The American Supply Association — a trade group representing PHCP and PVF distributors and manufacturers — announced Sept. 15 that it has added former Winsupply veteran Steve Edwards to lead its Project Talent and ASA’s effort toward promoting the industry brand and attracting career seekers to member companies.

Edwards spent 15 years at Winsupply, including 2011-2021 as its chief marketing officer. 

At ASA, Edwards will be tasked with developing and expanding a robust marketing and communication strategy to create awareness of career opportunities within the PHCP/PVF industry while working closely with a third-party advertising agency and volunteer committees; working closely with the Project Talent Task Group and other key volunteers to develop and implement impactful communications that engage ASA members in utilizing and supporting association recruitment tools; and curate high-value recruitment resources to support member efforts to attract and retain top talent; develop programs and services to support ASA members in their recruitment efforts; as well as expanding efforts to engage ASA members in the recruitment process as well as utilizing the developed tools to support these efforts.

In a news release, ASA elaborated on how the PHCP/PVF industry needs talent at a time when a large segment of the labor pool is retiring and more and more young job seekers are looking for career opportunities in newer and more exciting industries. 

“Association members need to ensure successorship of leadership and a pipeline of qualified candidates to fill jobs,” the group said. “The complexity and scope of this challenge is beyond the ability of any one company and requires a unified industry effort driven by the association and its member companies to attract a diverse group of candidates into the industry through a universal, positive, and accurate narrative for the PHCP-PVF distribution industry.”

“We are incredibly lucky and fortunate to have Steve join our team and lead the association’s effort toward tackling the most pressing issue facing our industry and our member’s ability to succeed in the future” said Mike Adelizzi, ASA’s CEO. “The ability to hire great talent is a cornerstone for every company in our industry and having Steve helping members create that pipeline is vital to this effort.”