Words to the Wise If you’re a graduate engineer entering the composites industry this year, take Contributing Editor and Brigham Young Professor Brent Strong’s advice with you.

The U.S. and Around the World

Composites Industry Wish List
Those in business only to make a profit may end up wishing for financial security. A more balanced approach to success may be the secret everyone wishes for in ’06.
By Bob Lacovara

The Globalization of Glass Fiber Reinforcements
Thirty years ago an American composites manufacturer had a fairly straightforward choice when picking a supplier of glass fiber reinforcements. No more.
By Hank Yeagley

U.S. Composites Outlook for 2006 and Beyond -
Although industry watchers will track modest market growth in ’06, raw material cost pressures and a challenging pricing environment will put pressure on profits and make productivity improvements in all operations key to the composites industry’s collective prosperity.
By Chuck Dana

The Advanced Composites Market in 2006
Despite significant challenges, the demand for high performance materials is growing by unprecedented volumes with the Aerospace industry leading the charge once again.
By Chris Red

FRP and Advanced Composites Synergy is Message for Europe in ‘06
European innovators have learned how to mix ideas from FRP and Advanced Composites even in the same general market segment.
By Brent Strong and John E. Green

Composites in India in ‘06
Market diversity, export growth, and consumer awareness are key to composites growth in India this year.
By Resmi Jaimon

Composites ’06 and the Pacific Rim
Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have always been hotbeds for advanced composites. But the region shouldn’t be overlooked for its innovations in fiberglass.
By Scott Beckwith

Specific Markets, Trends, and Innovations

Composites and the 2006 Marine Industry
Cost control and product quality will keep boatbuilders afloat in ’06.
By Scott Lewit

With New Marriage to Traditional Materials, Composites Looks to Honeymoon in Infrastructure in ‘06
In 2006, the industry may see a new type of partnership between FRP manufacturers, contractors, and civil engineers to design homes.
By Ela Kos.

Composites Innovations for Diverse ’06 Markets
Innovation is a sign of growth. Innovation also is a mantra for the entrepreneur. The need for these two forces has never been more essential for business growth.
By John Busel

Military Weighs Cost of Composites for ‘06
A look at composites and the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC).
By Rebecca D’Amico

Bath Market for ‘06
Recent natural disasters are expected to have a significant impact on this year’s bath market.
By Ed Pell

The Future of FRP in California’s Transportation Infrastructure
California highway structures are aging and, in some cases, are already deteriorated below acceptable service standards. Future success of FRP composites in the state’s transportation infrastructure depend on three key factors.
By Daniel Leacox

Human Resources, Regulations, Marketing, and Communication

Workforce Trends for 2006
In manufacturing, the need for a more educated and skilled workforce is growing and challenging the culture of once abundant low skilled labor pools.
By Lori Luchak

Training is Key to Closed Molding Success in ‘06
With the significant shift in technology, more and more formal closed molding training opportunities are becoming available.
By Hank Yeagley

Top Small Business Concerns for ‘06
Expired and expiring tax breaks, newly reformed bankruptcy laws, and new energy and transportation laws are all part of this year’s mix of issues that can effect small business this year.
By Mark E. Battersby

A Four-Part Process for Developing a Potent Marketing Strategy This Year
Is what Peter Drucker said true? That any business enterprise has only two basic functions, to market and to innovate? And that all else is detail?
By Alex Gutierrez

Communication Trends for Small Business in ‘06
As small businesses grow they develop new communication challenges.
By Jeanette S. Martin

Columns:

ACMA Up-Front - ACMA’s Executive Director and CM Publisher Missy Henriksen offers association outsiders an extraordinary offer for 2006.

President’s Message - Current ACMA and Kreysler and Associates President Bill Kreysler updates three ACMA goals for ’06: Advocacy, Education, and Growth.

Pulling Strings - CM’s Rebecca D’Amico interviews Vitatoe Industries’ President Larry Vitatoe.