Lawrence D. (Larry) Sloan, newly appointed president of The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), looks back at his career with The Adhesive and Sealant Council, Inc. (ASC).

Sloan

Over the nine years that I have worked at The Adhesive and Sealant Council, Inc. (ASC), the industry we represent has undergone significant changes. Increasing global competition, mergers and acquisitions, the rise of “green” products and customer demands for sustainability, fluctuations in the availability of key feedstocks, geopolitical challenges, and natural disasters … the list goes on. The ASC, too, has changed, and exists today as a more vibrant and financially secure organization than ever before.

As I transition to my new position at the helm of The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), I look back on numerous positive achievements. First and foremost, we have assumed a key role in “growing the industry.” The creation ofAdhesives.org(and its integrated TechSelect Tool), a new Adhesive CAD symbol, end-user webinars, and market research into the perceptions and needs of engineers and designers about adhesives illustrate the significant progress we’ve made. The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated; it’s embodied in our vision statement:Serving as a catalyst for industry growth.Continuing to educate the design-engineering community strengthens our industry’s value proposition, thus benefitting adhesive and sealant manufacturers and their supply chain partners. Look for the ASC to build stronger relationships with end-user stakeholders in the years ahead.

Community is critical to the viability of any organization. The creation of member peer groups (such as HR and chief technology officers) and numerous committees has enabled individuals of similar backgrounds to come together, exchange ideas, and network. ASC conventions and expos unite the industry and provide a forum for fostering new relationships. Who could forget the 2008 World Adhesive Conference that attracted close to 1,000 delegates?

ASC’s educational offerings are well known throughout the industry. Our technical short courses and expanding Web-based seminar programs underscore the importance of professional development as a core service. For example, next month the ASC unveils its new “Adhesives 101” webinar series aimed at non-technical professionals and end users, which complements a full schedule of technical formulator and business training courses.

With the change in Presidential administrations, our government affairs efforts have increased. Through coalitions with other trade groups here in Washington, the ASC stands ready to defend the industry’s interests, whether the issue is TSCA reform, emissions trading, or plant security.

The close personal relationships I've developed with an incredible staff and a dynamic membership have made each ASC success even more rewarding. I leave knowing the ASC has done good work, and is positioned to accomplish even greater good under my successor’s lead. May the ASC continue to demonstrate a strong ROI to its membership in the years ahead.