My First Impressions of PMPA
PMPA is a trade association fueled by passion.
by Emily Riley
Executive Director, PMPA
Published September 1, 2025
As of this writing, it’s been one month since I began serving PMPA and our members as the executive director, and I’ve already felt a driving force of passion in PMPA. Whether it’s delivering mission-critical components that simply cannot fail and sharing this expertise with other member companies across PMPA, or our staff dedicated to delivering superior benefit that advances member companies in the industry, passion is at the heart of it all.
PMPA is a Powerhouse in the World of Precision Machining
Passion is not only enthusiasm; it’s a verb. On my very first shop floor visit, I saw passion in action and understood why PMPA is such a powerhouse in the world of precision machining as a trade association.
PMPA is made up of member companies who are committed to the superior efficacy of aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, defense or other demanding no-fail industries by delivering astonishing levels of precision within tolerances as tight as one-thousandth of an inch or less in parts. This deep sense of passion fuels member companies’ responsibility, and members share this passion along with their expertise, knowledge and insights with each other. While at the core of staff there is a devotion to tailored, anticipatory approaches that go above and beyond which is not only accurate but also timely and actionable. It is the driving force behind the creation of reliable information, relevant resources, strong advocacy and meaningful networking opportunities that deliver member value. Our team strives to provide customized, user-friendly tools built to solve real-world problems.
PMPA is a Trusted Partner through ‘Better Together’
I’ve also observed that the PMPA slogan “Better Together” is teamwork amplified. Teamwork in Better Together is not just a slogan of the association but also an exceptional way PMPA operates. Leading with Better Together has transformed PMPA from a service provider into a trusted partner that sees, supports and inspires members.
As a trusted partner, for example, PMPA offers designed execution of networking opportunities with events as experiences where each event is a gathering and is thoughtfully planned to connect members in meaningful ways. One of PMPA’s goals is to provide opportunities for relationships to ignite at these events which can then lead to collaboration, mentorship and lasting partnerships.
A Shared Purpose in Excellence
This passion in action across PMPA has a sense of purpose in achieving nothing short of excellence. With passion, Better Together teamwork, and a shared purpose, PMPA drives trust and continuous growth across the precision machining industry.
My early experiences have left no doubt: PMPA is a force in the manufacturing world. It is powered by passionate, high-performing leaders who are committed to making a difference. Better Together.
Author
Emily Riley, MAT, MBA has over 20 years of experience in supply chain management, R&D leadership, operation, innovation and product development and education.
Email: eriley@pmpa.org — Website: pmpa.org.