Many Reasons to Belong and Get Involved

NASF has created benefits through a variety of forums that, with your active participation,
will lead to contacts that can provide new business opportunities and professional growth—a worthwhile investment of your time and resources.

First, through its Government Relations program, NASF provides the surface industry with a strategic and effective voice in Washington, DC, with legislators and regulators, whether it’s collaboration through the NASF-OSHA alliance; reporting on the implications of new regulatory controls under the EU REACH chemicals legislation; promoting the industry’s value and technical expertise to the Pentagon; opposing the implementation of the new European nickel classification and labeling scheme; collecting and evaluating economic data on the industry; or providing input on EPA’s new Plating & Polishing air emissions rule, your professional government relations team, The Policy Group, ensures that NASF member issues are represented with the government and related agencies.

The Policy Group also educates national decision makers on issues impacting the surface finishing industry, informs NASF members of emerging trends affecting companies and individuals and helps guide business strategy for the industry.

NASF offers individual members many ways to advance their careers and education and save money in the process. Members can keep up to date on industry happenings and important technical papers with a complimentary subscription to Plating & Surface Finishing Magazine.

This year, we’re alaunching the technical e-communities section of our Web site where you will be able to speak with other members about technical issues online. There’s also an opportunity for you to participate in association activities that bring personal and professional satisfaction and value. The time and commitment involved in participating in NASF is really up to the individual.

NASF has been fortunate enough to have had, over the years, volunteers who have selflessly given of their time and resources to be part of the association’s activities. Why? As Bill Saas of Coventya once told me, “Having the opportunity to participate in the association, and pick the areas of focus that are of particular interest to me, has been extremely beneficial to my company. And, I feel its important to give something back, not only financially, but also my time, to an industry that has provided me so much over the years.”

At SUR/FIN in Indianapolis, NASF presented awards to the most dedicated individuals to improving the surface finishing industry. The Award of Merit, which is given to individuals for outstanding service, was presented to Bob Burger, Clay Mueller, Scott Maurer, Rob Mason and James Kennedy. The Taormina Award, one of NASF’s most prestigious awards, given to an individual who has performed outstanding service to the finishing industry, was presented to Blair Vandivier. The Scientific Achievement Award, which recognizes a person who has contributed to the advancement of the theory and practice of electroplating, metal finishing and the allied arts, was given to Eric Brooman. The August P. Munning Award, given to a supplier member, who, in the opinion of his peers, has significantly contributed to the future well being of the Association, was presented to John Kinne. And, the first ever NASF Presidential Award, given to an individual in recognition of extraordinary service and visionary effort at the National level on behalf of the surface finishing industry, was presented to Frank Altmayer.