President’s Charge - Perception Versus Reality

I have been actively involved in PCI for many years and as I sit here thinking about my involvement with the association and writing a president’s charge, I find myself wondering about the impact that this association has had on our industry, my organization and as an individual, the impact on me. When I first got involved, my perception of the association was shaped by the leadership of the association and key board members active at the time. Early on, the association faced many issues related to our industry and the promotion of powder coatings. Our coating technology faced many hurdles: educating users about correct powder coating process, educating consumers about the benefits of powder technology (the Five E’s), enticing younger and new members to become active, shaping the development and growth potential of the industry, and presenting new technological development poised to penetrate new and existing markets. There was passion among many of us new and younger members that inspired me to get involved or support the efforts of the association, carving out time from day-to-day business and finding time or ways to contribute. Working with people like Ken Kreeger, Vishu Reddy, Nick Liberto and many others to create the first edition of Powder Coating: The Complete Finisher’s Handbook was just one of the highlights of that early involvement.

As I listen to current members, corporate members, and customers talk about the evolution of our market, you might almost determine that the reality of those days have changed. My challenge to you is to see past this perception. The reality is that the conduits of communication, the technologies, and the materials available have changed. The opportunities and the growth potential for powder coating have not; if anything, the opportunities are even greater now than ever before. Today we face many of the same issues. There is a tremendous need to continue development and to strengthen the education for users in the market place. Our revitalized Certification program is gaining traction and offers strong opportunity to both demonstrate capability and provide confidence from coaters about “powder coating done right.” Our Promotions committee is committed to producing new and exciting materials to teach consumers and users about the superior advantages of powder coating, including new developments in non-conductive and low temperature substrates for emerging markets as well as working with our premier publication, Powder Coated Tough, to sing out our association’s message with quality content. Our Education committee is fully engaged looking at longer term development programs to add technology and process development to new applicators and manufacturers. New initiatives have been introduced to promote powder coating safety to our industry standards groups such as NFPA and OSHA while also looking at new technologies in many areas: non-conductive, heat sensitive substrates, architectural coatings, and many more.

So, if your perception is that the powder coating market is mature and challenged to grow, look deeper. The reality is a market vibrant and ripe with opportunity for growth. We are confident of our infrastructure to meet the needs of our association and to keep pace with that growth. The reality is you, as members, have an incredible opportunity to get involved and help shape the quality, content, and direction of our collective efforts.

Chri Merritt
CMerritt@gema.us.com