When I began my career in the pump industry as an intern at a well-known trade publication that focuses on pumps, I knew little to nothing about pumps.  I had no idea then that one day I would not only know a great deal about pumps, but I would come to understand their importance to running the systems that run our world. Ten years later, I am a passionate pump person!

I launched Empowering Pumps over 2 years ago with a vision: to create an information hub for the global pump industry by providing valuable content and fostering connections through our website, Enewsletters, and social media.  I had no idea when I launched Empowering Pumps that my vision would evolve and broaden over time.

As anyone reading this blog probably knows, a pump is only one component in a larger interconnected system of valves, motors, engines, air systems, piping, fittings, controls, and instrumentation, that must all work as intended for optimum system performance. Something as seemingly insignificant as a valve closing being slightly off can dramatically change flow rates and affect the pump’s performance. As I visited with pump and other OEM’s and pump end-users over the past 2 years, my knowledge deepened.  It became harder for me to separate the pump, which is the heart of the system, from the system itself.

It is for this reason that in January, 2014, we will be launching the next website in what will be the “Empowering” family of websites: EmpoweringValves.com.  Perhaps more than any other part of the pumping system, a valve’s performance affects a pump’s efficiency and reliability.  Although we have included information related to valves on Empowering Pumps, it has been only one of many topics that we cover.  I have realized the need for another information hub that follows the Empowering Pumps blueprint, but for the global valve industry.

I am excited that with the launch of Empowering Valves, we will be able to deliver the same breadth of information and topics related to the valve industry that you have come to expect from Empowering Pumps:

• Technical information such as White Papers and case studies
• Events and training opportunities
• Valve industry news
• Career connections
• Sales and marketing insights and support

We will also provide social media marketing for sponsors, just as we do for Empowering Pumps.

Beyond the information listed above, the current regulations on fugitive emissions will be a major focus on Empowering Valves. (Did you know that the EPA estimates that 60% of all fugitive emissions are attributed to valves?) With more diligent valve evaluations by the EPA, it is increasingly necessary for the industry to stay abreast of new technologies, products, and processes that can help valves meet EPA standards.

Our Empowering Valves Enewsletter, “Beyond the Flange™,” will begin going out after the site launch in January. I encourage you to register early so you don’t miss one issue!  There are also savings and special opportunities for early sponsorships if you would like to be involved in that way.  Please contact me to learn more.

I believe that the pump and valve industries can help one another through joint technology development; collaborative efforts to improve efficiency and reliability; and by sharing more information that helps both products perform more reliably.   I am forever indebted to the founding sponsors of Empowering Pumps, many of whom work in the pump AND the valve industry. Helping them and future sponsors achieve greater success is the heart of my original vision and will always be at the core of the Empowering brand.  All of us at Empowering Pumps are looking forward to the launch of Empowering Valves, and the opportunity to help facilitate better communication, increased knowledge, and collaborative efforts among those who work in the industries that are “the pumping SYSTEM!”

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