PTDA celebrates golden anniversary

Fifty years ago, the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), Chicago, was founded to “solve problems plaguing manufacturers and distributors through education and communication.” This year, the association celebrates its heritage of advancing distribution and providing its members with networking opportunities, targeted education, relevant information, and modern business tools.

At PTDA’s founding, representatives from 41 distributors in 23 states came together to form the Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Distributors Association, as PTDA was then called. It was decided that the association would serve as a forum for power transmission distributors across the country to meet, exchange ideas, become acquainted, and explore ways to assist each other. Shortly after, 13 manufacturers and trade publishers joined the association. Today, PTDA represents 198 power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $10 billion in sales and span 3,500 locations in North America and 11 other countries; members also include 187 manufacturers.

The association is commemorating its golden anniversary with newsletter articles, a special anniversary issue of its annual report, and a birthday bash at the 2010 Industry Summit to be held October 21 to 23 in Phoenix. For more information, visit PTDA.