Message from the President

  As the manufacturing economy recovers, we’re accelerating our efforts to chart a firmer course for the NASF and the industry in the coming year. There is much activity underway at the association, and based on our efforts, the NASF is on its way to recovery as well. Yet, as we’ve said earlier, “we’re not there yet.” On the issue of where the association is headed next, most members know by now that we have taken some important steps to update our membership model and dues structure starting in 2011. Thus far, we’ve heard very positive feedback, some productive questions and, of course, some concerns as well on how to make the new model work most effectively. Our goal is to ensure the industry’s interests are well served. Please connect with us with questions or suggestions. In the meantime, NASF members have heard lately about our major webcast on December 14th. As we went to press, experts from NASF, EPA, the Pentagon and the legal community were preparing to discuss EPA’s chromium rule, new mist suppressants requirements, the proposed chromium procurement policy at the Department of Defense and new developments in Minnesota that have national ramifications for the industry in these areas. Members will also soon receive a new update confirming the status of the NASF membership initiative, and for potential new members, we'll be kicking off a recruitment application process to join the NASF in 2011. Please reach us if you have questions in the meantime. As for our program for 2011, we have improved events, new partnerships and more progress ahead. One of our priorities for the coming year is to partner more effectively with organizations that share our objectives to strengthen the finishing industry. In addition to hosting key manufacturing organizations at our upcoming events and expanding on our international program for SUR/FIN 2011, we’re now developing better ways to coordinate and share information with some of our global finishing association partners in Europe, South America and Asia. The benefits for the North American finishing community will be significant as we move forward. And speaking of the international front, one of the major challenges for the entire finishing supply chain is ensuring that sound technical information is brought to bear on the next state of implementing the EU REACH chemicals framework. Christian Richter’s update in this issue of P&SF reviews some of our recent activity here.  Stay tuned for more updates on this issue and some new announcements in the coming months. And thanks again for your support of the industry and the NASF.