Since our last update, the Fluid Sealing Association (FSA) has continued to build momentum in key areas, with significant developments in our educational programs, advocacy efforts, and member engagement.
We wrapped up a successful 2024 with our Annual Meeting in Denver, which featured two outstanding guest speakers, a hands-on AI workshop, and the continuation of our mentorship program for new members. Keith Robinson, a law professor at Wake Forest University, presented on the legal risks of AI and participated in the interactive session. Rob Kalwarowsky, an MIT-trained engineer and leadership coach, shared strategies drawn from Olympic athletes and top executives in his keynote on high-performing leadership.
The FSA also recognized long-time member companies and contributors, including Proco Products (40th anniversary as a member), John Crane (35th anniversary as a member), and Rob Coffee for his decade of service on the Board of Directors. In addition, the 2024 Committee Excellence Award was presented to Phil Mahoney for his leadership on PFAS issues as Chair of the Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee.
We were pleased to co-present a conference on PFAS implications for the flow control industry alongside the Hydraulic Institute and Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA) in November. These partnerships help amplify our members’ expertise and strengthen the industry’s voice on critical regulatory issues.
Regulatory engagement—especially around PFAS—remains a top priority. The FSA’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee meets monthly with robust participation. Our PFAS “One-Pager” outlining the association’s position on fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers has been finalized and is now posted on the FSA website. We continue to monitor developments across the U.S. and internationally, including updates from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), thanks in part to regular updates provided by ESA ESG Committee Chair Sandy Van Den Broeck.
At the state level in the U.S., we are closely following PFAS-related legislative proposals, particularly in Maine and Minnesota. While our timelines to formally respond are sometimes constrained, our collaboration with organizations like the VMA and American Chemistry Council ensures that the sealing industry’s perspective is heard.
Our Spring Technical Meeting, held in April in Philadelphia, brought together Division Technical Committees and the Strategic Planning Committee for valuable dialogue and planning.
We’re also excited to share that the new KnowledgeBase section of the FSA website is now live. Developed by our members, this library provides trusted technical information on mechanical seals, gaskets, expansion joints, and pump and valve packings—available to manufacturers, end users, and industry stakeholders alike.
Looking ahead, our 2025 Annual Meeting will take place October 22–24 at The Westin Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. Program details will be shared soon.
For more information, visit www.fluidsealing.com or contact info@fluidsealing.com.
Amy Hammarstrom,
FSA President