As chair of the Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) for 2015-2016, I wanted to pose a few questions to you, the readers of ASI.

Did you know that the ASC is hosting a five-stop university tour? The ASC will tour five schools this year to present the industry as an opportunity for an exciting and innovation-focused career path. Stops will include Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, Lehigh University, and the University of Akron.

Did you know that the ASC has launched an 18-month technical education program aimed at the auto, truck, light truck and bus segments? The ASC will work with a 15-member task force to develop papers, webinars, presentations and tradeshow presence in order to make sure design engineers think adhesives first as they work to join dissimilar materials and develop the vehicles of the future.

Did you know that the ASC now offers a training academy that can deliver core fundamental training to your new employees? Developed by the Technical Committee over the last 18 months, the Training Academy Certificate Program offers six core classes and six electives. It’s a cost-effective training program specially designed for your new employees that will ensure your team is ready to talk innovation with your customers.

Did you know that the ASC is developing the first-ever ASC Innovation in Application award? Slated to launch in 2017, this award will recognize achievements in design and development of game-changing innovations in our industry. The Membership Committee is currently working on the award program design.

Did you know that the ASC offers seven different market reports? Regions and technologies covered include North America, South and Central America, Asia, Hot Melt in North America, Polyurethanes in North America, Caulks and Sealants in North America, and PSA in North America. The Global Services Committee works with a range of firms to develop these reports, which also include customer interviews and descriptions of their challenges and innovation requirements.

Did you know the ASC will hold a Structural Adhesives Short Course this June? The course will take place June 14-15 in Baltimore. This is the second consecutive year that the Technical Committee has launched a new short course. This year’s speakers will focus on technology innovations across our industry.

Did you know the ASC will host its second Capitol Hill Fly In June 7-8? Last year, 13 ASC members lobbied Congress on TSCA Reform to ensure the innovation we create is protected and regulated using sound science. This year, the event will occur in conjunction with the National Association of Manufacturer’s Annual Manufacturing Summit, and we will focus on pro-manufacturing policies.

Innovation for the Future

Why the questions? Because if you answered “No,” I ask that you seek to find out more, especially if you are a member. Everything you need to know can be found at www.ascouncil.org.

If you aren’t a member, we need your support. Now is not the time to stand by as adhesive and sealant industry leaders focus on education, community knowledge integration, innovation, regulatory affairs, and market development.

Did you notice that everything new outlined above is tied to innovation? Why? Simple: it’s because the ASC’s vision is that “innovators secure the future with adhesives and sealants.”

Everything the ASC does focuses on delivering this vision, such as new education programs, new market reports, new growth programs and new advocacy activities. Our programs and materials are all designed to educate innovators (our customers), who will partner with us to develop, manufacture and sell products that make people’s lives better—securing their future and ours.

Last question: Will we see you at the ASC Spring Convention on April 18-20 in New Orleans? Come to New Orleans, connect with some 600 attendees, and learn more about the challenges facing our industry and how the ASC is responding to support your company.