, Salon II

VRC Chairman, Kim Beise, Dowco Valve, Presiding

9:00 am – Noon

SPOUSE/GUEST ACTIVITY (offsite)A Historical Tour of Lake TahoeThe VMA Spouse/Guest Committee invites you to participate in a historical tour of Lake Tahoe. A knowledgeable guide will provide participants with a historical background of the lake and it’s history that will include information on the Squaw Valley 1960 Olympics, as well as, information on geological formations, like Lake Tahoe itself, and other interesting stories involving local sites such as Thunderbird Lodge. There will be plenty of picture taking opportunities along the way of the beautiful local scenery. Time permitting, the tour will stop at the quaint and artsy town of Truckee on the way back to the resort, where attendees can check out unique galleries featuring local artists, and pick up some coffee and handmade candies from Sweets Chocolate shop! Tour is complimentary to registered spouse/guests. Pre-registration is required.

9:15 – 9:45 am Coffee Break

9:45 – 10:45 am

GENERAL SESSION IVManaging Unconscious BiasRitz-Carlton Ballroom, Salon III

Michelle Burgess, Emerson Automation Solutions, Marshalltown, IAWe all have unconscious biases that help us make sense of the world around us. These biases often get in the way and we make inaccurate judgements about colleagues and clients. Michelle will discuss strategies you can apply right away to counter the unintended consequences of unconscious bias.

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10:45 – 11:45 am

GENERAL SESSION VCybersecurity’s Role in the Manufacturing Sector Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, Salon III

Maurice Uenuma, Strategic Engagements, Tripwire, Portland, ORMr. Uenuma will discuss:

• A brief overview of cybersecurity trends in manufacturing

• Security best practice frameworks

• Applying best practices in industrial environments

• Bridging Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (SCADA systems, etc.)

• What non-technical senior executives can do

11:45 am Adjourn

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES12:30 – 5:00 pm VMA Golf Tournament - $140 An annual meeting tradition, the golf tournament will be off-site this year at the Tahoe Mountain Golf Club’s Old Greenwood Course. Nestled among 600 acres of towering pines in the mountains touted as 18 holes of perfection designed courtesy of Jack Nicklaus. Bus transportation will be provided. Rental clubs are available. Pre-registration and ticket purchase required.

12:30 - 4:30 pm Horseback Riding at Piping Rock - $225 From beginner to experts, there is no better way to enjoy the scenery of the Tahoe forests and meadows then on horseback. Your guide will point out flowers and trees only native to the Tahoe area while you let your trail horse lead the way and just relax. With the sun on your back and the wind in your face, this private guided ride will be an experience not to miss. Jeans and tennis shoes recommended. Bus transporation provided.Pre-registration and ticket purchase required.

2:00 – 4:00 pm The Art of Mixology Lake Tahoe Style! - $80 Fireside Terrace

Join the Ritz Carlton “Mixologists” for an entertaining and educational experience. Using fresh cut herbs and classic ingredients such as bitters and infused liquors learn to create unique cocktails paired with appetizers. Come enjoy this event at the Fireside Terrace where the small of the pine trees and fresh mountain air will only enhance the experience. Pre-registration and ticket purchase required.

6:30 – 9:30 pm INFORMAL RECEPTIONAND DINNER (Spouse/Guests Invited)The Meadows (in case of inclement weather, the reception and dinner event will take place in Salon III, of the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom)

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thursday, 9/277:30 am

BREAKFAST SPEAKER (Spouses/Guests Invited)The Political Outlook for Mid-Term Elections Ritz Carlton Ballroom, Salon I

Stephen Moore, Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Project for Economic Growth, The Heritage Foundation, Washington, DCMr. Moore will preview the interim elections and discuss the current state of politics in the U.S. He will discuss his experiences with the Trump Administration.

9:30 – 11:00 am

GENERAL SESSION VIMotivating Your Employee’s Attitudes & BehaviorsRitz Carlton Ballroom, Salon III

Danielle Zaft, Propulo Consulting, Chicago, ILNot all cultures are created equal; and while creating an engaged, committed workforce that drives business success can be amongst the toughest challenges leaders face, it can only be done if they possess a keen understanding of their cultures maturity level. Knowing the right levers to pull to strengthen your culture is integral in cultivating a team with a shared purpose and an investment in the customer’s experience. Ultimately, if you can learn how to motivate your employees’ attitudes and behaviors, your business will thrive.

11:00 am Adjourn Session V

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES12:30 – 5:00 pm Twellman Skins Golf Game - $140This more informal gathering of golf enthusiasts will take place off-site at the Tahoe Mountain Club and win be played on the Gray’s Crossing course. Gray’s Crossing is a Peter Jacobsen designed championship golf course tucked away on a beautiful mountain meadow in the shadow of Mt. Rose. Bus transportation will be provided. Rental clubs are available. Pre-registration and ticket purchase required.

1:00 – 3:00 pm Hiking in the High Sierras - $130 (includes boxed lunch to eat at lake) The Sawmill Lake hiking trail is moderate 2.3-mile round trip hike. This hike leaves from the Ritz-Carlton. The trail meanders through the forest towards Sawmill Lake. Sawmill Lake is a secluded 10 acre reserve surround by a high country ponderosa forest. Price includes guide, and boxed lunch. Pre-registration and ticket purchase required.

1:00 – 4:00 pm Donner Party Historical Tour - $95 + taxThis tour centers around the arduous adventure of the Donner Party endured in 1846 along the Emigrant trail. Attendees will visit the Donner Memorial Park Museum, as well as other points of interest. Guides will also talk about geology, and interesting facts about Lake Tahoe. Includes transportation. Pre-registration and ticket purchase required.

6:30 pm VMA Closing Dinner Reception and Gala (Spouse/Guests Invited)Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, Salon II & III

All regular registration fees include all General Sessions, Welcome Reception, Continental Breakfasts, Breaks, Informal Reception and Dinner, and Thursday, morning Breakfast Speaker and Closing Dinner Reception and Gala.

Registration is open to VMA and VRC members. Golf, and other optional activities will be in addition to your registration fees. Early bird discount is valid until August 17, 2018. Your VMA registration DOES NOT include your hotel reservations.

Spouse Guest RegistrationSpouse/Guest registration fees include the Spouse/Guest Meet and Greet, Continental Breakfasts, Coffee Breaks, Welcome Reception, Spouse/Guest offsite tour, Informal Reception and Dinner, Thursday Breakfast Speaker, and Closing Dinner Reception and Gala.

A guest is defined as a spouse or significant other who is accompanying you to the meeting. A guest is not an additional colleague from your company who wishes to attend the meeting. Spouse/Guests are welcome at all of the activities listed in the paragraph above.

You must be a member of VMA/VRC to attend. If you have any questions regarding whether or not your company is a member, or you cannot recall your username and password for your individual member account, please call Simone Roper at 202-331-8105 ext. 307.

registrationFE

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All registration for this meeting is done online at www.vma.org. Registration is open to VMA and VRC members only.

On or Before August 17, 2018 After August 17, 2018 VMA/VRC Members $875 $925 Spouse/Guest $575 $625

Optional Activities Registration Optional activities this year must be pre-paid in advance. Tickets for Optional Events can be purchased when you register. Cancellations less than a week before the meeting will not be refunded. Substitutions for optional events, including golf will be taken until day of event. Activities may be canceled due to participation minimums not met.

Changes to RegistrationsAll changes, additions, or optional event activity substitutions or additional ticket purchases must be made by VMA staff. Please send requests for changes to mmaloneblevins@vma.org. Changes that require a credit card will not be made until payment is secured.

Registration & Optional Events Cancellation Policies• Cancellations received up to 30 days before the event are refundable minus a 5% registration service charge.• Cancellations received between 15 and 29 days are 75% refundable.• Due to hotel and other event guarantees cancellations of registrations with or without optional activities

received between 0-14 days prior to the event are not refundable.• All cancellations and changes must be in writing and sent mmaloneblevins@vma.org.• If optional activity cancels due to participation minimums not met, monies will be refunded.

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Hotel InformationThe Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is located at 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct. Truckee, CA. Magnificent scenery and a mountainside location capture the attention and creativity of meeting attendees at this Lake Tahoe resort. Year-round, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers both beauty and adventure both inside and outside the resort.

Hotel ReservationsAccommodations at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe have been arranged at the discounted rate of $259 per night. To make reservations by phone call 1-800-241-3333 and mention the Valve Manufacturers Association Annual Meeting to secure the discounted rate. Attendees can also call the hotel directly at 530-562-3000. To make reservations online, go to our website at www.vma.org and click on MEETINGS on the menu bar. Select the VMA/VRC Annual Meeting webpage. The link for online reservations can be found under the HOTEL RESERVATIONS heading on the webpage.

Discounted rate does not apply to upgrades or suites. Reservations made through third party booking sites, such as Travelocity, Expedia or through travel agents will not be guaranteed the discounted rates. Rooms are available at the discounted rate from September 23-27, 2018. Last day to make reservations at the discounted rate is August 18th.

Hotel Cancellation PolicyTo cancel hotel reservations, please call the hotel directly at 530-562-3000. Cancellations must be received by the hotel 72 hours in advance or first night deposit will be forfeited. VMA does not cancel hotel reservations if meeting registration is cancelled.

hotel & reservations

The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct. Truckee, CA

530-562-3000

The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe 9

Travel InformationAttendees who fly into Reno Tahoe International Airport have about a 45 - 50 minute drive to the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe resort.

ReNtal CaRsThere are nine different rental car agencies in the Reno/Tahoe Airport. Rental counters are located in Baggage Claim, and include AVIS, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Hertz, as well as other budget car rental agencies.

The Ritz Carlton has a Hertz rental car counter in the hotel if you’d like to have your car delivered to the hotel once your arrive. Please call them at 530-200-8038. Their hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday – Sunday PST.

NORtH laKe taHOe eXPRessThere is a shuttle that leaves from the Reno/Tahoe Airport that will take you to the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. This service works like a Super Shuttle with multiple stops. Please book in advance at www.northlaketahoeexpress.com.

PRIVate CaR seRVICe If you wish to arrive at the hotel from the airport by private car, please call Reno-Tahoe Limousine service at 800-660-4546. They are a Ritz-Carlton preferred vendor. Please call 1-800-660-4546 for vehicle arrangement and pricing.

Dress Code & WeatherSeptember highs during the day average in the mid 60’s to the upper 70’s but can get quite cool at night, averaging in the mid to low 40’s. Packing a sweater and/or jacket is recommended.

All the events at the VMA Annual Meeting are business/resort wear casual with exception of the Closing Dinner Gala on September 27, 2018. Cocktail attire for women, jacket and tie for men are recommended.

Appropriate golf attire is also required.

Questions?Malena Malone-Blevins at 202-331-8105, ext. 310 or email mmaloneblevins@vma.org.

details

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1625 K Street N.W.Suite 325Washington, DC 20006

phone: 202.331.8105

www.vma.org