May 2024 Volume 6

MEMBERS SPEAK

Members Speak: Benefits of Being an FIA Member By Armen Ekmejki

Networking Regular engagement among members is fostered in large part by the association. There are many chances to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, whether you serve on a committee, attend a workshop or conference, or attend the annual meeting. By giving members a place to interact, the FIA provides for the exchange of ideas and collaboration to solve problems the industry is facing. Access Suppliers need customers, and vice versa. Fortunately, member busi nesses can locate one another for goods and services thanks to the FIA's database of forging manufacturers and suppliers. They even provide an application for non-members whereby requests for quota tions (RFQs) may be submitted, enabling prospective clients to locate a firm that meets their requirements and giving suppliers leads for new business. So, if you’re on the fence, I encourage you to reach out to a current member to ask questions and learn more about the association’s offer ings to ensure they align with your company’s values. I am confident you will find that joining the FIA is the right decision. See you soon! Armen Ekmekji Vice President, Strategy Weber Metals, Inc. Phone: 562-602-0260 Email: armenekmekji@webermetals.com

A sense of belonging is at the core of our human nature. We belong to families, sports teams, pastimes, spiritual organizations, political parties, charitable organizations, cities, nations, and ethnicities. Our entire existence is structured on a sense of belonging. The way that humans arrange themselves is fundamentally based on their sense of belonging. If it didn't matter, families, communities, formal govern ments, and trade organizations would not exist. The Forging Industry Association (FIA) provides that sense of belonging to hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on the Association for a multitude of services. Being part of a group, specifically a trade organization like the FIA, provides members with attention, acceptance, and motivation to continue their shared mission in the interest of all. Here are just a few illus trations of how the FIA benefits Weber Metals, and can benefit you as well. Workforce Development The FIA organizes dozens of training seminars each year geared towards engineering, automation, and management skills, to name a few. Additionally, the association hosts several topic-specific confer ences such as marketing, light-weight alloys, ring rolling, and safety. These events bring together industry experts and thought leaders who share their expertise to help improve your organization. Benchmarking It is helpful to know where you stand, and the FIA aids in that, as the saying goes, "if you can't measure it, you can't manage it." You may assess if you are on the right track by comparing the macro trends in the industry with the patterns in your firm by using member input on shipping and booking values and volumes across market catego ries. FIA also offers data collection and analysis on compensation and benefits. Additionally, measurements related to plant safety are gathered from all members to showcase the finest practices for the welfare of your employees. Public Policy No person or company alone can alleviate an entire industry’s barriers to trade, enhancement of fair play, or policies that stimu late growth. Luckily, the FIA has staff who can help facilitate issues important to the membership base. Along with the Public Policy Committee, and political specialists, the FIA is making strides in leveling the playing field with foreign competition, providing access to funding for technological advancements, and advocating for tax relief and workforce development.

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2024 92