b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORPVA Region Meetings Offer AT THE HELMIdeas and LearningJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORP VAsfallRegionMeetingschedulewasofficiallythey learned about the benefits of applying for the federal launched in Phoenix this month as members gath- Capital Construction Fund, and how best to train crew and ered for the PVA Western Region meeting. Whilemaintain crew competence. They also heard about travel thisenticingdesertdestinationwasincontrasttopasttrends that will impact their businesses and they learned PVA meeting sites because of its lack of a waterfront, anaboutmarketingandsocialmediatechniques,trends, exceptionalprogram,anand successes. PVA members impressivemeetinghotel,alsoweighedinonlively andanattractivehostcityThe open roundtable discussionsaboutlingering combined to make a memo- approach works so successfully industrychallengesandlong-rable gathering. termchangesresultingfrom because PVA members arethe COVID-19 pandemic.Commentsfrommemberswilling to share knowledgeInaddition,far-reachingdis-attending the PVA Westerncussionsensuedconcerning RegionMeetingobservedand experience despite oftencurrentindustryconditions thatthismeetinginvolvedcompetitive situations. and prospects for the future.a great deal of interaction.This all-for-one concept goes YOU MAXIMIZEMembersaskedquestions,back to the beginnings of PVA. Each of PVAs Region Meet-contributed personal obser- ingsinourfallline-upoffervations, and offered advice,excellentopportunitiesto PRODUCTIVITY. making for a rich learningreconnect,learn,andinter-experience which was felt to be extremely valuable. It wasact with your peers in ways similar to what Ive described suggested that in planning future meetings, PVA shouldabove. An additional strength is that every Region Meeting emphasize using roundtable formats where PVA membersalso has a regional focus that is unique to each area. If you caneasilyinteractandexchangeinformation.Infact,havent yet registered to attend one or more of these meet-awillingnesstoshareideasandknowledgehasalwaysings, I heartily encourage you to do so today. Following is a been a core strength of PVA meetings, and conventions.list of PVA Region Meeting options for your consideration:WE BOOST EFFICIENCY. PVA leaders and staff have long recognized the value ofOct.16-18,2023stressing that roundtable formats be used throughout all PVA meetings. The open roundtable approach works soPVA Combined Southeast & Original Colonies successfully because PVA members are willing to shareRegion MeetingFPT marine propulsion inline diesel and hybrid enginesknowledge and experience despite often competitive situa- Charleston, S.C.from 6.7L 350 HP to 16L 1,000 HPdeliver best-in-classtions.Thisall-for-oneconceptgoesbacktothebeginningsperformance, reliability, low noise vibration and harshness,of PVA and has grown dramatically over the years. As aOct.23-25,2023and high fuel efficiency. Hybrid diesel and electric marine engines result, members know that their participation in a PVAPVA Great Lakes Region MeetingRegion Meeting, or convention, will expose them to newMilwaukee, Wis. Keel-cooled and heat exchange options information and ideas. Best in class for slow speed torque Nov.5-7,2023 Fuel efficient and low noise (NVA) DuringthePVAWesternRegionMeeting,memberspar- PVA Rivers Region Meeting Best in class for extended maintenance intervals ticipated in discussions about firefighting best practices,St. Paul, Min.Find your local dealer at fptindustrial.comC16 1000 Continued on page 5324/7 Care & Assistance:833-458-1378 815 HP @ 2000 RPM7 SEPTEMBER 2023'