Membership Memo—A Small Investment Yields Big Returns
Posted on Thursday, September 24, 2020
JIT Powder Coating has been a member of PCI for many years. As a custom coater, we are always focused on watching our costs, never try to spend money on anything that is not absolutely necessary to get the job done. Yet even with this cost-conscious mind set, I find the annual PCI dues to be one of the easiest checks to write each and every year.
Why?
Because PCI provides something JIT absolutely needs— knowledge. For many industries, local schools and vo-tech offer the training and education to learn skills needed for success. But not for powder coating. So, what does JIT do to get it? We don’t have the time to do the research and investigation necessary to keep JIT current on technology trends in the industry. We have limited staff to train new employees as our business grows. PCI fills that knowledge need perfectly for us—through many programs and educational opportunities.
The hands-on entry-level Powder Coating 101 and the advanced Powder Coating 202 workshops give us that vo- tech-type training our employees need to be successful.
Knowledge does not come just from programming. Networking with others at the many PCI-sponsored events is a big opportunity to learn. The annual Custom Coater Forum and the ability to join a Peer Group are two great opportunities PCI gives JIT to network with others, especially other custom coaters with similar concerns as we have.
How better to learn than from people faced with the same challenges as we face?
What has impressed me in recent years is that PCI has adapted its offerings to bring the content right to our shop rather than asking us to travel. From live webinars, to on- demand technical videos and the ultimate on-site help, the PCI certification program, PCI is able to bring the knowledge right to your shop.
But even with all that PCI offers it means nothing unless you and your company take advantage of it! The old adage, “You can lead a horse to water but can’t make it drink,” perfectly applies. It’s up to each one of us to take advantage of what PCI offers us to make our businesses better.
If you’re already a PCI member, get involved and take advantage of PCI’s many benefits. If you are not, join now. It will be the best money you spend this year.
Tim Milner is president of JIT Powder Coating Company.