Making Progress, One Step at a Time

As we wrap up the first quarter of 2011, NASF is logging some early accomplishments this year. While there is much to do, we’re making progress and rebuilding the NASF. And we’re doing it one step at a time. Among the initiatives we’ve had underway, a few come to mind that I’d like to share with you.

NASF SUR/FIN – Nearly Sold Out!

The first is the NASF SUR/FIN conference in Chicago-Rosemont, June 13-15. The exhibit hall for our major event and meetings is now nearly sold out, even after increasing our exhibit targets from last year. I hope this is a reflection of the success we had last year as the NASF rebuilt the programming and the show into a top priority venue for the industry. If you haven’t yet had the chance, please check out our new website for the event at www.nasfsurfin.com. The Rosemont Convention Center will be an easily accessible and excellent venue for SUR/FIN. We’re also pleased to be co-locating with our colleagues at the Mid-West Fasteners Association.

NASF Management Conference – A Success in Phoenix

The second initiative I’m very pleased about is the NASF Management Conference, which was held just a few weeks ago in Phoenix. After a hiatus for this event last year due, I believe the Management Conference is back to stay. The program was strong, attendance was strong and the feedback we’ve received tells us members returned home with the conclusion that their time was well-spent.

Industry Promotion – From the Heartland to California

The third initiative relates to the progress we’re making on promoting the industry. Our work on the NASF Bright Design Challenge, in partnership with the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, is going well. We’ve now also expanded our promotional efforts, as many know, to California, with the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. I believe there are positive benefits to telling the story of our industry to new audiences, and getting more students familiar with our processes and materials. The California finishing industry’s leadership in the NASF is to be commended for making the program a success as we move into our second year of this project.

So with the first few months of the year now past, I’m pleased to report that things are looking up.

Next Up – NASF Washington Forum

Now the 2^nd quarter is upon us, and I’d invite you to attend our next significant event scheduled for April 12-14, the NASF Washington Forum. The Forum, as most who’ve attended have learned, is one of the most informative day-and-a-half programs one could find to gain insights into the “bigger picture” on major issues impacting the industry. In addition to presentations by national and world-renowned experts in their field, attendees can take the message about the importance of surface technology to Capitol Hill and meet with their lawmakers on ways to help manufacturing and finishing succeed.

At this year’s Forum, we’ll host top elections forecaster and pundit Charlie Cook, and Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA), who chairs one of the key House Appropriations subcommittees. Rep. Wolf will be discussing his legislation to help rebuild U.S. manufacturing – and that means finishing – for the future.

As we continue to move forward, one thing you can count on is NASF’s effort to deepen its commitment to excellence in several areas. Below is only selected sample of our commitments to our members this year. We’re fulfilling them, one step at a time:

Events – NASF will deliver world class events for building industry technical and compliance knowledge as well as productive business relationships, through such meetings this year as NASF SUR/FIN and the NASF Washington Forum.

Knowledge Creation – NASF will leverage the intellectual capital of the industry to contribute innovative projects for the surface finishing market and for the advancement of surface engineering and finishing (e.g., see the recent NASF Surface Technology Roadmap for Aerospace & Defense from the NASF Technology Advisory Committee).

Training – NASF will expand learning opportunities and customize technical and business training and education for an ever wider audience of users, through the initiatives of the AESF Foundation and the association.

Advocacy – NASF will effectively advocate and engage decision makers at the highest level to advance a sustainable future for the industry on critical policies and priority regulatory matters pending in North America, the European Union and globally.

Compliance Advice and Information – NASF will offer high-value compliance advice and assistance for its members on existing and pending regulatory issues, and provide timely information on issues relevant to surface treatment and technology.

Promotion and Collaboration – NASF will promote the finishing industry’s role and contribution in the global manufacturing value chain in new ways, working through the NASF Strategic Partnership Program and alliances worldwide, including the Pentagon’s ASETSDefense program, The Nickel Institute, USCAR, the College for Creative Studies, Art Center College of Design in Pasadena CA, and other major manufacturing and finishing trade organizations worldwide.

Thank you for your support of the NASF.

Tony Revier

President, NASF