Press Release:
News for Immediate Release

Corrosion and Infrastructure Conference Highlights Promising Future for Composite Materials

May 29, 2009 (Arlington, Va.) - The Construction, Corrosion and Infrastructure Conference, held April 29 – May 1 in Las Vegas, showed more than 160 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and engineers how the next generation of composites can favorably compete against traditional materials in these markets. Organized by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the Construction, Corrosion and Infrastructure Conference: Green Lean and Sustainable Developments provided a strategic and tactical view to help composites professionals and engineers improve performance and lower costs.

The conference included a widely praised keynote address by Ray MacNeil, Ray MacNeil Composites Consulting.  In his presentation, "The Outlook for Composites in Construction, Corrosion & Infrastructure During and After the U.S. Recession," MacNeil provided economic analysis and information specific to these market segments. Citing a variety of economic indicators like the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), a leading indicator based on a survey of 400 industrial companies, he made the business case for composites and why composites fabricators can be optimistic in 2010 and beyond.  He stated that after five quarters of negative growth, the US gross domestic product (GDP) will turn positive by the fourth quarter of 2009 but the pace of recovery next year is likely to be modest.

During the conference, former Gold Shield executive Gary Davis received the prestigious Frank A. Cassis Award, in recognition of his many years representing the composites industry on important air quality issues.  The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in the invention, promotion and growth of the composites industry. Davis joined Gold Shield, Riverside, Calif., in 1988 and was promoted to general manager in 1992, a position he held until his retirement in 2005.  Davis remains an active industry supporter and serves on ACMA’s Government Affairs Committee.

The conference included education sessions from ACMA and The National Association of Corrosion Engineers International (NACE), 22 exhibits focused on the latest “green” solutions, and numerous networking opportunities.  The event was sponsored by CCP (platinum level), Reichhold, Hexion and Syrgis.  ACMA traditionally holds the conference every two years and is planning to hold a similar conference in 2011.

To purchase a CD of the conference sessions ($50.00 for members and $100.00 for non-members), contact mlubiniewski@acmanet.org

ACMA will hold COMPOSITES 2010, the largest composites industry event in North America, February 9-11, 2010, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.  For more information about COMPOSITES 2010, visit www.acmashow.org.

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With more than 850 member companies, The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) is the world’s largest trade group representing the composites industry. ACMA publishes a monthly magazine, Composites Manufacturing, offers a universal, comprehensive training program for fabricators - Certified Composites Technician - and provides strong, proactive leadership in technical, government and regulatory affairs. In addition, ACMA hosts the largest tradeshow in North America with supplier and fabricator representatives from all market segments. For membership information, call 703-525-0511 or email:Info@acmanet.org. Visit ACMA's website at www.acmanet.org.