Products Finishing

DEC 2013

Products Finishing magazine is the No. 1 industrial finishing publication in the world. We keep our readers informed about the latest news and trends in plating, painting, powder coating, anodizing, electrocoating, parts cleaning, and pretreatment.

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BECOME A MEMBER AT NASF.ORG NASF Suppliers Discuss Chemical Laws as U.S. Debate Heats Up NASF's Supplier Committee met in Chicago recently to discuss priority issues for the industry and the business and compliance outlook for chemical and equipment companies. The agenda included the efort on Capitol Hill to rewrite the current U.S. chemicals law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Health, consumer and environmental groups are now calling for tougher U.S. chemicals laws and criticizing the current bipartisan TSCA reform bill in the Senate as inadequate. In May, the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) renewed the push to update the TSCA law. Since then, the Senate bill has picked up bipartisan support and has received high marks from both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the chemical industry. NASF continues to participate in broader industry discussions on the measure. While many agree that the law needs to be updated, they disagree on just how to make that happen. Activist groups are now ramping up a broader campaign to bring attention to the issue. Actor Sean Penn is promoting the cause with a new documentary, "The Human Experiment," which focuses on chemicals in everyday household products and their efects on humans. Actress Jennifer Beals is also supporting the efort to infuence the debate, and recently took part in a "stroller brigade" in Washington, D.C., to spotlight the issue. The event featured a "show and tell" of harmful products, and included mothers, cancer survivors, public health workers and others. One of the biggest issues under discussion is whether the new federal legislation would prevent states from enacting more stringent laws than the federal government. Activist groups campaigning on the issue want states to be allowed to pass their own tougher chemicals laws. Upcoming NASF Events West Coast Bright Design Challenge Teaming with the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., NASF's West Coast chapters will invite design students to think beyond traditional design theory and bring out their very best creative spirit. The annual West Coast competition of NASF's Bright Design Challenge aims to develop "nextgeneration" creative and engineering solutions that incorporate various types of coatings. For more information, visit nasfbrightdesign.org. 2014 Management Conference Feb. 23 - 27, 2014 In February, the NASF will conduct its annual Management Conference at the Sheraton Maui on Kaanapali Beach and ofer valuable insight on both operational and regulatory issues afecting the future of surface fnishing. To register, visit the events page at nasf.org. 2014 Washington Forum April 8 - 10, 2014 NASF Education Foundation Training Opportunities As the year is winding down, the Foundation is gearing up for 2014, so keep your eye out for the Training Calendar. Next year will bring a strong ofering of our popular classroom and web-based courses. But that doesn't mean there aren't educational opportunities to take advantage of now. The Foundation now ofers all courses through an easily accessible home-study program. This is a great way for users at any level to pursue continuing education if they are unable to attend formally scheduled training or want more time to study the material. Registrants for home-study will receive course materials, which include the lessons as well as homework, and coordinate study with the Foundation's Technical Education Director at a convenient pace. View the full list of home-study courses on page 26 of the current Course Catalog at nasf.org/pdfs/forms/nasf-aesf2013.pdf. Additionally, custom course training options are available. Any company with 10 or more The NASF Washington Forum is an opportunity for the surface fnishing community to hold key policy discussions with national and international experts, as well as meet with Congress, senior agency ofcials and manufacturing allies. Updates and registration information will be at nasf.org. NASF SUR/FIN 2014 June 9 - 11, 2014 NASF will hold the 2014 Sur/Fin Manufacturing and Technology Tradeshow & Conference at the new Cleveland Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio. NASF's Sur/Fin is the industry's leading professional conference exclusive to the surface fnishing industry. The 2014 event will mark Sur/Fin's 96th year. For more information, visit nasfsurfn.com or call 302-436-5616. PRODUCTS FINISHING — pfonline.com 13

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