Membership Memo - Providing Value from Generation to Generation
Posted on Monday, June 8, 2020
One of the first times I attended a PCI event was to teach the Testing & Measurement Equipment module at a PCI Powder Coating 202 Workshop. What immediately struck me was that my fellow presenters were not just experienced, they had literally written many of the books and standards used to teach new powder coaters! It was at that point that I realized PCI isn’t simply a marketing organization, but instead has an incredible dynamic where some of the most knowledgeable and influential people in the industry work collaboratively to share their experience with newer members.
As a U.S. manufacturer of coating thickness gages and inspection instruments, DeFelsko has been a longtime supporter of PCI. We have been perennial exhibitors at their events and workshops and are inaugural and continuous advertisers in Powder Coated Tough magazine. More recently, we’ve had the pleasure of presenting at workshops and training events using materials authored by our former president and my late father, David. It is in all of these moments that PCI’s true benefits are revealed.
The powder coating orbit is filled with many wonderful and talented people. Networking with some of the most experienced minds in the industry has helped expand my knowledge outside of instrumentation and helped me understand the powder coating process in many important ways. I am grateful to be part of such an influential organization, filled with intelligent and skillful people, people who are willing to share their vast wealth of experience and knowledge with the younger generation. I, like my father and grandfather, owe a lot to those who came before us—who’ve helped us along the way.
Along with presentation and training opportunities, I am proud to have been a part of the recent updates to the PCI workshop curriculum as a subject matter expert. It provided an opportunity to give back to the organization that helped educate me about powder coating and ensure we are providing new students with the best materials possible.
PCI brings together all facets of the powder coating industry—from powder producers, equipment manufacturers, raw material suppliers, and of course the all-important job shops. If you are already a member, great. Take some time to learn about and take advantage of all the resources at your fingertips. Whether it be training, joining a peer group, or attending the Annual Meetings for networking and camaraderie, there is something for everyone. If you are not yet a member, I would encourage you to consider becoming one. By working together, we can make PCI even better.
Michael Beamish is the vice president and general manager of DeFelsko Corporation.