Membership Memo— Powder Coating is Not Just an Applications—It’s a Community!

While I have worked in the paint and coatings industry for much of my career, I decided to make powder coating my primary emphasis just over a decade ago. I joined PCI to better understand the market and its applications. Since that time, I attended many of the Technical Conferences and Annual Meetings and am now a Powder Coating 101 and 202 instructor. Recently, it has been my honor to have been elected by the membership to represent them as a member of the PCI Board of Directors. If I have one piece of advice for industry newcomers, it is to become involved in PCI. If you do, you will find what I have found to be true: powder coating is not just an industry, it is a community. We have a passion for what we do and are generous with our expertise and experience.

I recently returned from the Powder Coating Institute’s Annual Meeting. If you have never attended, I suggest that you do so in 2019. It is not only a great opportunity to meet and learn from industry leaders, it is also a chance to get to know those leaders on a personal level. The event is two and half days filled with educational opportunities, presentations on market trends, networking activities, and inspirational lectures.

Over the years, I have come to know many industry leaders. Without exception I have found that they are all willing to help those in need and strive to promote the industry. Many of the people involved with PCI have been working with powder coatings for decades. They have so much experience and knowledge to share – especially to those just getting started or having difficulty finding their way. PCI membership offers both the ability to meet industry leaders and the opportunity to pass vital information on to those wanting to learn. Whether you are just entering the industry or are a seasoned veteran, join PCI, attend the events and get involved at the committee level. Reach out to me if you would like to get more involved with PCI whether you are a newbie or if you have knowledge to share.

Chris Beninati is outside sales manager at Elcometer, Inc. He can be reached at chris@elcometerusa.com