Membership Memo: In the Swim of Things

By: Joshua Gilmore

As a novice aquaculturist as well as a rookie member of the Powder Coating Institute (PCI), I’m able to relate my recent membership in PCI to that of a new fish being integrated into an already established fish tank. This can be very stressful for the new fish. Not only is the new tank completely unfamiliar, but subtle changes in temperature, pH, and other factors can make a huge difference in the new fish’s life. Luckily for me, the PCI fish tank is made up of a variety of members who have been in the organization for various lengths of time, and they knew what to do to welcome me. (I am fairly new to powder coating itself and did not know many people in the industry.)

Often, the new fish will separate itself from the rest of the fish and go hide in the corner behind the plants out of fear of the unknown. In doing so, though, it fails to meet the others that it is living with and does not get to explore the entire tank of possibilities. Rather than hide when I joined PCI, I chose to submerge myself fully in the organization by meeting other members, joining committees within the group, and making the most of my membership.

Despite my stress and anticipation as the new fish, I was not alone in this huge tank, and the other members were very welcoming and ready to share a huge knowledge base. The PCI prides itself on being an organization to educate the benefits of powder coating to all of its members and non-members. The time-honored members are all very receptive and open to suggestions and input from all individuals, regardless of how long they were in the industry.

By being active in the organization, I managed to acclimate to my surroundings quickly. PCI members are able to have their voices heard and are able to shape the industry they claim. So, come be in the swim of things. Powder coating is who we are, it’s what we do, and it’s our community, so let’s make the most of it!

Joshua Gilmore participates in the Education and Development committee, Tradeshow subcommittee, and Membership committee, and works in system design and sales at Intellifinishing. He can be reached at jgilmore@intellifinishing.com.