Platers, Unite!
Each year brings many worthwhile educational events covering various aspects of the finishing industry. One of the most unique conferences is coming up in a few weeks, and it’s one that, despite shrinking travel budgets, platers won’t want to miss.
The event is the annual NASF Washington Forum, scheduled this year for April 28–30. This year's Forum will kick off with a keynote address covering where the agenda of the White House and Congress will take the nation—and the finishing industry—in these difficult times.The presenter is Michael Barone, Senior Writer for U.S. News & World Report.
Other presenters will provide informed views on where the U.S. economy may be headed, the automotive industry “bailout” and who will benefit from it, union-backed “card check” legislation currently in Congress, and the outlook for energy and climate change policy. The Pentagon’s “Corrosion Czar,” Dan Dunmire, will talk about DoD’s $20 billion a year corrosion problem and how surface coatings are critical to the future of our national security, while representatives from U.S. EPA will discuss the agency’s latest plans for reviewing hazardous air rules for plating and finishing.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to visit Capitol Hill to voice their concerns directly to legislators and their aides and to discuss pending legislation that will impact the industry.
If you’re a plater, the Washington Forum is one industry event I hope you’ll consider attending. For more information or to register, go to NASF’s web site or contact The Policy Group’s Christian Richter or Jeff Hannapel.
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