In the midst of all the cutbacks, downsizing and rising unemployment, there are murmurs of good news. For example, early last week Forbes/The Associated Press reported that DuPont's stock rally caused analysts to upgrade it. We also learned that, in February, new durable goods orders rose for the first time in seven months and both new and existing home sales increased. Add to the mix the Treasury’s latest plan to remove toxic assets from banks, and the market seems to be responding positively for the first time in months.

Could the economy finally be bottoming out?

No one really knows; but what we do know is that the Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) stands ready to assist its members in helping to navigate these troubled times in more ways than ever. How?

Attend an ASC Convention. Yes, even though we are located “inside the beltway” (a colloquialism for D.C. political wonks living in their own world), we are well aware of the challenges the industry is facing-travel restrictions, reduced discretionary spending and across-the-board budget cuts. But, if there is any way you can justify making at least one conference, we’re confident you’ll benefit from the high quality sessions and networking. ASC conventions provide a convenient way to meet with multiple suppliers and strengthen and build new contacts all under one roof!

Coming up at the ASC Spring Convention in Austin (April 5-7):

·         Peer-to-peer roundtable discussions on critical company issues keeping many executives up at night-tight credit and inventory control. Join in and exchange ideas with your colleagues. First offered at last fall’s convention, this session is back by popular demand and will surely provide innovative solutions and common sense advice.

·         Dr. Martin A. Regalia, noted Chief Economist with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will discuss the economy and latest ramifications of the U.S. Stimulus Act on the industries we serve.

·         Mr. Dave Nick, President of DPNA International, will share his insights on where the North American and global industries are headed. He’ll be providing commentary from the just-released 2009 Asia Supplement, now available to the general public.

For complete details, access our online Final Program.

And speaking of market reports, ASC offers a full suite of industry reports. Whether you purchase FEICA’s European Market Report or ASC’s North American Market Report and Asia Supplement, you’ll find harmonized data organized similarly across adhesive and sealant technologies and end-use markets. All reports are economically priced and available electronically for quick and easy access as either single-copy purchase or corporate global access license.

Log on. ASC posts a variety of resources to help its members and the broader industry better understand the changing global economy. Some of these resources are free via our Web site, www.ascouncil.org, and others, like our industry market reports, are available to ASI subscribers at a nominal fee. Still others, such as our new weekly economic updates, are available to members only.

Link in. ASC members are invited to participate in a variety of special-interest peer groups. Chief technology officers, HR, Safety, Small Business and others meet regularly throughout the year. Held either via teleconference or co-located at our conventions, these meetings are led by a subject matter expert and offer facilitated Q&A.

The Council is bullish on the industry’s future and a strong believer in the mantra that not only does adversity make us stronger, but it also helps breed success. During these tough times, challenge us to help you find smarter and more innovative ways to help the industry solve its problems. We’re up to the task and here to help!