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Networking Groups

Membership

Networking Groups

PMA’s networking groups provide a unique platform for mid-level managers and senior-level executives to exchange ideas and compare experiences within a confidential and legal format. These member-exclusive programs offer the opportunity to generate and promote new ideas, enhance professional development, benchmark operations, share new perspectives and engage in peer networking.

Participation in a PMA networking group includes access to an exclusive e-mail list serve to extend the benefits of interaction beyond meetings, so you can stay in touch with group members, seek advice and share experiences via e-mail year-round.

Networking group meetings typically include industry plant tours, networking receptions and roundtable discussions.

Current Networking Groups

All networking groups are reserved for PMA members only and to join a networking group, you must submit an interest to join. 

  • Bottom Liners Networking Group: Created in 2025, members of this group are financial professionals, including CFOs, controllers, and vice presidents or directors of finance/accounting.
  • Club 301 Networking Group: Formed in 2023, this group is reserved for mid-level managers, many of whom are graduates of PMA’s Management Development Academy.
  • GADA Executive Networking Group: In existence since 1997, this group is comprised of CEOs, presidents and owners.
  • It’s Just Business (IJB) Executive Networking Group: Founded in 2012, this group was developed for the next generation of metalforming leaders.
  • Naples Executive Networking Group: Formed in 1997, members of this group are CEOs, presidents and owners.
  • Past Chair’s Networking Group: Comprised of past PMA chairman/chairwomen. 
  • Press Club Executive Networking Group: Formed in 2014, members of this group include presidents, vice presidents, chief operating officers and plant management.
  • The Cellar’s Executive Networking Group: Developed in 2018, this group is comprised of executives involved in sales and marketing functions at their companies.
Interested in joining a networking group?
"I can’t stress enough how valuable the advice I’ve received over the years has been, and I have developed strong bonds with the other networking group members. Beyond the in-person meetings, we keep in touch regularly and I am able to pick up the phone at any time and get expert advice from my peers."
Karla Aaron
Karla AaronFormer president/owner of Hialeah Metal Spinning
Emeritus member of PMA’s Naples Executive Networking Group
"Being a member of a PMA networking group has allowed me to interact with some of the best manufacturing companies in the world. The ability to network, discuss and share best practices while seeing them in action when we visit each other’s companies is invaluable to me. I consider the members of my networking group my closest advisors."
Doug Johnson
Doug JohnsonPresident of Marion Manufacturing Co.
Member of PMA’s Press Club Networking Group
"Not long after we started Talan in 1986, a wise old advisor of ours told us, be sure to get involved in your industry trade association. So, we did. Being a part of the GADA group has been instrumental in my learning about the metalforming industry. At every meeting some nugget of knowledge is learned. Although it’s not the primary reason for our networking groups, I have made numerous lifetime friendships within the group. There always has been a wide disparity in company sizes in our group. Something that always struck me as fascinating, is that the companies all tend to have similar issues regardless of the size of the company."
Steve Peplin
Steve PeplinCEO of Talan Products
Member of PMA’s GADA Executive Networking Group
"The PMA CEO networking group that I’ve been a member of for more than 20 years has allowed me to benchmark my business with the best in the industry and offers me a preview of seeing the latest metalforming technologies and processes in action. My networking group has helped me effectively prepare ahead of time for the latest government or supplier-instigated programs that inevitably will impact my business. The numerous plant tours and visits to many different regions and cities have opened my eyes to operations both domestically and internationally. It also allowed me to develop some of the closest personal friendships that I’ve made in my life. My PMA CEO Networking group is one of my most valued benefits of being a PMA member."
Bill Adler
Bill AdlerPresident/CEO of Stripmatic Products, Inc.
Member of PMA’s Naples Executive Networking Group
"Involvement in one of the Executive Networking groups is one of the most unique and beneficial benefits of PMA membership. Our growth as leaders of our companies is directly correlated with the strong support and encouragement that we receive from our fellow members. When we need a kick in the pants, we trust in our group to provide the constructive criticism needed to get us back on track. I consider my fellow IJB members as trusted friends and industry-savvy advisory board members."
Jeff Aznavorian
Jeff AznavorianPresident/CEO of President of Clips & Clamps Industries
Member of PMA’s It’s Just Business (IJB) Executive Networking Group

FAQS

Networking Groups Questions?

If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

Contact Us

Any PMA member is eligible to apply to join a networking group. 

PMA members first must submit an interest form. PMA staff will review the members request and pass along to the networking group members that best fit the PMA member. The group members will review the interest and decide to move forward with an invite to an upcoming meeting. After the meeting, the members will then decide on whether the member will join the group. 

Yes, there is a yearly fee for each networking group that will cover all meetings and food costs for that year.