The monthly roundup from Editor Teresa McPherson.

Spring is my favorite time of year. Flowers are starting to pop up my gardens, the trees are budding, and warm weather is on its way. This new season is also a good time to consider new beginnings in our industry.

We’ve been faced with many difficult challenges over the last few months - to our industry as well as our world. AtASI, we are doing our best to keep you informed and help your company to succeed. We tailor our editorial to meet your everyday needs, striving to help you do business smarter, keep on top of trends, stay informed about technological advancements, and give you the news you need - when you need it.

This issue is no exception. We kick off our editorial coverage with two features on the importance of chemical distribution. “Distributors: An International Perspective” examines the role of international distributors and their importance in the global market. In “Distributors Play a Critical Role in the Supply Chain,” we examine the critical function that distributors have in the global supply chain. Similar to many companies, distributors face a number of challenges; they also provide myriad benefits to both customers and suppliers.

Toll manufacturing - the process of transferring the manufacture of a product to a third-party company - can be beneficial in many situations. If natural disaster has crippled your manufacturing, or you need increased capacity or want to reduce capital risk, consider toll manufacturing. Find out the answers to eight of the most commonly asked tolling questions in “Should You Toll?”

An article by Michael Growney of Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney Inc. examines the state of the adhesives and sealants industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Find out more, including the effects of the worldwide financial crisis on our industry, in “Adhesives & Sealants in the Asia-Pacific Region.”

Finally, the article “Seven Warning Signs Your Company Won’t Survive” is a timely look at several common signs of trouble.

We designed this issue to help you stay abreast of the latest technologies and industry trends. If there’s a specific topic you’d like to see more coverage of, or if you’re interested in writing a feature article, please contact me by e-mail atmcphersont@bnpmedia.com.



Links